Lot 185
Smith, Samuel Francis (1808 – 1895) Baptist minister; composer of "America". Autograph Quotation Signed ("S.F. Smith"), being the first three lines of "America," written on a 2x3¾" piece of paper in medium ink and dated April 11, 1895, the year of Smith's death. Very good; small paper loss under, and not affecting, Smith's signature; toned area with tear under date, slightly affecting the lower edge of two numbers. In full: "My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing." S.F. Smith / Written in 1832, April 11, 1895." Smith attended Harvard from 1825 to 1829, and was a classmate of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. To help pay for his tuition, he did translations from several foreign languages into English and wrote magazine and newspaper articles. In 1832, a friend asked him to translate a German poem that was set to music. Smith liked the music so much that he wrote English lyrics for it, and "America" was born.
Estimated Value $600 - 800.
|
| |
| Realized $518 |
