Hopkinson, Francis (1737-91), American composer, author, and politician, born in Philadelphia. His musical compositions include the song"My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free," the first piece of secular music written by an American, and The Temple of Minerva, considered the first American opera. A lawyer, Hopkinson signed the Declaration of Independence, was a member of the Constitutional Convention, and held various posts in the new U.S. government. He wrote several brilliant satires attacking the British, such as The Battle of the Kegs (verse, 1778).
"Hopkinson, Francis," Microsoft® Encarta® Encyclopedia 99. © 1993-1998 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Francis Hopkinson was born on 21. Sep. 1737 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania. He was the son of
Thomas Hopkinson and
Mary Johnson. Francis Hopkinson married
Ann Borden, daughter of
Col. Joseph Borden and
Elizabeth Rogers, on 1. Sep. 1768. On 3. Jul. 1776 signed the Declaration of Independence.
Francis Hopkinson died on 9. May. 1790 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, at age 52. He died on 9. May. 1791 at Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, at age 53. He was buried a 9. May. 1791 at Christ Church Burial Ground 2nd and Arch St., Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania.