George R. Poulton
George Rodway Poulton (bapt. 16 October 1828Wiltshire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1916 – 1867) was an English musician and composer.

He was born in Cricklade, near Cirencester, Wiltshire, England in 1828 to Charles Poulton and Hannah Rodway Poulton. He was baptised in St. Mary's Church and was raised in the town until the age of seven when his parents, Charles and Hannah Poulton, emigrated to Lansingburgh, New York. George Poulton's descendants still have connections with Cricklade.

In 1861, George Poulton composed the melody for the song "Aura Lea", which was popular during the American Civil War, and later became popular with college glee clubs and barbershop quartets. It was also sung at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York. In 1956 the tune (now in the public domain) was given new lyrics and released as the Elvis Presley song "Love Me Tender".

In 1864, he was tarred and feathered after having an affair with a young student.  He died in 1867, aged thirty-eight.

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Category:1828 births
Category:1867 deaths
Category:People from Wiltshire
Category:People from Lansingburgh, New York
Category:Cricklade
Category:Tarring and feathering in the United States


when was poulton born