Skip to content

George William Needham (1873–1965)

🏠 » Collection » 1890 New Bedford, Massachusetts photo album

Compiled and written by Kimberli Faulkner Hull © Cool Adventures
The contents of this website, including images and photos, may neither be copied nor otherwise used or posted elsewhere without explicit permission. Citing this page.

Headley and Reed, photographer (New Bedford, Massachusetts), George William Needham, ca. 1890; privately held by the Faulkner–Hull Collection, Massachusetts.
Headley and Reed, photographer (New Bedford, Massachusetts), George William Needham, ca. 1890; privately held by the Faulkner–Hull Collection, Massachusetts.

George William Needham was born 6 January 1873 in Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts to George William Needham and Mary Ellen Eaton.1

[Open Endnotes in separate tab]

George spent his early childhood in Taunton, but his family moved to New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts in the early 1880s, with his brother, Arthur Eaton, being born in New Bedford in 1883.2 George attended Fifth Street Grammar School, then New Bedford High School, graduating in 1890.3

Annual Report of the School Committee of the City of New Bedford, with the Superintendent's Annual Report, for the Year 1890, (New Bedford : Mercury Publishing Company, 1891), p. 21-23, New Bedford High School Graduating Exercise, 27 June 1890.
Annual Report of the School Committee of the City of New Bedford, with the Superintendent’s Annual Report, for the Year 1890, (New Bedford : Mercury Publishing Company, 1891), p. 21-23, New Bedford High School Graduating Exercise, 27 June 1890.
“New Bedford High School Class of 1890”; photograph held by the New Bedford Free Public Library photograph collection, New Bedford, Massachusetts; published online at Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online.
“New Bedford High School Class of 1890”; photograph held by the New Bedford Free Public Library photograph collection, New Bedford, Massachusetts; published online at Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online.

George married Luella Richmond Tripp, the sister of Gertie Evelyn Tripp, on 29 June 1896 in New Bedford at Luella’s parents’ home.4

"New Bedford, George W. Needham and Luella R. Tripp Wed," marriage announcement, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 30 Jun 1896, p. 5, col. 3.
“New Bedford, George W. Needham and Luella R. Tripp Wed,” marriage announcement, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 30 Jun 1896, p. 5, col. 3.

George and Luella welcomed their first son, Horace, to their family in 1898 and, at the turn of the century, the family was living at 213 Chestnut Street in New Bedford, with George working as a music teacher.5 A baby girl, who did not survive, was born in 1903.6

By 1910, the family had moved to New York City, where George was a music professor, and they welcomed two more sons to the family, William Edgar, in 1911, and Richmond in 1913.7 Sadly, Luella died at the age of 40 on 20 April 1915 in New York City.8 She is buried in Rural Cemetery in New Bedford, Massachusetts.9

“Luella R. Needham Funeral,” funeral notice, The Evening Standard (New Bedford, Massachusetts), 22 Apr 1915, p. 4, col. 4.
“Luella R. Needham Funeral,” funeral notice, The Evening Standard (New Bedford, Massachusetts), 22 Apr 1915, p. 4, col. 4.

George married second to Elizabeth Inez Sarah Metcalf Cheever on 4 November 1916 in Manhattan, New York City, New York.10 By 1920, they have moved to Leonia, Bergen County, New Jersey, where they would live for the remainder of their lives.11

In 1926, Horace and Luella’s youngest son, Richmond, died at the age of 13 in New York City.12

"Deaths, Richmond Needham," obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 10 Jul 1926, p. 2, col. 6.
“Deaths, Richmond Needham,” obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 10 Jul 1926, p. 2, col. 6.

George’s father, George William Needham, died on 3 April 1930 in Wickford, Washington County, Rhode Island.13 George’s mother, Mary Ellen Eaton Needham died on 22 February 1937 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois at the age of 87.14 Both are buried in Elm Grove Cemetery in North Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island.15

Elizabeth Inez Sarah Metcalf Needham died on 19 March 1963 in Paramus, Bergen County, New Jersey, and is buried in George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.16

"Elizabeth I. Needham, 87; Former Welfare Director," obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 20 Mar 1963, p. 93, col. 7.
“Elizabeth I. Needham, 87; Former Welfare Director,” obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 20 Mar 1963, p. 93, col. 7.

George and Luella’s son, Horace Richmond Needham, died on 10 October 1964 at the age of 65 and is buried in Elm Grove Cemetery in North Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island.17

"Horace R. Needham," obituary, Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), p. C-5, col. 6.
“Horace R. Needham,” obituary, Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), p. C-5, col. 6.

George William Needham died on 29 March 1965 in Haverford, Montgomery, County Pennsylvania at the age of 92.18 George is buried in George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, Bergen County, New Jersey.19

"George Needham, 92, Funeral Tomorrow," obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 30 Mar 1965, p. 33, col. 6.
“George Needham, 92, Funeral Tomorrow,” obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 30 Mar 1965, p. 33, col. 6.

