Jonathan E. Spilman

Jonathan Edwards Spilman

Black and white photograph of Jonathan Edwards Spilman

Jonathan Edwards Spilman
Born April 15, 1812
Greenville, Kentucky, U.S.
Died May 23, 1896 (aged 84)
Flora, Illinois, U.S.
Resting place Elmwood Cemetery
Occupation Minister
Language English
Nationality American
Alma mater Illinois College
Spouse Eliza Sarah Taylor

Jonathan Edwards Spilman (15 April 1812 – 23 May 1896) was a Kentucky lawyer, minister, and composer.

Jonathan Spilman was born in Greenville, Muhlenberg County, Kentucky to Benjamin Spilman, and graduated from Illinois College in 1835. While at Transylvania Law School, 1837, he wrote the music for Robert Burns' "Flow gently, sweet Afton", best remembered of his seven melodies. An adaptation of this music was used in one of the tunes to "Away in a Manger".

He was married to Mary V.J. Menefee, who died precociously in 1843. Two years later, on 10 April 1845, he married Eliza Sarah Taylor (1822–1866), a niece of U.S. President Zachary Taylor.[1] To them were born ten children, of whom six survived: Charles, Louise, William, Byrd, Clara, and Lewis.[2] His wife Eliza died on 10 August 1866, as the result of a fire aboard the steamboat "Bostona No. 3" in Maysville, Kentucky.[3][4]

Working as a lawyer for 18 years, he became Presbyterian minister at the age of 46. A Historical Marker was erected in the city of Greenville in his memory.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Family Tree of President Zachary Taylor
  2. ↑ SORLEY, Merrow Egerton: Lewis of Warner Hall: the history of a family, including the genealogy of ...
  3. ↑ Carter, L.D. Burning of Bostona No. 3. Gallipolis Journal. 1866. p. 1.
  4. ↑ "Burning of the Steamer Bostona No. 3." New York Times. August 12, 1866. p. 10.
  5. ↑ Historical Marker Database Search

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