Edwards, James (1828-1910)

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Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by Samuel Harry 

Born in Presteign, Wales, in 1828, of Godly parents, James Edwards was converted in his eighteenth year. In the Brierley Hill Circuit he found his true sphere in the Sunday School, in which he laboured until prostrated by his last illness at the great age of 82 years, and, in addition, filled, at various times, most offices in school and church. 

Removing to Hanley in 1870, Bro. Edwards joined the church at Marsh Street, and became teacher to a class of young men, all of whom were soon converted, and are to-day serving God. His influence was described as resistless. Coming, in 1880, to Kidderminster, Bro. Edwards was one of the mainstays of the Church until his death. Last year, he was elected President of the Sunday School Union of Kidderminster and neighbourhood.

A lingering illness terminated by the call to eternal rest on August 11th, 1910. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Samuel Harry, assisted by religious leaders of the neighbourhood, in the presence of a large concourse of friends and school children. Impressive memorial services were held on September 18th, when various tributes were paid to a rare spirit and invaluable services.

Family

James was born in 1828 at Presteigne, Radnorshire, to parents Evan, a labourer (1841), and Margaret.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James

• 1851 labourer
• 1861 labourer at ironworks
• 1871 iron works stock taker
• 1891 hoist worker
• 1901 hoist worker at woollen mill

He married Ellen Reynolds (abt1825-1871) in late 1853 in the Bridgnorth Registration District, Shropshire. Census returns identify one child.

• William Joseph (abt1855-1931) – an assurance agent (1911)

He married Mary Price (1830-1908) in early 1872 in the Bridgnorth Registration District, Shropshire. Census returns identify one child.   

• Laura (abt1874-1959) – a carpet wool drawer (1891); married Thomas Henry Whitehurst, a wool spinning overlooker (1901), in 1895

James died on 11 August 1910 at Kidderminster, Worcestershire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1910/989

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers