Less known as a lawyer ... better known as the man who wrote a poem that became the lyrics to the Star-Spangled banner during the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. (The tune, chosen later, was actually an old English drinking song ... or so I understand. )

It's always surprised me that a lot of folks I know born and bred in the Midwest don't really know about Ft. McHenry or Francis Scott Key. Kind of sad, I think.