William Beanes
Medical doctor
Died when: 79 years 262 days (956 months)Star Sign: Aquarius
William Beanes (January 24, 1749 – October 12, 1828) was an American physician who was involved in the events surrounding the writing of the national anthem of the United States.
Beanes was a Maryland resident, and upon the British invasion of Maryland during the War of 1812 offered British commanders the use of his home.
However, Beanes arrested British deserters who had taken to ransacking local farms in search of food, an act which led to his arrest and detention by the British.
Upon news of his arrest become known, a group of Americans led by lawyer Francis Scott Key visited the British to negotiate his release.
Upon receiving confirmation of the good character of Beanes, the British released him.During their return home, the group was made to wait in a boat in the Chesapeake Bay at Baltimore for the outcome of a battle at nearby Fort McHenry.
The American victory inspired Key to pen Defence of Fort M’Henry about the battle and its outcome.That poem ultimately became the national anthem of the United States, "The Star-Spangled Banner".