The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1934-04-06

be immortalized in the "Old Folks at Home"
His BROTHER Morrison Foster, told it first in his
biography of Stephen-that the composer wanted
the name of some southern river two syllables in
length, rejecting both Pedee and Yazoo, which
Morrison suggested Then the latter took down
an atlas and Suwannee was found. "That's it
exactly" the brother reports Stephen as saying,
and continues: 'He left the office, as was his
custom, abruptly without saying another word,
and l resumed my work."
Although Mr. Howard admits the ring of au-
thenticity he doubts the exactness of the account
of the incident as here set down. 1--WE know
from Stephens workbook," he says, shat Pedee
was probably not Mofrison's suggestion, but
rather Stephens first idea, one with which he
was dissatisfed.S
The decade 1850 to 1860 was to be Stephen
Fosters heydey. In 1850 he was married to Jane
Mcdowell. In 1852 he wrote "Massa's In the
Cold, Cold Ground; began efforts to have him
self acknowledged as the rightful author Of
"Old Folks at Home" and with his wife took
that memorable steamboat trip to New Orleans
the rich fruit Of which was to be the song, my
Old Kentucky Home" copyrighted in 1853 What
claim the state of Kentucky may have upon this
song Mr.. Howard discusses at length. Stephen
had cousins living in the beautiful mansion
known as Federal Hall in Bardstown, and that
he visited them there is certain Beyond that
Howard is not willing to 60. The house was re-
Gently purchased by the state and made Fos-
ter shrine. However, although he was to write
literally hundreds more Of songs, this marvellous
piece, with It's haunting goodnight" line was
never to be surpassed by Stephen.
Fosters newest biographer treats the subject
of his marriage cautiously, declaring that Jane
doubtless put up with great deal of nonsense
and that it would have required a saint to be-
come the perfect wife for Stephen Foster. But 1t
seems that Jane had some irritating ways, such
as talking during concerts, which must have
been exasperating indeed to her sensitive hus-
band. Mr. Howard thinks it probable that she
nagged him. They had child, Marion, but the
dreamy Stephen may not have been very good
at family life. His efficient wife subsequently
learned to make her own living as telegrapher
They lived for few years with Stephens
family In Pittsburgh, then moved to New York
where the composer yielded more and more to
strong drink. Jane left him only because she
had to earn her living. and, when he died. she
and Morrison FASTENED to New York together.
Stephen Collins Foster died on January 3D.
lS64-still q young man-and he died almost
unrecognized. a patient In a charity hospital"
Bellevue in New York City. In the pocket of his
clothes they found a small purse containing Just
3S cents and slip Of paper with Ave penciled
words on It. They were. Dear friends and
gentle hearts"
mo doubt this was to have been the title Of
an unwritten song, but whatever its intent, the
phrase describes quite perfectly the dear friend
and gentle heart who added old Folks at Home
and dozen other immortal songs to the worlds
spiritual riches"
Thus, the end Of the sad saga Of Americas
TroubadOur."
@ BY western Newspaper Union.