The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1934-04-12

be lmmortalized In the sold Folks at Home"
His brother Morrison Foster told 1t 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 1t
exactly" the brother reports Stephen as saying
and continues: HE left the Office as was his
custom, abruptly without saying another word
and | resumed my work.
Although Mr. Howard admits the ring OF au-
thenticty, he doubts the exactness Of the account
OF the incident as here set down. 1--WE know
from Stephens werkbeek,n he says, that Pedee
was probably not Morrlson's suggestion but
rather Stephens first idea one with which he
was dissatisfied"
The decade 1850 to 1860 was to be Stephen
Fosters heydey. In 1850 he was married to Jane
Mcdowell. In 1852 he wrote "Massas 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 go. 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 its 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 a great deal OF nonsense
and that 1t 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 1t probable that she
nagged him. They had a 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 10,
1s64-still young man--and he died almost
unrecognized, patient In 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 five penciled
words on It, They we're: Dear friends and
gentle hearts,"
mo doubt this was to have been the title Of
an unwrtten 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 sdga OF Americas
Troubadour."
cby w.stsrr Newspaper Union.