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

Author, F.F. Bosworth: The Man Behind "Christ the Healer"
Copyright (c) 2020

#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

Wilkinson County Park is Closed

#Mississippi
#WilkinsonCountyPark

Wilkinson County Park, my Narnia, my sanctuary and favorite place in the world, is now closed because of COVID19. I'm not a happy camper, but I certainly understand.😢

#Coronavirus #COVID19

Craig Coil Named Deputy Warden of Operations at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility

By Roscoe Barnes III, PhD
Chaplain, Wilkinson County Correctional Facility
Copyright (c) 2020

#MTCChangesLives
#PrivatePrisons

Craig Coil
Deputy Warden of Operations

WOODVILLE, Miss. – Craig Coil of Florida is the new deputy warden of operations at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF). Coil, who recently retired as warden from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP), has more than 25 years of experience in corrections. 

“I’ve known Craig for many years, and I can tell you he brings a wealth of experience to this position,” said WCCF Warden Scott Middlebrooks. “He has literally worked in all areas of corrections. I look forward to him drawing on that experience -- and using his expertise -- to dramatically enhance the service we provide here at WCCF.”

In addition to having worked as warden, Coil has worked as an associate warden, core section chief of program review division, correctional program specialist/examiner, cook supervisor, and food service administrator. His career includes service at correctional facilities in Florida, Mississippi, Illinois, Indiana, California, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.

Coil said he is happy about his new position and he looks forward to settling down in the Woodville area. His first day at work was March 16.

“I’m excited to take on this new job,” he said. “I look forward to making improvements to the facility and to enhancing security, staff accountability and staff professionalism.”

In his new position, Coil will supervise the chief of security and be responsible for overall management of security and unit management operations, according to Middlebrooks. In addition to developing new policies and procedures that affect security, he will coordinate training to ensure compliance with all facility objectives, Middlebrooks said.

Coil will also monitor the inmate disciplinary and grievance processes to ensure staff compliance, Middlebrooks said. At the same time, he added, Coil “will maintain constant vigilance of employees and inmates through staff assignments to ensure that policies, rules and regulations are being adhered to and that none are violated.”

WCCF houses an average of 950 male offenders. It is a maximum security prison that is privately managed by MTC or Management and Training Corporation of Utah.

#MTCMakesADifference

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ROSCOE BARNES III, Ph.D., is a writer, chaplain, historian, and former newspaper reporter. He is the author of more than a dozen books and Gospel tracts. For more information about his work and history, see his Personal Profile here or visit his website: http://www.roscoebarnes.net. Connect with him on Twitter (@roscoebarnes3) or by email: roscoebarnes3@yahoo.com.

Dr. Chavis L. Bradford, Superintendent of Wilkinson County School District (WCSD), was Guest Speaker for Black History Program at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF)

#BlackHistory
#BlackHistoryProgram

 

Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) celebrated Black History Month with an inspiring message by Dr. Chavis L. Bradford, who served as the guest speaker. Bradford is the superintendent of education for Wilkinson County School District (WCSD). He is pictured here with Executive Administrative Assistant Michelle Higginbotham, who presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation. Warden Scott Middlebrooks said Bradford delivered one of the most insightful and engaging messages he had ever heard.

Dr. Chavis L. Bradford, superintendent of education for Wilkinson County School District (WCSD), was the guest speaker for the Black History Program at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF). He is pictured here, center, with Warden Scott Middlebrooks, left, and Deputy Warden of Programs George Castro.

Dr. Chavis L. Bradford, superintendent of education for Wilkinson County School District (WCSD), was the guest speaker for the Black History Program at Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF). He is pictured here with Executive Administrative Assistant Michelle Higginbotham, standing, and Superintendent Secretary Vanessa Lawrence. Higginbotham said Bradford delivered a riveting message on Black History. He held everyone’s attention, she said.

Civil Emergency declared for Anne Moody’s Town of Centreville in southwest Mississippi

Notice shared by Alderwoman Felicia Williams

#COVID19
#Coronavirus

#AnneMoody #ComingOfAgeinMississippi #Mississippi #CivilRights #PublicHistory

Is this the new normal?

Seriously, it feels like an apocalypse

#COVID19
#Coronavirus

Stores in Woodville, Miss., and other places in southwest Mississippi have empty shelves due to people's response to news about COVID-19 and coronavirus. Local businesses are struggling to keep the shelves stocked.

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It was surreal Sunday (March 22, 2020) when I went from store to store in search of milk, eggs, and bread. One store was out of vitamins. (Wow. People taking vitamins now). None had tissue or hand sanitizer. Shelves were empty. I felt like I was in an episode of the Walking Dead. A worker at one store, who was wearing a mask and gloves, said truck will come Monday morning with bread and eggs. However, she cautioned me to be ready to stand in line at 6:30 a.m. The store opens at 7 a.m., she said.

These are scary times.

Berkshire 2020 Conference Featuring Anne Moody Panel is Cancelled

Cancellation due to concerns about COVID-19

#AnneMoody

The cancellation of the 2020 Berks conference at Johns Hopkins University means my paper on Anne Moody has been put on hold until further notice. I had planned to present a paper with the title, “Bringing Her Home: Commemorating Anne Moody in Southern Public Culture” (see abstract here.) That will not happen now.

The conference, as expected, was negatively affected by COVID19, which is understandable. While history is important, our safety is more important. I'm happy the conference organizers made the right call.

I received word of the cancellation via email on Thursday, March 19, 2020. Below is an excerpt from the email.

Dear Berks Community,

Thank you for your patience as we weighed the difficult decision about the status of the Big Berks 2020 Conference. With great regret we must announce that the 2020 meeting of the Berkshire Conference of Women, Genders and Sexualities (the Big Berks,) scheduled for May 28-31, 2020, at Johns Hopkins University has been cancelled.

After extensive deliberations, the officers and trustees agreed that in light of the profound uncertainty and very real health risks related to COVID-19, and in light of our host university’s announcement about the suspension of sponsored events until further notice, it is not possible to meet as planned.