Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 99, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 August 1898 — A NATION'S TRIBUTE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A NATION'S TRIBUTE.

Monument to Francis Scott Key, An* thor of the Star-Spangled Banner. Honor was last week paid to the memory of one of the nation’s illustrious dead, who sleeps in Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Md. After fout years of unselfish labor the members of the Key Monument Association rejoiced in the successful termination of their work, when the monument to Francis Scott Key, the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” was unveiled with fitting ceremonies. Many prominent persons were present at the unveiling and a most interesting pro-

gram was carried out. Among those who delivered addresses were Henry WattCrson and Mrs. Donald McLean. The monument was unveiled by Miss Julia MerT Howard, great-granddaughter of the aut*p r ot our na tional "anthem. . j‘ an ‘-’ rs Key was born in Frederick, Aug. 1, l<o» jj e WftS a i aw yer by profession and follow.t calling in Frederick and Washington. composed “The Star-Spangled Banner n prisoner on the British fleet during tht bombardment of Fort McHenry. He died in Baltimore Jan. 11, 1843. Before •his death he expressed the wish to be buried near the place of his birth—" Let me rest ’neath the shadow of the everlasting hills.” His grave remained unmarked save hy an American flag and plainly carved head and foot stones. The project of marking the grave by an appropriate monument originated with the people of the city. The idea became universally popular and contributions came in from nil parts of the country.

FRANCIS SCOTT KEY.