1839 - 1939 Composer of "[I've glad tidings of great joy]" in Celestial Showers No. 1, a collection of gospel songs used in Rev. I. Toliver's Meetings Martin, Samuel Wesley, author of "The Gospel Bells are ringing" (The Gospel Message), was born at Plainfield, Illinois, Jan. 20, 1839.
--John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology, Appendix, Part II (1907)
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Born: January 20, 1839, Plainfield, Illinois.
Martin was organist and choirmaster at St. Chrysostom’s Episcopal Church, Chicago, Illinois (1896-1902). His works include:
The Welcome Hour, for Use in Singing Schools, Choirs, Social Circles, Musical Conventions, Glee Clubs, Concerts, Etc., with W. H. Walter, 1877
Sources:
Julian, p. 1579
http://www.hymntime.com/tch/bio/m/a/r/t/martin_sw.htm
S. Wesley Martin