Francis Julius Bellamy papers
Creator: Bellamy, Francis
Call Number: A.B43
Dates: 1890-2003
Physical Description: 7 boxes
Language(s): Materials are in English
Repository: Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Table of Contents:

Revision Information
Biographical/Historical Note
Scope and Content
Arrangement
Subject(s)
Access
Use
Citation
Content List
Exhibits
Materials on the Pledge authorship controversy
Materials on Bellamy's life and pledge (chronologically arranged)
Writings by Bellamy
Added material
78 RPM Records of Francis Bellamy Awards
Collection Overview
Title: Francis Julius Bellamy papers
Creator: Bellamy, Francis
Call Number: A.B43
Dates: 1890-2003
Physical Description: 7 boxes
Language(s): Materials are in English
Repository: Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester

Biographical/Historical 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 Content
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.

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

Subject(s):
Correspondence
Photographs
Diaries
Bellamy, Francis
Bellamy, David, 1888-1960
Upham, James B.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag (Bellamy, Francis)
Access
The Francis Julius Bellamy papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.Use
Reproductions are made upon request but can be subject to restrictions. Permission to publish materials from the collection must currently be requested. Please note that some materials may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information contact rarebks@library.rochester.eduCitation
[Item title, item date], Francis Julius Bellamy papers, A.B43, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
Administrative Information
Author: Finding aid prepared by Rare Books and Special Collections staff
Publisher: Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester
Address:
Rush Rhees Library
Second Floor, Room 225
Rochester, NY 14627-0055
rarebks@library.rochester.edu
URL:


Revision Information
March 2022: Finding aid was revised to update formatting.

Content List