Boston-born Baptist minister and academic (1808–1895) best known as the lyricist of “America” (“My Country ’Tis of Thee”), written while he was a student at Andover Theological Seminary. Smith’s stirring patriotic song, set to the same melody as the British national anthem (“God Save the Queen”), served as a de facto national anthem for much of the 19th century. AQS on two adjoining lightly lined off-white 5 x 7.75 sheets, signed at the conclusion “S. F. Smith, Written in 1832, Newton Centre, Mass., Aug. 11, 1887.” Smith pens all four stanzas of “America.” In part: “My country, ’tis of thee,/Sweet land of liberty,/Of thee I sing;/Land where my fathers died,/Land of the pilgrims’ pride,/From every mountainside,/Let freedom ring…. Our father’s God to Thee,/Author of liberty,/To Thee we sing./Long may our land be bright,/with freedom’s holy light,/Protect us by Thy might,/Great God our King.” Matted and framed with a photo and printed transcript to an overall size of 21.75 x 17.75. In very good condition, with somewhat irregular toning from previous framing (more prominent at edges; a few small, faint stains), two horizontal folds and one vertical fold, and mild handling wear. The writing is clear and distinct throughout. Examples of this classic of collectible Americana including all four stanzas have become quite elusive. JSA/John Reznikoff Auction LOA and RRAuction COA.
