At the age of 16, in 1850, he went to London as a clerk at the Medical, Clerical and General Life Assurance Society at a salary of £40 per year.

[5] A number of accounts refer to Coles as a leading financial authority[7] and of having great influence on the insurance industry.

[4] In 1884 Coles was adopted as the prospective Liberal candidate for Tiverton; but, before an election took place, the borough lost its separate representation and became the centre of the county division.

[4] When, in the first week of August 1914, war broke out, Coles was one of the financiers personally consulted by the then Chancellor of the Exchequer as to the measures to be taken to prevent panic and to safeguard the interests of the country.

[9] John Coles was proud of his Devon heritage and was a great benefactor to the Parish Church of Washfield, the borough of Tiverton and to Blundell’s School.

The tenor is inscribed in Latin with the words meaning: Long live Edward VII King and Emperor.

He also provided funds for the Technical, Science, and Art School; the Town Library; and the Infirmary, including a completely equipped modern laundry at a cost of £400 and a nurses' block (known as the Coles Institute).

The day of celebration included the presentation, a procession, official luncheon, tree planting at People's Park, afternoon sporting events and an evening ball at Blundell's School.

[4] John Coles married, in 1863, Amelia, daughter of Frederick Lermitte, of Twickenham, Middlesex and Jane Pinckard of Winkleigh, Devon.