Francis Scott Key: Poet and Patriot

by Lillie Patterson, Victor Dowd

A biography of the Washington lawyer and amateur verse writer who composed the words of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812

80 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Lillian G. Patterson

Obituary

Lillie Patterson was a public school teacher and administrator whose love of writing and keen storytelling skills led her to write 16 books geared toward children. A West Baltimore resident for more than 50 years, Ms. Patterson, 82, wrote mostly biographies, historical accounts and books of poetry. Her topics included the lives of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington. She also wrote several works of fiction. Most of her works were aimed at youngsters ages 7 to 12. Her fictional characters were vivid, and the stories had morals.

For her work, she received the Living Maker of Negro History Award in 1963 from the Iota Phi Lambda sorority, the Professional Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs in Baltimore, and the Helen Keating Award in 1985 from the national Church and Synagogue Library Association.

Reviews

[Laurel]

Lillie Patterson has written scores of biographies. This one was interesting to me for one big reason. I found out that Francis Scott Key was the lawyer for Aaron Burr in his trial accusing him of treason. Aaron Burr--mainly noted for his famous duel with Alexander Hamilton--also did one other infamous "act" that tarnished his reputation. In 1804 Burr traveled to Blennerhassett Island, in what is West Virginia today but in 1804 was considered the American West at that time. He was charged with treason since he had formed an army of 300 men and was suspected of trying to start a new country.

Frank, as Francis Scott Key was referred to in this book, argued that Aaron Burr was merely trying to help the USA in acquiring territory that he believed Spain was preparing to acquire.

Aaron Burr is my 7x great Uncle, through my maternal genealogy. It would be nice to have people think more highly of him and his contributions to our country--so I read this with great interest.

Frank, of course, is famous for writing "The Star Spangled Banner". The book goes through Frank's childhood, education, and situation that put him in a position to write this famous poem/song.

[Chappyfamily]

Great introduction for children to the writer of the Star Spangled Banner. I didn’t know he was so brave and good as to free his own slaves in his lifetime. Very rare for that time. Someone I’d love my kids to be like.