Samuel F. Smith

Samuel Francis Smith (1808–1895) was an American Baptist minister, editor, and writer best known for the patriotic hymn “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” (“America”). Born in Boston, Massachusetts, he graduated from Harvard College and later studied at Andover Theological Seminary. While a young man, he adapted the melody of the British anthem “God Save the King” and wrote new lyrics that became widely sung in the United States. Smith served as a pastor in Massachusetts and was associated with Baptist missionary publishing and editorial work. He also wrote hymns and religious verse, contributing to American Protestant hymnody in the 19th century.