Historic Americana
Cabinet Card Photograph of Samuel Francis Smith Author of “America” also known as "My Country, 'Tis of Thee"
SAMUEL FRANCIS SMITH (1808-1895). Poet and Author best known for writing the lyrics to the historic patriotic song, “America” also known as "My Country, 'Tis of Thee".
Very rare c. 1870s original Cabinet Photograph of Samuel Francis Smith, by Notman Photo Co., Boston, Mass., Choice Very Fine. It measures 4.25” x 6.5” with surface thinning loss of text to lower margin including the credit, with some rubbing to corners. The very clean albumen photo, as shown, depicts a handsome, crisp image for display.
Samuel Francis Smith (1808-1895). Clergyman, Writer and Poet, best known for writing the lyrics to the patriotic song “America.” Samuel Francis Smith wrote the lyrics to "My Country 'Tis of Thee" or “America” in 1831. Written in 30 minutes, the song was first sung in Boston on July 4, 1832. After graduating from Harvard in 1829, Smith began a career in which he was at various times a Baptist minister, a professor of modern foreign languages, and a writer for magazines and the Encyclopedia Americana.