Wood, James (1845-1912)

Transcription of obituary published in the Primitive Methodist Magazine by W.S. Howlett

Mr. James Wood departed this life in the hope and peace of the gospel at Wrockwardine Wood, Salop, September 29th, 1912, aged sixty-seven years, after being, for quite fifty years, a faithful, acceptable and successful local preacher. Of the few educational advantages which he had he made the best possible use. From his childhood he regularly attended our Sabbath School, and greatly profited by the instructions he there received. In his early youth he yielded himself to the power of the Holy Spirit and became in Christ a new creature. He forthwith identified himself with our society, of which his mother was already a member, and soon afterward had the joy of seeing his father hopefully saved and also enrolled in Church membership.

For many years he also honourably filled the position of Sunday School superintendent as also that of circuit steward; and as a trustee for both chapel and school he endeavoured in every way to promote the welfare of his Church and to extend the kingdom of Christ.

Personal and domestic afflictions and sad bereavements fell to his lot, and the last illness was protracted and at times distressful and severe, but through all he was sustained by grace, and his dying testimony was a loud shout of “Hallelujah to Jesus!” On October 3rd a service was held in our own Church, at which an appropriate and effective address was given by Mr. J. Pugh; after which the interment took place at Donnington Wood Churchyard, the writer officiating, who also conducted a memorial service on October 20th. May the widow (a niece of the late Rev. W. Wood) and her surviving children finally meet their loved ones.

Family

James was born abt1845 at Lilleshall, Shropshire, to parents William Wood, a stone miner (1861), and Jemima Wakeley.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

1861 stone miner
1871 painter & glazier
1881 plumber & painter
1891 plumber & glazier
1901 life assurance agent
1911 house painter and agent for Wesleyan Life Assurance

He married Esther Perry (1848-1921) in the spring of 1871 in the Wellington Registration District, Shropshire. Census returns identify three of six children.

Margaret Perry (1872-1906) – a domestic nurse (1901)
Esther (1880-1946) – married William Thomas Mansell, an iron tuner engineer (1911), in 1910
William James (b1884) – an apprentice engine fitter (1901); an engineer’s turner (1911); a confectioner shopkeeper (1921)

James died on 29 September 1912 at Wrockwardine Wood, Shropshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1913/159

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers