Bamborough, Jacob (1851-1916)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Geo. W. King

By the passing, on May 21st, 1916, of Mr. J. Bamborough, the Newtown Church, Hebburn, has sustained a heavy loss. Converted at the age of sixteen during some revival services conducted by the Rev. W. Gelley at West Moor, becoming a local preacher a few years later when residing at Backworth, subsequently taking up the duties of choirmaster, Sunday schoo! teacher, and class leader, he rendered high service to the churches at Backworth, Amble and Hebburn.

Aptly has he been described as the man with the Bible; the man with the Church and the house of God on his shoulders‘ and in his soul, and as the man whose religion made him happy, kept him busy, gave him power, and made everything else commonplace. He certainly loved the Book. Of him it can be truly said, “I have rejoiced in the way of Thy tesmonies,” “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of of my pilgrimage”; and equally true can it be said of him in relation to the house of God:—

“With strong desires my spirit faints,
To meet the assembly of Thy saints.”

And religion made him happy. Though never physically strong, he was a Christian pilgrim with music in his soul; and religion kept him busy. In 1865 Miss C. Campbell and he became husband and wife, and for forty years lived the joyous life together, kept open house, for the preachers, and generously contributed to the funds of the Church.

Family

Jacob was born in the spring of 1851 at Jarrow on Tyne, Co. Durham, to parents Jacob Bamborough, a coal miner (1861), and Jane Johnson. He was baptised on 4 June 1851 at South Shields, Co. Durham.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Jacob.