Rev. George Coles
was born on 2 Jan 1792 in Stewkley , England. He died on 1 May 1858 in New
York , New York.
Buried:
Ivandell Cemetery, Somers, New York.
George Coles wrote the music to:
A POOR WAYFARING MAN OF GRIEF
Words: James Montgomery 1826.
Music: Man of Grief, George Coles (1792-1858) (MI-DI, score).
Alternate tunes:
Sagina, Thomas Campbell, 1835 (MI?DI, score)
St. Crispin, George J. Elvey, 1862 (MI-DI, score)
Sweet Hour, William B. Bradbury, 1861 (MI?DI, score)
NOTE:
From: Donovan Walker
I've of late made some researches into this very matter as a background to a piece I'm arranging for my word choir. The first musical setting for Montgomery's "The Stranger and His Friend" (what is today called "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief") was a tune known as DUANE STREET. This tune was written by George Coles, although it is unclear if it was written specifically for "The Stranger", or if this was an additional use. DUANE STREET is still a popular tune, although today more closely connected with other texts.
While on mission in England, John Taylor heard this hymn sung to a slightly more lyrical version of DUANE STREET. He loved the poem, but found the music a bit bland. He adapted from it his own version of the tune. It is this variation that was sung in Carthage Jail.
Near the end of his life and as President of the Church, he commissioned from the conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Ebenezer Beesley, a new tune for this song. This tune is informed by John Taylor's version. Brother Beesley named this tune HYRUM. It is also known as MAN OF GRIEF. So, George Coles wrote DUANE STREET, John Taylor adapted it, and the modern MAN OF GRIEF tune is a further adaptation by Ebenezer Beesley, but was not actually written by Rev. Coles.
Links (if you wish to see the progression):
DUANE STREET or WANDERER:
(Hymn 140)
Unnamed tune by John Taylor: (Original 'Poor Wayfaring Man' had different tune):
Original 'Poor Wayfaring Man' had different tune
(look for link for sheet music, and you can play it too!)
We are interested in information regarding the date the music was written &
also a picture of George Coles. If you have that information and would like
share it please e-mail:
Wilford Whitaker
Thanks!
Rev. George C. COLES reminiscence: (Circa June 1824.) [sent by Dick
Hillenbrand Mar 2007] On the 27th of June I preached for the first time in the
old meeting-house, at Milan, near John I. ROW's.
This was one of the first preaching places in Dutchess county. The old
meeting-house in which I preached has since been taken down, and a new one
erected in its place. In the afternoon of the same day that I preached at
ROW's meeting-house I filled an appointment at Pine Plains, in brother Walter
MEAD's workshop. Since then a Methodist church has been erected in that place.
At that time Pine Plains belonged to the Rhinebeck circuit; now it is a
station by itself. While in that region I became acquainted with a family named
KEELER
. The grandfather was then living, and a happy, shouting
Methodist. His son, Denton, who is now in the traveling connection, then lived
with his parents. I once preached at their house, and baptized a little boy
named Richard, the son of Denton; he also is now a traveling preacher, a member
of the New-York Conference.? (continues on other areas?) (Rev. George C.
COLES, "My First Seven Years in America." New York 1852., pp 292-293.)
CORR:
COLES' CONCORDANCE
I have an original copy of Rev. George Coles
A Concordance to The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
, published by Carlton &Phillips in 1853. The front pages have a family record
of GW Moore and Virginia Ann Mitchell who were married in 1855 in Walker County
Georgia. The births and deaths of this family were also recorded. My father's
mother was the youngest child of GW Moore and Virginia Ann Mitchell. Anyone
from the family who might be interested in the Concordance may contact
Jane Riger
.
"
JESUS MY ALL TO HEAVEN IS GONE
" This hymn, by Cennick, was familiarized to the public more than two
generations ago by its revival tune, sometimes called "Duane Street,"
long-metre double. It is staffed in various keys, but its movement is full of
life and emphasis, and its melody is contagious. The piece was composed by Rev.
George Coles, in 1835. The fact that this hymn of Cennick with Coles's tune
appears in the _New Methodist Hymnal_ indicates the survival of both in modern
favor.
[Illustration:
Augustus Montague Toplady] Jesus my all to heaven is gone, He whom I fixed my
hopes upon; His track I see, and I'll pursue The narrow way till Him I view.
