Galusha Marion Cole (August 15, 1826 (supposedly) – April 11, 1931)[2] was an American music instructor,[3] and was said to have been one of the oldest people to be captured on sound film, claiming to be 103 during a televised interview in 1929.[1][4]
Galusha Marion Cole | |
|---|---|
 Cole singing on radio, 1928 | |
| Born | August 15, 1826 (supposedly) Tolland County, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Died | April 11, 1931 (aged 104) Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Whig (before 1856) Republican (after 1856)[1] |
Early life and career
editGalusha Marion Cole was reportedly born on August 15, 1826, to a Baptist family, on a farm in Tolland County, Connecticut.[1][5][6] He later moved to Upstate New York, where he would become a teacher of music, ultimately establishing that as his lifetime livelihood.[7]
Years down the line he moved to Richmond, Indiana, living there for numerous years. His profession would eventually cause him to relocate to Missouri, where he taught at a normal school in Warrensburg. He did the same in Clinton, and would only move to California in 1890.[7]
Later life and death
editBy 1921, the time Cole reached his 95th birthday, he had, in essence, gained recognition as a local celebrity in Southern California, being known as "Pasadena's Grand Old Man." In Pasadena, especially, city-wide celebrations were held in his honor at Pasadena Park, drawing thousands of attendees.[5]
On his 103rd birthday in 1929, he received well-wishes from many noteworthy individuals, including former U.S. Presidents William Howard Taft and Calvin Coolidge, along with other prominent figures such as industrialist Henry Ford, United States Secretary of the Treasury Andrew W. Mellon, California Governor James Rolph, and Connecticut Governor Wilbur Lucius Cross.[5]
In that same year, on August 19, he was interviewed on sound film by 73-year-old C. R. Hodges. During the interview, he discussed various subjects, including his parents, early life, career, education, political views, and personal habits, noting that he was a Republican and had previously been a Whig. He also attributed his longevity to obedience and his avoidance of smoking and drinking.[1][4]
On April 7, 1931, Cole broke his thigh following a fall, while his housekeeper was absent. Prior to this accident, he was said to have been very active and in good health. Although his doctor urged him to eat and take his medication, Cole refused, compelling the medical staff to administer treatment through injections and artificial feeding. When questioned about Cole's refusal, the doctor chose not to provide an explanation.[8]
Consequently, on April 11, he died in a hospital in Pasadena, at the supposed age of 104.[2]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Fox Movietone News Story 3-503". digital.tcl.sc.edu. Retrieved 2024-09-22.
- ^ a b "Galusha Cole, Age 104, Dies Refusing Aid". The Long Beach Sun. April 12, 1931. p. 1.
- ^ The Pacific Coast Musician. Colby and Pryibil. 1927. p. 24.
- ^ a b Walker, Jesse (2018-06-01). "Interviews with Some of America's Oldest People—in 1929". Reason.com. Retrieved 2024-09-21.
- ^ a b c "GALUSHA M. COLE DIED AT 104". Henry County Democrat. April 30, 1931. p. 4.
- ^ "Galusha Cole". The Pasadena Post. April 13, 1931. p. 2.
- ^ a b "GALUSHA COLE, 104, DIES FROM FALL IN HOME IN CALIFORNIA". Pasadena Star-News. April 13, 1931.
- ^ "CENTENARIAN IN GRAVE CONDITION FOLLOWING FALL". Imperial Valley Press. April 7, 1931. p. 1.