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Francis Julius Bellamy papers

 Collection
Identifier: A.B43

Biographical note

Francis Bellamy was an author, editor, and publicity director born in Mount Morris, NY in 1855. He attended Rome Free Academy in Rome, NY, the University of Rochester (1872-1876) and the Rochester Theological Seminary (1876-1880). After serving as a Baptist minister from 1880-1891, he began working as a writer at the Youth's Companion, a magazine in Boston. There he helped plan a National Public School Celebration for Columbus Day in 1892, for which the Pledge of Allegiance was written. At the time the Pledge was written no specific individual was credited with its authorship. Rather, in reference to the magazine that sponsored the initial program, it became known as the "Youth's Companion Flag Pledge." As the Pledge gained fame many were eager to claim credit for its authorship; however the controversy focused primarily on James Upham and Francis Bellamy, who were editor and associate editor of the Companion at the time. The latter's claim was supported by his son, David Bellamy, who spent a number of years substantiating his father's claim and gaining public recognition for him as author of the Pledge.



A committee of historians appointed by the United States Flag Association in 1939 examined evidence presented by David Bellamy and the family of James Upham, ruling that Bellamy was the author. The controversy arose again in 1956 when news reports again asserted Upham's authorship. The Library of Congress appointed a team to finalize the decision as to the authorship of the Pledge. The Library of Congress Legislative Reference Service issued a report affirming Francis Bellamy as the author of the Pledge in 1957.

Scope and Contents

The first two boxes of the collection contain exhibits compiled by Francis Bellamy's son, David, in his effort to establish the authenticity of his father's claim. The following four boxes include correspondence about the pledge controversy, speeches and articles written by Francis Bellamy, along with news clippings and articles written both about Bellamy and the pledge. This collection is closely related to collection D.147, David Bellamy Papers, 1892-1980.

Presented to the University of Rochester Library by David Bellamy on October 18, 1952, and by Mrs. David Bellamy on January 16, 1962.

Creator

Dates

  • Creation: 1890-2003

Language of Materials

English

Extent

7 box(es) (7 boxes and 1 package)

Access

The Francis Julius Bellamy Papers are open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Francis Julius Bellamy Papers, A.B43, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Arrangement note

The Francis Julius Bellamy Papers maintain their original arrangement as compiled by the author.

Title
Francis Julius Bellamy papers
Author
Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Date
undated
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • March 2022: Finding aid was revised to update formatting.

Library Details

Part of the Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation Library

Contact:
Rochester NY 14627-0055 USA