The way the holy prophets went, The road that leads from banishment, The King's
highway of holiness I'll go for all Thy paths are peace. The memory has not
passed away of the hearty unison with which prayer-meeting and camp-meeting
assemblies used to "crescendo" the last stanza-- Then will I tell to sinners
round What a dear Saviour I have found; I'll point to His redeeming blood, And
say "Behold the way to God." The Rev. George Coles was born in Stewkley, Eng.,
Jan. 2, 1792, and died in New York City, May 1, 1858. He was editor of the
_N.Y. Christian Advocate_, and _Sunday School Advocate_, for several years, and
was a musician of some ability, besides being a good singer.
"
A POOR WAYFARING MAN OF GRIEF,
" Written by James Montgomery, Dec., 1826, was a hymn of tide and headway
in George Coles' tune of "Duane St.," with a step that made every
heart beat time. The four picturesque eight-line stanzas made a practical
sermon in verse and song from Matt. 25:35, telling how --:
A poor wayfaring man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer nay.
I had no power to ask his name,
Whither he went or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love, I knew not why;
--and in the second and third stanzas the narrator relates how he entertained
him, and this was the sequel--:
Then in a moment to my view
The stranger started from disguise
The token in His hand I knew;
My Saviour stood before my eyes.
When once that song was started, every tongue took it up, (and it was strange
if every foot did not count the measure,) and the coldest kindled with gospel
warmth as the story swept on.[26] [Footnote 26: Montgomery's poem, "The
Stranger," has seven stanzas. The full dramatic effect of their connection
could only be produced by a set piece.]
MY FIRST SEVEN YEARS IN AMERICA
by Rev. George Coles, late Assistant Editor of the Christian Advocate and
Journal, Author of "Lectures to Children," etc. 18mo., pp. 314.
Youth's Magazine: A Monthly Miscellany (New York, NY; 1838-1841)
Notice. Poughkeepsie Casket. 2 (28 July 1838): 63. Ed. J. H. Selkreg 'The
Youth's Magazine,' is the title of a small octavo periodical, published monthly
by Mason & Lane, New York, for the Methodist Episcopal Church. The number
before us is sent forth as a specimen, with a promise that each succeeding one
shall fully equal it. It contains forty pages, and is embellished with two wood
engravings. Terms, $1 per annum.
The Magazine is intended for the moral and religious edification of youth in
general, and of the Methodist church in particular. The Rev. Geo. Coles is
editor, and while under his charge none can doubt its efficacy to do good. Such
publications, properly conducted, are capable of doing an incalculable amount
of good. While the larger and more elaborate publications of the day are
exerting their moral influence upon those of a maturer age, the youth of our
land, of both sexes, are denied, to a great extent, the direct benefit of their
influence. But a work devoted specially to them, and in language and sentiment
addressed directly to their hearts and understanding, will not only make them
feel a pride in reading a work of their own, but will scatter a vast quantity
of precious seed in rich and fertile soil.
Notice. Poughkeepsie Casket. 3 (13 July 1839): 55. Ed. J. H. Selkreg 'Youth's
Magazine.'
--We omitted to notice at the proper time, the commencement of the second
volume of this very valuable publication. It is issued monthly from the
Methodist Book Establishement [sic], in New-York, and is under the editorial
guidance of the Rev. George Coles. The current volume commenced in May, and
although published under the auspices of a particular religious sect, yet it
breathes but one kind of religion and morality--the religion and ethics of
Christianity. We heartily commend it to pa! rents of all denominations of
Christians, as well as non-professors, as a most excellent moral instructor for
their children. It is embellished with numerous engravings. The frontispiece to
the first volume is a view of Millbrook, the residence of the late Dr. Adam
Clarke. Price only one dollar per annum.
Notice. Poughkeepsie Casket. 3 (14 December 1839): 143. Ed. J. H. Selkreg
Youth's Magazine.
--This valuable little periodical has now passed the sixth month of its second
year of publication. The D[e]cember number is rich in its usual variety of
moral and religious instruction, which always shine upon its pages, and
embraces the following subjects:
Trinity Church, (with a cut); Natural Theology--the Eye; The Drunkard! 's Late
Residence; The Study and Observation of Nature considered in reference to
Music; Heaven; Arm, (with a cut); Charity; Apothegems, by L. E. L.; The Scenes
of my Childhood; Taste, by Erastus Wentworth; The Poetry of Life; Obituary.
Poetry--A Mother's Love; Epitaph; From a Lady to her Son on a bed of sickness;
On seeing the late John Wesley's picture. Mason & Lane, New-York.--One dollar a
year.