George and Luella’s last surviving son, William Edgar Needham, died on 14 April 1970 at the age of 58 in Hackensack, Bergen County, New Jersey, and is buried in George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, Bergen County, New Jersey.20

"W. E. Needham, Was Executive," obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 15 Apr 1970, p. C-17, col. 4.
“W. E. Needham, Was Executive,” obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 15 Apr 1970, p. C-17, col. 4.

Endnotes

1. No birth record found. Date listed on draft registration, United States World War I Draft Registration Card, George William Needham, serial no. 2523, Local Draft Board no. 5, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. Birth: 6 Jan 1873.
Also, location and parents listed on marriage record, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Marriage Register 1896, p. 234, no. 317, George W. Needham–Luella R. Tripp, 29 June 1896.
Groom: George W. Needham, age 23, first marriage. Occupation music teacher. Born in Taunton. Parents: George [Needham] and Mary Eaton.

Back to article

2. 1880 U.S. census, Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 126, page 19 (penned) 483 (stamped), dwelling 154, family 204, George Needham household.
– George Needham, age 36, born in England, plater
– Mary E., wife, age 32, born in England
– George W., son, age 7, born in Massachusetts

Also, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Births Register 1883, p. 159, no. 140, Arthur E. Needham, 23 Sept 1883. Parents: George [Needham], born in England, and Mary E. Eaton, born in England. Parent’s residence: New Bedford. Father’s occupation: Silversmith.

Also, for brother’s full name, United States World War I Draft Registration Card, Arthur Eaton Needham, serial no. 2476, Local Draft Board 9, District of Columbia. Birth: 23 Sep 1883.

Back to article

3. Annual Report of the School Committee of the City of New Bedford, with the Superintendent’s Annual Report, for the Year 1890, (New Bedford : Mercury Publishing Company, 1891, p. 23, New Bedford High School Graduating Class of 1890.

Also, “Admission to the High School,” newspaper article, The Evening Standard (New Bedford, Massachusetts), 10 July 1886, p. 5, col. 3.

Also, “New Bedford High School Class of 1890”; photograph held by the New Bedford Free Public Library photograph collection, New Bedford, Massachusetts; published online at Digital Commonwealth Massachusetts Collection Online.

Back to article

4. “New Bedford, George W. Needham and Luella R. Tripp Wed,” marriage announcement, Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, Massachusetts), 30 Jun 1896, p. 5, col. 3.

Also, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Marriage Register 1896, p. 234, no. 317, George W. Needham–Luella R. Tripp, 29 June 1896.
Groom: George W. Needham, age 23, first marriage. Occupation music teacher. Born in Taunton. Parents: George [Needham] and Mary Eaton.
Bride: Luella R. Tripp, age 21, first marriage. Born in New Bedford. Parents: Richmond [Tripp] and Mary Ryder.

Also, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Births Register 1875, p. 141, no. 254, Lewela P. Tripp, 22 Feb 1875. Parents: Richmond J., born in Dartmouth, and Mary E, born in Fall River. Father’s occupation: Carpenter.

Also, Luella sister, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Births Register 1872, vol. 4, p. 113, no. 433, Gertie E. Tripp, 29 Mar 1872. Parents: Richmond J. [Tripp], born in Dartmouth, and Mary Ryder, born in Fall River. Father’s occupation: carpenter.

Back to article

5. New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Births Register 1898, vol. 9, p. 196, no. 1787, Horace R. Needham, 15 Nov 1898. Parents: George W. [Needham], born in Taunton, and Luella R. Tripp, born in New Bedford. Parent’s residence: New Bedford. Father’s occupation: Music teacher.

Also 1900 U.S. census, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 182, sheet 4B, dwelling 74, family 111, Richmond J. Tripp, household.
Address: 213 Chestnut Street
– Richmond J. Tripp, age 59, star builder, born Jan 1847 in Massachusetts
– Mary E., wife, age 58, born Jan 1850 in Massachusetts, 2 children born, 2 living
– G. W. Needham, boarder, age 27, born Jan 1873 in Massachusetts
– Luella Needham, wife, age 25, born Feb 1875 in Massachusetts
– Horace R. Needham, son, age 1, born Nov 1898 in Massachusetts
– Gertrude Carpenter, boarder, widowed, age 28, born March 1872 in Massachusetts

Back to article

6. Commonwealth of Massachusetts, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts, Return of a Death, no. 551, Female Needham, 12 Aug 1903. Stillborn. Parents: George W. Needham, born in Taunton, Massachusetts, and Luella R. Tripp, born in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery.

Also, Find A Grave, memorial 233261084, Baby girl Needham (1903–1903), Oak Grove Cemetery, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts; no headstone photo.

