| John Prindle Scott was a
composer and musician that lived in McDonough around the turn of the century
in his Victorian cottage that he fondly called "Scottage". He often put on
concerts for the local community. He also composed poetry, some of which is
still found in McDonough family records.
Many of Scott's works were hymns. The one still
most widely used is "Come Ye Blessed". Copies of the sheet music
he published is still available at music stores.
In 1916, to celebrate the semi-centennial of
Nebraska’s admittance to the Union, a statewide celebration was prepared.
To stimulate interest in the celebration the Honorable John D. Haskell of
Wakefield, Nebraska, offered a prize of $100 for the best poem adopted as a
state song for Nebraska. One of the conditions was that the ode to Nebraska
should be written by a state residence. The judges awarded the prize to the
Rev. William H. Buss of Fremont. Mr. Haskell gave, also, a prize of $100 for
the best musical arrangement for the poem. This award went to John Prindle
Scott of New York.
Below are the words that Scott set to music:
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THE ODE TO NEBRASKA
Reverend William H. Buss
Now laud the proud tree planter state,
Nebraska -- free, enlightened, great;
Her royal place she has in song;
The noblest strains to her belong;
Her fame is sure.
Then sing Nebraska through the years;
Extol her stalwart pioneers;
The days when, staunch and unafraid,
The state's foundations, well they laid,
To long endure.
The land where Coronado trod,
And brave Marquette surveyed the sod;
Where red men long in council sat;
Where spreads the valley of the Platte
Far 'neath the sun.
The land beside whose borders sweep
The bill Missouri's waters, deep,
Whose course erratic, through its sands,
From northland on, through many lands,
Does seaward run.
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