HISTORY OF DUMBARTON CHURCH
As the descendent community of the first Methodist society in the District of
Columbia, Dumbarton United Methodist Church takes great interest in its
historical roots. Like all Methodists, we might trace our beginnings to
Susannah Wesley, mother of John and Charles. She preached informally to the
family during the long absences of her husband Samuel, the Anglican rector of
Epworth. Reading of the experiences of missionaries, she eventually began
preaching to the neighbors. Despite disapproval from the curate, Mrs. Wesley
continued to preside over her Sunday gatherings. Her example undoubtedly
influenced her sons who later founded the protestant denomination of Methodism.
(From Heroines of Methodism, by Rev. George Coles, 1857.)
George Coles 1792-1858 - B: January 2, 1792, Stewkley, England. D: May 1,
1858, New York, NY. Converted at age 13, Coles began preaching at 22, and
emgrated to America in 1818. He served as editor of the Christian Advocate and
Journal for 12 years, and the Sunday School Advocate for several years. He was
a musician of some ability, and a good singer. His works include:
The Antidote, a Treatise Against Infidelity
Lectures to Children
A Concordance of the Holy Scriptures
My Youthful Days
My First Years in America
Heroines of Methodism
Zions Herold said of him:
His fondness for the society of children, and his faculty of interesting and
instructing them was extraordinary. Wherever he went, after a short
acquaintance, they clustered about him as a father, and, not by anecdote, of
which he had no great fund, but by original conceptions and by questions and by
quaint remarks fitted to their capacity, he always succeeded in controlling
their attention.
Sources: Brown, p. 127 Nutter, p. 454
Music: Duane Street
Man of Grief
WANTED:
Photo?
,
Burial Place?
- If you can help with any of these items, would you send
Wilford Whitaker
an e-mail. Thanks!
KIRTLAND TEMPLE
Included in
Emma Hale Smith's
First Hymnal and possibly sung at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in
1836.
CARTHAGE JAIL
As Joseph left for the Carthage jail "Emma's eyes filled with tears. 'Oh
Joseph,' she said. . .'you are coming back!'" Joseph returned twice more
before saying his final good-bye. On 27 June 1844 inside a Carthage jail,
Joseph and his companions languished in the afternoon heat. John Taylor later
recorded:
"All of us felt. . .a remarkable depression of spirits. In consonance with
those feelings I sang a song, that had lately been introduced into Nauvoo,
entitled A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief . . . . After a lapse of some time,
Brother Hyrum requested me again to sing that song. I replied, "Brother
Hyrum, I do not feel like singing;" when he remarked, "Oh, never
mind; commence singing, and you will get the spirit of it." At his request
I did so.
Some time later, the mob stormed the jail and shot into a small room. When the
fire and smoke subsided Joseph and Hyrum lay dead. Joseph's body was brought
back to Nauvoo in a "rough pine casket" for a proper funeral. At the
funeral Emma, the young widow ". . .sank upon [her husband's] body.
Suddenly her grief found vent, and sighs and groans and lamentations filled the
room."
CORR:
2007 March 5 from Dick Hillenbrand
Wilford, I am beginning to think there are no coicidences in genealogy, it was
meant to be.
I created this file YESTERDAY -
www.unyg.com
First Generation
1. Rev. George C. COLES, son of Unknown COLES and Unknown UNKNOWN, was born 2
JAN 1791 in Stewkley, England,1 died on 1 MAY 1858 2 at age 67, and was buried
in Ivandale/Ivandell Cemetery, Somers, NY.2
General Notes: Converted to Methodism at age 13, began preaching at 22,
emigrated to America in 1818. Was the Editor of the "Christian Advocate
and Journal" (Methodist newspaper,) and the "Sunday School
Advocate." He also was a musician of some ability. (see
www.cyberhymnal.com
There is a variance in the vitals dates; 02 JAN 1792-01 MAY 1858 as per
cyberhymnal, and 02 JUN 1791 - 01 MAY 1857 from gravestone transcript on the
Internet at the NYG&B Society's website. (Note: 1858 must be right, see Death
Notice below.)
Author/Publisher of various books;
"The Antidote, A Treatise Against Infidelity"
"Lectures to Children"
"A Concordance of the Holy Scriptures"
"My Youthful Days"
"Heroines of Methodism"
"My First Seven Years in America," edited by D.P. KIDDER, New York,
Carlton & Phillips, 1854. (copyright says 1852.) Ref. page 292-293 regarding
visiting with my ancestors; Rev. Denton KEELER, his father (John Peter KEELER)
and the baptising of Denton's son Richard, who later also became a Methodist
Circuit Rider belonging first to the New York Conference and then in later
years was transfered to Iowa, where he became President of Cornell College in
***. (personal previous research by Richard Hillenbrand,
www.unyg.com
.)
