Francis Scott Key

Date of Birth: August 1, 1779

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: January 11, 1843

Biography

Francis Scott Key was an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet, best known for writing the lyrics to the United States’ national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Born on August 1, 1779, in Frederick County, Maryland, Key was the son of an affluent plantation owner. He pursued a career in law, graduating from St. John’s College in Annapolis and eventually establishing a successful legal practice in Georgetown, now part of Washington, D.C. Key’s most famous contribution to American history came during the War of 1812. While aboard a British ship to negotiate the release of an American prisoner, Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. Inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying after the attack, he penned the poem “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which was later set to the tune of a popular British song and renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In addition to his literary achievements, Key held several important positions, including serving as the District Attorney for Washington, D.C. He was also a devoted family man and a deeply religious individual, known for his philanthropic activities and commitment to various social causes. Francis Scott Key died on January 11, 1843, in Baltimore, Maryland, but his legacy endures through his contributions to American culture and history.

5 Interesting Facts about Francis Scott Key

1. Francis Scott Key was an amateur poet and wrote numerous hymns and religious poems.

2. Key was a member of the American Colonization Society, which advocated for the resettlement of freed African Americans to Africa.

3. He witnessed the British attack on Fort McHenry from the deck of a British ship where he was negotiating a prisoner exchange.

4. “The Star-Spangled Banner” was not officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States until 1931.

5. Key was a close friend and confidant of President Andrew Jackson.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Francis Scott Key

1. “And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave, O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”

2. “The patriot who feels himself in the service of God, who acknowledges Him in all his ways, has the promise of Almighty direction.”

3. “Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust.’”

4. “Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.”

5. “Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Francis Scott Key’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but he was known to be financially comfortable due to his successful legal career and family wealth.

Children

Francis Scott Key had eleven children with his wife, Mary Tayloe Lloyd. Some of their notable children include: 1. Philip Barton Key, who was a U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and was famously murdered in 1859 by Daniel Sickles. 2. Alice Key Pendleton, who was married to Senator George Hunt Pendleton of Ohio. 3. Elizabeth Phoebe Key Howard, who was a noted philanthropist and supporter of the Confederacy during the Civil War.