Need, James (1847-1911)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by B.B.

Mr. James Need was born in the parish of Himbleton, 1847. He became a member of our Church at Sale Green at an early age. His father was the Society Steward for nearly 50 years. 

James was a good Christian, gentle and kind. One who knew him well says, “He was the very personification of honesty, truthfulness, and humility.” These qualities made him a great power for good in the neighbourhood where he lived. 

His end came quickly. After a week’s illness he passed to his reward at the age of 64 years. He leaves a widow, three sons and two daughters to mourn the loss of a very devoted, faithful and loving husband and father. All his family are members of our Church, and two sons and a brother hold office therein. He was buried at Huddington churchyard, 12th October, 1911. A memorial service was held the following Sunday by the writer.

Family

James was born in late 1847 at Himbleton, Worcestershire, to parents Samuel Need, who worked the land (1851), and Maria Bartles. He was baptised on 16 April 1848 at Himbleton.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

• 1861 general servant
• 1871 labourer
• 1881 railway labourer
• 1891 general labourer roadman
• 1901 road labourer
• 1911 labourer on road

He married Emma Hewlett (1848-1918) in late 1868 at Huddington, Worcestershire. Census returns identify five of eight children.

• Rhoda (1870-1954) – glove machinist (1891); married Benjamin Perkins, a farm labourer (1911), on 24 September 1896
• George (1872-1954) – commission agent (1891); a bricklayer (1911)
• Rebecca (1875-1935) – glove machinist (1891); married Benjamin Allen, a waggoner on a farm (1911), on 2 November 1898
• Joseph (1879-1962) – a road man (1911)
• Albert Edward (1881-1845) – a bread salesman (1911)

James died in October 1911 at Huddington, Worcestershire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1912/324

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers