Powell, James (1824-1899)

Transcription of Obituary In the Primitive Methodist Magazine by E. Ball

James Powell was born at Dilwyn, Herefordshire, March 10, 1824. For many years he was worldly and self-seeking, as many are to-day, caring only for the things of time.

We cannot say the exact time of his conversion, but it was soon after his first marriage, which took place when he was only seventeen years of age. It was through the agency of Primitive Methodism that he was led to Christ. From the first he cast in his lot with the people who had been the means in the hands of God in leading him to Christ. How long he was a member at Dilwyn in the Leominster Circuit, we have no means of knowing just now, but this we know, he was a member there up to the time of his removal to the city of Hereford.

Some fifty years ago he came to reside in Hereford, and at once united himself with St. Owen’s Street Church, of which he remained a consistent and faithful member to the day of his death.

For many years he was assistant superintendent of the Sunday School. He was also a trustee of several of our chapels, and gave liberally to their support.

For some years previous to his death Mr. Powell had retired from business, and went to reside in one of his own houses in Park Street. His illness was both long and tedious. Indeed, it was while witnessing the celebration of a wedding in St. Owens Street Church he had the first stroke, and it is somewhat singular that he should have had the second stroke also while attending the Sunday evening service in the same place. These strokes seriously affected his memory, so that he could think of nothing, or yet call to mind anything that had taken place.

During the last sixteen months I frequently visited him, and always found him calm, peaceful, and trusting. His sole hope was in Jesus, and it was both helpful and inspiring to hear him exclaim,
“My Jesus to know,” &c.

He was fond of the old hymns and tunes, and spoke with delight of old days, and the hallowed associations connected with them.

He suffered much pain at times, but was very patient under all his sufferings. He spoke of her who now mourns his loss in the highest terms. He said that she had been most kind and devoted to him. His, last words were, “Let me go to sleep. I want to sleep in Jesus,” and on the calm Sabbath morning, September 10, 1899: at ten minutes to eight, this follower of Jesus Christ entered into his rest, and he went to be with Christ.

His remains were laid to rest in Hereford Cemetery, September 13, to await the general resurrection of the dead at the last day.

Let us follow him as he followed Christ, that we might meet him again in the land where there is no storm.

Family

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

  • 1861 turnpike toll collector
  • 1871 corn dealer
  • 1881 corn factor

James married Martha Charles (1814- 1891) in the spring of 1847 in the Weobly Registration District. Census returns identify one child.

  • Mary Ann (abt1848-1876) – married Thomas Harris in 1867

James married Emily Jay in late 1891 at Hereford, Herefordshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1901/713

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers

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