Joseph M. Scriven(1819-1886)

Irish poet Joseph Medlicott Scriven was born on September 10, 1819 at Ballymoney Lodge in County Down, Northern Ireland. His parents were Captain John Scriven and Jane Medlicott. Joseph graduated with a B.A. degree from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland and embraced the teachings of the Plymouth Brethren. In 1845 his fiancée drowned on the night before they were to be married. A grief-stricken Scriven moved to Canada where he settled in Port Hope, Ontario, Canada and worked as a private tutor for local families. Joseph fell in love with a local woman who suddenly fell ill with pneumonia and subsequently died. Known by people in the Port Hope area as an eccentric, Scriven was nonetheless a born philanthropist and devoutly religious man who freely gave away what little money and clothing he had to impoverished people in great need. In 1855 he wrote a poem called "Pray Without Ceasing" to comfort his ailing mother. This poem was later set to music by attorney and songwriter Charles Crozat Coverse and retitled "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" has since gone on to become a well-regarded classic gospel hymn that's been covered by many artists throughout the world. Joseph died at age 66 on August 10, 1886 in Pope Hope, Ontario, Canada.