Monday, March 30, 2020

F.F. Bosworth’s Surprising Connection to 'The Battle Hymn of the Republic'

His wife, reportedly, was related to the person who wrote the lyrics for the song

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD

#FFBosworth
#BosworthMatters

Julia Ward Howe
(1819 - 1910)

Fred Francis Bosworth and his family were known for their music. But according to one family member, their love of music -- and their talent for songwriting -- extended way beyond the Bosworth family.

Fred’s daughter-in-law, Stella Bosworth, has suggested their family legacy included the enduring talent of Julia Ward Howe (1819 – 1910), the woman who wrote the words of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." Stella, who was married to the late Robert V. Bosworth (also called Bob), said on Facebook that the family of Fred’s wife, Florence Valentine, was related to Howe. Stella mentioned this in a Facebook post dated Feb. 14, 2020. She wrote:

Happy Valentine’s Day! Our family on my husband’s side are Valentines through his mother, Florence Valentine. I do not know the exact time frame, but Julia Ward Howe, who wrote the words of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” is family through the Valentine family. We smile a lot because my husband had to live through having his middle name as Valentine!

In addition to being a noted poet, Howe was an activist who was known for her work as an abolitionist. She also worked in the women's suffrage movement.

As for Florence Valentine, she was a graduate of Nyack Missionary Training Institute in New York. She and Fred married in 1922. She was a licensed evangelist and supply minister for the Christian & Missionary Alliance.

Valentine's possible ties to Howe is worth an investigation to see what research might reveal about their history. At this point, however, the connection is only a claim without any verification. Still, it is intriguing to see how Bosworth's name is often connected to so many people of importance.

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Reminder: "F.F. Bosworth History" is now on Twitter. Follow @bosworth_fred

Note: My book, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer," can be purchased here with a 25% discount. Use the discount code: bosworth25.


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For more information:
Visit the F.F. Bosworth page here. Questions about the research and commentary on F.F. Bosworth may be directed to Roscoe Barnes III, Ph.D., via email at doctorbarnes3@gmail.com or roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com. For updates on F.F. Bosworth history, simply follow this blog or @bosworth_fred and @Roscoebarnes3 on Twitter. #ChristTheHealer #BosworthMention #BosworthMatters

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