Brandford, James Michael (1826-1899)

Transcription of Obituary In the Primitive Methodist Magazine by John W Booth

LUDLOW Circuit has lost one of its most devoted members and workers in the person of Brother James Michael Brandford, of Sandpits Society, who entered into rest on Wednesday, November 1, at the age of seventy-three. He had endured many months of extreme weakness, and frequently acute pain, with exemplary patience and Christian trust in God‘s goodness. His work in Ludlow Circuit was of the most varied character, and its results both far-reaching and permanent.

Throughout this circuit, of which he was a life-long member, the testimonies to his high Christian character and most generous support of and loyalty to the Connexion are universal and sincere. Brother Brandford was born in 1826, and joined our society at Wyson in 1844. He became a local preacher in 1846, and during all his long career of Christian usefulness his whole life and conduct were without a stain. Kind and generous to all, he was remarkably so with all ministers of the Gospel. He has now entered into the “joy of his Lord.”

The interment took place on November 5, in the presence of a great multitude of mourners. The Revs. S. Peake, C. Smallman, A.H. Jackson (Wesleyan), and J.W. Booth, officiated at Sandpits Chapel and at the grave.

On Sunday, November 12, a memorial service was conducted in Sandpits Chapel by Mr. B. Weale. By special request of the Old Street Chapel Trustees, Ludlow, the Rev. J.W. Booth conducted a memorial service in that place of worship on November 26.

The prayers of all friends are invoked in behalf of his surviving, sorrowing widow.

Family

James was born at Bewdley, Worcestershire, and baptised on 8 October 1826 at Rock, Worcester. His parents were James, a brushmaker, and Mary.

Census returns identify the following occupations for James.

• 1841 labourer
• 1851 hoop shearer
• 1861 butcher
• 1871 butcher
• 1881 butcher
• 1891 butcher

James married Maria Rowe (1826-1917) in early 1851 in the Tenbury Registration District, Worcestershire.

Maria married Edward Sheppard in early 1900 at Ludlow, Shropshire.

James died on 1 November 1899 at Henwick House, East Hamlet, Shropshire.

References

Primitive Methodist Magazine 1901/553

Census Returns and Births, Marriages & Deaths Registers