Useless But Compelling Facts – August 2009 Answer

For last month’s contest, we extend our congratulations to first-time winner Kevin K. Forrester, who first sent us the key significant events that occurred July 4, 1826 – notably, in addition to being the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it was also the date both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died. Many other folks noted this was also the birth date of Stephen Collins Foster. Foster, often cited as the "father of American music," was the pre-eminent songwriter of the 19th century in the United States, publishing his first song when he was only 18. His songs remain popular to this day, with such favorites as "Oh! Susanna," "Camptown Races," "Old Folks at Home" (generally known as "Swanee River"), "My Old Kentucky Home," and "Beautiful Dreamer." Foster was born and lived in a part of what is now Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville).