The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-09-06
CHARLES L. SHIPLEY. ]

CHARLES l.. SHIPLEY
On Thursday next, the 18th inst,
Baltimore City will celebrate the eighty
seventh anniversary Of the battle Of
North Point-a battle fought for the de-
tense of the city against the British in
vader. Every student Of American his
tory-especially every Marylander, is
familiar with the preliminary events
leading up to this important epoch in
our State history, and to repeat the gen
eral narrative OF that event would be
out Of place in our article as that IS a
subject for the national history Of our
country and not the proper subject for
strictly local article, although We have
decided to depart somewhat from our
chosen path to give a brief summary Of
some Of the individuals and events
which rendered the event one of interest
to every citizen Of our State, who lived
at that exciting period, and Of those who
live under the folds of the Stars and
Stripes of the present day. In accord
ance with this desire in view we cannot
commence our article in more an ap-
propriate manner than to read it with
brief summary of the life of Francis
Scott Key, the author Of the song above
appended.
FRANCIS SCOTT KEY.
The simple fact that Francis Scott
Key was the author ofone of our national
anthems is sufficient to assure his mem
DRY a fame identical with that of his sub
lime production But there are circum-
stances connected with the writing and
inspiration Of this song that are not ia
miliar to a large portion of the American
people. Francis Scott Key was eminent
in his day for his legal fame, his ehec-
tive oratory, his poetic genius and chris
tan virtues. His father John Ross
Key, was the owner Of a fine estate in
Frederick County, Md. 1t was situated
at Pipe Creek, and here the subject of
our sketch was born The homestead
is still remembered by some of the old
est inhabitants of Frederick County and
retains much Of its ancient interest.
After completing his legal studies
with his uncle, Philip Barton Key. ST.,
Francis Scott Key commenced the prac-
tic Of his profession at Frederick. but
subsequently removed to Washington,
where he became the friend of Iohn
Randolph Of Roanake, the famous but
eccentric Virginia statesman. He also
became a favorite Of President Andrew
Jackson, from him receiving the ap-
pointment Of T. S. District Attorney for
the District of Columbia.
He was the father of eleven children.
One Of them, Philip Barton Key was
slain by General Daniel f. SIckles.
Another son, Samuel ?. Key, was killed
in duel at Bladensburg bv Mr.. Sher-
burne, Of New Hampshire. one of his
daughters was the late Mrs. George N.
Pendleton, wife Of the late ex-senator
George H. pendleton, Of Ohio. His
grandson, a son Of Philip Barton Kew,
became an actor Of indifferent fame.
Some of his descendants are still living
throughout the country.
The personal appearance of this late
talented Marylander. is ,hus described
by an intimate friend He was tall.
erect and Of admirable physical proper
tons. There dvclt usually On his hand
some and winning features soft and
touching peusiyeness Of expression. al
most bordering on sadness but which.
IN moments of special excitement or
when anything occurred to waken the
dormant heroism Of his nature orto call
into action the higher power of rigorous
and cultivated intellect. gave place To IA
frightened aspect and noble aud2rit,
of tone which pleased while it dauIec
the beholdcr
During his life Nr. Kew was frequent.
ly honoted bv distinguished attention
from the people of Frederick. ON one
occasion he was rendered a public enter
tainment at which the following toast