Died at his residence in Ashland, Ky., March 8th, Capt. Samuel

Coles, in the 63d year of his age.

Capt. Coles, the son of Benjamin and Hannah Coles, was born in Long Island,

N. J., June, 1808.  He moved to Indiana in his childhood and remained there,

and in the Miami Valley, until 1830.  At this time, he came to Portsmouth,

Ohio, where, in 1836, he was married to Miss N. E. Peebles, daughter of

Robt. and Jane Peebles.  He moved from Portsmouth to Hanging Rock in the

Spring of 1854.

            Becoming identified with the company that secured the Eastern

Division of the Lexington & Big Sandy R. R., that began opening the coal

mines of this region, he was chosen President, and, in December of 1864,

moved to Ashland, Ky., to superintend the interest of that company.  Here,

he entirely gave himself to the work, and faithfully performed the duties of

his office, until, in the Providence of God, he was suddenly stricken down

by paralysis in July, 1869.  It was fondly hoped by all that he might

recover, but he gradually failed, until, after much suffering and trial he

found rest in Jesus.  He leaves a wife and ten children and a large circle

of friends to mourn their irreparable loss.

            It is very sad, indeed, to record the death of this beloved and

faithful servant of the Lord Jesus; for, though we morn not as those without

hope, - though we trust that our loss is his everlasting gain; - yet his

death is felt to be a sure bereavement.

            During his residence at Hanging Rock, he connected himself with the

Presbyterian church, and by his after life made good that profession.  He

said less than many do in regard to his religious experience, yet the

uniform interest he manifested in religious things, and in the welfare of

God's church, afforded more decided evidence of love to Christ and His cause

than any mere profession could have done.  His place was seldom vacant in

the sanctuary on the Sabbath.  He always rejoiced in the prosperity of Zion.

All the efforts at moral reform received his best wishes and cordial

assistance, and in him they have lost an earnest supporter.  He willingly

gave his hand to all that he thought was good and for God's glory.

            Those who were best acquainted with him, knew him to be humble and

cheerful in his feelings - kind and benevolent in his disposition - warm and

faithful in his friendships.  In his domestic relations he was tender and

affectionate.  In his convictions of christian truth and duty he was firm

and unwavering.  Salvation by Grace was his strong tower as a christian man.

These convictions were support and comfort in the prospect of death.  When

he saw his days were numbered he had no fear, but, with humble submission to

the will of his Heavenly Gather, waited his appointed hour.  His end was

peace.  Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.

C---.

Ironton Journal, Ironton, Lawrence County, Ohio, March 15, 1871

Jean Griesan (griesantomjean@msn.com)