The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1870-11-17
[From the chronological Journal.l
DEXTER SMITH,


Dexter Smith, whose songs have Civ
en- him a widespread reputation, was
born in Salem, Massachusetts, Novem-
Der IA, 1899 His father was at that
time an innkeeper and a farmer. When
a child, Dexter manifested much liter
airy taste, aud instead of passing his
leisure hours in playing with other
children, lie would be often found in
some quiet corner reading such books
as the srhool library afforded.
As he grew older he evinced strong
di>incinalion to following either of the
pursuits of his father, and he determn-
ed to lead a mercantile life until he
should find such a position in the field
Of literature as he felt would be CON
genial to his tastes. He received a
good common school education, includ-
ing a years attendance at the Salem
High School, and was an apt scholar,
exceling especially in grammar and
kindred studies. His literary efforts
were his school compositions, which,
written in verse, excited the admiration
of mis- schoolmates.
When about fifteen years of age his
poems and sketches began to find their
way iuto the newspapers, aud were
widely copied After graduating at a
commercial college in Boston, he en-
termed upon a clerkship in the store OF
his father, who had removed to that
city. The young man held this posi-
,ion for several years, but finding his
health much impaired by lack Of out
door exercise, he obtained sitn ton in
the Boston POst-office where he was tor
time engaged as letter carrier. AS he
had expected, his physical heath rap
idly improved, and it was during this
period of lis life that some of his best
songs were written. He was upon one
occasion about 10 leave letter at No.
-- Ashburton Place, when, seeing the
emblem of mourning upon the knob
the thought came to him not to disturb
unnecessarily the sOrrOwing occupants
of the house with the usual 'pOstman's
ring but to summon them as quietly
an possible. No sooner had the thought
entered his mind than he conceived the
idea of writing poem upon the sub,
iect, and the following lines were the
result:
RtNa THE BBII SOFTLY
"some one has gone from this stIange world o.
ours, -
No more to gatheri its thorns with Its flowers;
| No more to finger where sunbeams must fade,
| Where, on all beauty, deaths fingers are lalui
Weary with mingling life's bitter and sweet
| Weary with parting and neverto meet
Some one has gone TO the bright, golden shore
Ring the bell softly, there's Grape on the door
Ring the bell softly, there's Grape ON the door!
"Some one is resting from sorrow and sin,
Happy where earth's conflicts enter not in;
Joyous ns birds, when the morning is bright,
When the sweet sunbeams have brought us
their light.
Weary with labor, and welcoming sleep,
Some ones departed to heavens bright shore.
Ring the bell softly, there's Grape on the door
Ring the bell softly, there's Grape on the door
"Angels were anxiously longing to meet
One who walks with them in heavens bright
street;
Loved ones have whispered that some one is
blest--
Free from earth's trials, and taking sweet rest.
Yes there Is one more in angelic bliss
One less to cherish, and one less to kiss;
One more departed to heavens bright shore.
Ring the bell softly, there's Grape ON the door
Ring the bell softly, there's Grape on the doorP
This poem has been published in
nearly every newspaper and magazine
in America and England, and set music,
and hundreds of thousands Of copies
have been sold. 1t has been translated
into foreign languages, and has become
familiar in many homes throughout the
civilized world. An eminent critic has
said "Had Dexter Smith never writ
tel any other poem, Ring the Bell
Softly would have established his repu-
tation as a true poet, and secured to him
a high niche in the temple OF Fame "A
touch of nature makes the whole world
kin" This poem was quoted in Con-
gress ION the occasion of the memorial
services on the life and character Of
Hon. Thaddeus Stevens) by Hon. Mr..
Ashley, December II, 1858, making