Samuel Wesley (II)

Wesley, Samuel, Jr. b. London, 10 February 1691; d. Tiverton, Devon, 6 November 1739. He was the first child of Samuel Wesley (I)* (1660-1735) and Susanna, née Annesley, and elder brother of John* and Charles*. He was educated at Westminster School (1704, King’s Scholar, 1707), and Christ Church, Oxford (1711- ). Probably before leaving school, he joined his family in exchanging new poems. While still an undergraduate, he began working on ‘charity hymns’ (not yet identified), for the causes served by Robert Nelson (1656-1714, author of Companion to the Fasts and Festivals) and his circle. After graduation, he taught at his old school, Westminster. He was a trusted friend of Alexander Pope,...