He is mentioned in BYU Studies 23, No.4 (1983,) while living in Poughkeepsie in
1835, he composed a tune "The Stranger," which became the basis for a
song that was sung by John TAYLOR at the Carthage (MO) Jail and which was
eventually transcribed into LDS hymnals as "A Poor Wayfaring Man of
Grief."
Resided Peekskill, NY on 13 MAR 1852, when he wrote the preface to his book,
First years America.
DEATH NOTICE:
"Sat. 1st., Rev. George COLES, 66 years, 11 months." (Deaths from
the New York Evening Post, 1801- 1890." (extracts) (On-line at NYG&B Soc.)
(See attachments of two maps of Somers, one close up of Ivandell Cemetery.)
(Also a death notice of his daughter Hester, q.v.)
This compiler devolves six children surmised to date from various census and
COLES' memoir. It seems likely that there might have been more due to the
large gap between Electa and Hester. (03/07 - RCH.)
His widow Belinda is found as the Head of household on the 1860 and 1880
census, (q.v.)
There is a high likelyhood that more could be found on this family at the
Westchester County Archives and the Westchester County Historical Society, as
well as the "Christian Advocate" and most likely the Methodist Annual
book for 1859, as pastors generally received a large memorial obit in the year
following their death. There is also no doubt much that could be discovered at
the Methodist UMC, New York Annual Conference Archives in White Plains. 03/07
- RCH.
Belinda Wilson Coles
George married Belinda WILSON , daughter of Justus WILSON, of South Salem, NY
and Phebe UNKNOWN, on 16 OCT 1820 in South Salem, Westchester Co., NY. Belinda
was born circa 1801 in NY, 2 died on 23 APR 1884 at age 83, and was buried in
Ivandell Cemetery, Somers, NY.
General Notes: Her maiden name is given in the gravestone abstracts published
on-line at the NYG&B Society website.
Children from this marriage were:
-
Unknown COLES
was born before 1824.
General Notes: COLES in his memoir states that by the end of the year [c1824]
they had two children (unnamed.)
-
Electa W. COLES
-
Hester Emma COLES
was born circa 1831 in CT,4 died on 30
JUL 1852 in Morrisania, NY 5 at age 21, and was buried in Ivandale/Ivandell
Cemetery, Somers, NY.
General Notes: Death notice: "Hester Emma. daughter of Rev. George COLES,
20 JUL 1852, Morrisania, 21 years." (NY Eve Post,
NYG&B Soc.)
-
Phebe A. COLES
was born circa 1833 in NY.
-
Geo. W. COLES
was born circa 1836 in CT.
-
James A. COLES
was born circa 1838 in NY,4 died on 21
JUL 1863 2 at age 25, and was buried in Ivandale/Ivandell Cemetery, Somers, NY.
-
Mary Frances COLES
married E O Haven U or M President
PHOTOS:
Young Mary Frances Coles
Mary Frances Coles Haven wife of EO Havens President U of M
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Mary Frances Cole Haven - Later Years
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EO Haven and Children
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www.cyberhymnal.org.
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gravestone.
-
Rev. Geroge C. COLES Memoir c 1852.
-
1850 census.
-
Death Notices in the New York Evening Post, 1801-1890 NYG&B
Society.
CENSUS:
1850
August 2, Cortland, Westchester County, NY - 461-580
Coles, George, 58, m, Clergyman Meth. E., England
Coles, Balinda, 48, f, New York
Coles, Electa W, 25, f, New York
Coles, Hester E, 19, f, Connecticut
Coles, Phebe A, 17, f, New York
Coles, George W, 14, m, Connecticut
Coles, James A, 12, m, New York
Spaulding, Caroline, 14, f, black, New York
1860 July 7, New York Ward 4, New York, NY - District 4, 516-1245
Coles, Belinda, 55, f, $1000, NY
Coles, James A, 21, m, agent for silver plating, NY
Coles, Electa W, 25, f, Music teacher, NY
Coles, Phebe Ann, 23, f, teacher of school, NY
Salisbury, Caroline, 22, f, back, domestic, NY
1870 August 10, North Salem, Westchester County, NY340-361
Coles, Belinda, 69, f, w, keeping house, $1550/$1000, NY
Coles, Electa, 30, f, w, at home, NY
Coles, Phebe A, 25, f, w, at home, NY
Byer, Eliza, 17, f, w, domestic house, NY
1880 June 9, Purdys, Westchester County, NY - Dist 116, 266-292
Coles, Belinda W, 78, f, w, keeping house, NY, NY, NY
Coles, Electa, 60 fw, dau, at home, NY, NY, NY
Coles, Pheby A, 45, fw, dau, at home, NY, NY, NY
Wilford Whitaker
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