Webster, James (1828-1916)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by R.W. Nelson

On February 13th, 1916, his eighty-eighth birthday, James Webster exchanged mortality for life. Fifty-nine years ago he made the great surrender to Jesus Christ, and that hour commenced a life of service for the Church and humanity which has had but few equals in the annals of village Methodism.

Strong in personality and winsome in character, upon him the beauty of the Lord wondrously rested. His mighty power in prayer strangely moved all hearts. For nearly half a century he was a missionary collector, securing considerable sums for the missionary fund. Though bringing up a large family and never earning more than a small wage, his home was always open to the preachers, and memories of the hospitality received and the radiant fellowship bring inspiration still to many hearts. As steward, class leader and trustee he gave of his best. In the quiet churchyard at Roecliffe his mortal remains were laid to rest.

Family

James was born on 13 February 1828 at Roecliffe, Yorkshire, to parents James Webster, a cordwainer (1851), and Ann (Nancy) Fryer. he was baptised on 2 March 1828 at Aldborough, nr. York, Yorkshire..

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

1851 cordwainer
1861 boot & shoe maker
1871 boot & shoemaker master
1881 boot & shoemaker
1891 shoemaker
1901 shoemaker
1911 retired shoemaker

He married Hannah Proctor (1836-1919) in late 1853 at Ripon, Yorkshire. Census returns identify nine of eleven children.

Thomas (1854-1927) – a paper machine salesman (1891); commercial traveller (1911)
Mary Jane (1856-1913) – a domestic cook (1881); married Alfred Bulmer, a beef butcher (1911), in 1899
Sarah Ann (1858-1864)
John (1861-1912) – foreman porter for N.E. Railway (1901)
Nancy (1863-1930) – married Charles Horner Rennison, a stationary engine tenter (1911), in 1883
Annie (1870-1877)
William (1870-1872)
James (1872-1949) – farm labourer (1911)
George (1874-1951) – general servant (1891); postman (1911)

James died on 13 February 1916 at Roecliffe, Yorkshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1916/413

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers