Stobbs, Joseph (1850-1916)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine

Joseph Stobbs went home to God on Tuesday, April 18th, at the age of sixty-six. He was born in Allendale, and at the age of seventeen became a member of our Church. When he was twenty-two he removed to Newcastle, and entered on a successful business career.

He joined our West Street Church, and, when the present Kingsley Church was built, he became a trustee and superintendent of the Sunday school. The great love of his heart was for Sunday school work. Four years ago he completed forty years as a teacher, and was the recipient of a diploma of honour, given by the Old Bailey Sunday School Union.

On Good Friday the Revs. R. Ferguson, T. Sowerby and W.D. Cox conducted a memorial service. A large congregation gathered in the church and at the graveside. He was a good man, and his life and influence will live.

Family

Joseph was born in 1850 at Allendale, Northumberland, to parents Thomas Stobbs, a lead ore smelter (1851), and Elizabeth Shield. Joseph was baptised on 25 August 1850 at Allendale.

Census returns identify the following occupations for Joseph.

1861 scholar
1871 carpenter
1881 joiner
1891 picture framer
1901 wholesale picture framer
1911 picture frame maker

He married Eleanor Law (1846-1896) in early 1876 at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland. Census returns identify nine children.

Joseph William (1877-1916) – wholesale picture framer (1901)
David (1878-1949) – broker’s clerk (1901)
Elizabeth (1880-1936) – housemaid (1911); emigrated to Australia in 1913; married Herbert William Robertson in 1917
Ernest (1882-1944) – assisting in father’s business (1911); clerk in Ministry of Pensions (1921)
Eleanor (b1883) – housemaid (1911)
Hannah Jane (1884-1949) – dressmaker (1911); married Thomas Baggaley, a hospital porter (1939), in 1915
Grace (1886-1940) – assisting in father’s business (1911); emigrated to Australia in 1913; married John Henry Davidson in 1915
Herbert (b1888) – a Post Office Telephones clerk (1939)
Thomas Henry (1891-1955) – shipping clerk (1911)

He married Agnes Porter Lawrence (1859-1947) in late 1901 at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland.

Joseph died on 18 April 1916 at Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/860

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers