Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 June 1892 — THE POET OF HOME. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE POET OF HOME.

John Howard Payne* Author of tho BeautlfUl Melody “Home, Sweet Home.** Few sweeter poems have ever been than that simple but beautiful melody, “Home, Sweet Home.” It has been translated into many languages and sung the world over, and its tender, touching words have moved to tears the rich and poor alike. The author, John Howard Payne, was born in New York in 1792, and came of a family that occupies a place of honor in American history. At the age of 12 he became a clerk in '-ttis uncle’s store in New York, and \VWile thus engaged published articles ■fn' a paper which attracted

the attention of literary men. Through the aid of a philanthropic New-Yorker he was enabled to enter college, but did not remain long, leaving school life to go upon the stage. He made his debut* at the Park Theater, New York, in 1809, and with his

first appearance became famous. He played In Boston and in Southern cities, and, though less than 18 years of age, was acknowledged to be the’first of Ameriran actors. In 1813 he went to England and was received with favor by Immense audiences. Thence he went to Paris, and while there was offered £IOO by the managers of Drury Lane Theater, of London, for an English version of the “Maid and Magpie,” then the popular play of France. He accepted the offer and made an engagement to reside in Paris and translate French plays. In this business he continued for a number of years. Then he went t 6 London and commenced writing plays. Among others which he produced was “Clari, the Maid of Milan,” which was put upon the stage for the first time at Covent Garden, London, in 1823. In this opera was the song, “Home, Sweet Home.” It at once became popular, and in less than a year 100,000 copies of it were sold. Payne continued to reside in London until 1835, when, at the solicitation of friends, he returned to America. In 1842 he was sent as United States Consul to Tunis, and reappointed in 1851. In June of the following year he died, and was buried in Tunis. In March, 1883, his remains were disinterred and brought to this country, and they now repose in Oak Hill Cemetery at Washington.

JOHN HOWARD PAYNE.