Back to article

7. 1910 U.S. census, New York City, New York County, New York, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 678, sheet 7A, dwelling 26, family 130, George W. Needham household.
Address: 605 W. 182nd Street
– George W. Needham, age 37, married 13 years, born in Massachusetts, professor music
– Luella R., wife, age 35, married 13 years, born in Massachusetts, 1 child born, 1 living
– Horace R, son, age 11, born in Massachusetts

Also, United States World War II Draft Registration Card, William Edgar Needham, serial no. 526, Local Draft Board 12, Bergen County, New Jersey. Birth: 20 Oct 1911, New York City.

Also, New York, New York, U.S., Extracted Death Index, 1862-1948, Manhattan, New York, certificate no. 19129, Richmond Needham, 18 July 1926. Birth: 1913. Note: Index states death date was the 18th but the obituary was published on the 10th and states the 8th.

Back to article

8. New York, New York City Municipal Deaths, 1795-1949, Manhattan, certificate no. cn 12678, Luella R. Needham, 20 Apr 1915. Age: 40. Married. Birthdate: 22 Feb 1875, Massachusetts. Parents: Richmond J. Tripp and Mary E. D. Ryder. Burial: Rural Cemetery, New Bedford, Massachusetts, 22 Apr 1915.

Back to article

9. Find A Grave, memorial 233253135, Luella Richmond Tripp Needham (1875–1915), Rural Cemetery, New Bedford, Bristol County, Massachusetts; no headstone photo.

Also, “Luella R. Needham Funeral,” funeral notice, The Evening Standard (New Bedford, Massachusetts), 22 Apr 1915, p. 4, col. 4.

Back to article

10. State of New York, Certificate and Record of Marriage, no. 2640, George William Needham–Elizabeth Inez Sarah Cheever, 4 Nov 1916. 
Groom: George William Needham, age 43, widowed, 2nd marriage. Residence: 551 West 174 Street. Occupation: Music teacher. Birthplace: Taunton, Massachusetts. Parents: George [Needham] and Mary Ellen Eaton.
Bride: Elizabeth Inez Sarah Cheever, age 39, divorced, 2nd marriage. Maiden name: Elizabeth Metcalf. Birthplace: Rockland, Maine. Parents: Henry Metcalf and Elizabeth Norton.

Back to article

11. 1920 U.S. census, Leonia, Bergen County, New Jersey, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 56, sheet 2B, dwelling 33, family 51, George W. Needham household.
Address: 362 Grand Avenue – George W. Needham, age 47, born in Massachusetts,
– Elizabeth I., wife, age 44, born in Maine
– William E., son, age 8, born in New York
– Richmond A., son, age 6, born in New York

Also, 1930 U.S. census, Leonia, Bergen County, New Jersey, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 134, sheet 3A, dwelling 36, family 52, George W. Needham household.
Address: 362 Grand Avenue – George W. Needham, age 55, born in New York,
– Elizabeth, wife, age 52, born in New York
– William, son, age 18, single, born in New Jersey

Also, 1940 U.S. census, Leonia, Bergen County, New Jersey, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 21-90, sheet 12B, family 323, George W. Needham household.
Address: 362 Grand Avenue
– George W. Needham, age 67, born in Massachusetts, county supervisor, grade 4, WPA music project
– Elizabeth I., wife, age 65, born in Maine
– Andrew J. Fox, boarder, age 30
– Arthur J. Miller, boarder, age 37
– Mary H. Byrne, boarder, age 24

Back to article

12. “Death, Richmond Needham,” obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 10 Jul 1926, p. 2, col. 6.

Back to article

13. Wickford, North Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island, Return of a Death, no. 30-11, George Needham, 3 April 1930. Birth: 8 June 1846, England. Age: 83 years, 9 months, 15 days. Married. Spouse: Mary Ellen Eaton Needham. Retired. Parents: John Needham and Ruth Taylor. Burial: Elm Grove Cemetery.

Back to article

14. Illinois, U.S., Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, Mary E. Eaton Needham, 22 Feb 1937. Birth: 13 Apr 1849, Liverpool, England. Age: 87. Spouse: George.
Burial: 25 Feb 1937, Wickford, Rhode Island. Parents: Charles J. S Eaton, born in Rotherham, England, and Mary E. Sheridan, born in England.

Back to article

15. Find A Grave, memorial 198200757, George Needham (1846–1930), Elm Grove Cemetery, North Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island; no headstone photo.

Also, Rhode Island, U.S., Historical Cemetery Commission Index, 1647-2008, Elm Grove Cemetery, Cemetery NK026, Lot 733, George Needham (1846-1930). Stone: good condition, granite, round top, 4 inscriptions on stone.

Also, Find A Grave, memorial 233248249, Mary Ellen Eaton Needham (1849–1937), Plot 733, Elm Grove Cemetery, North Kingstown, Washington County, Rhode Island; no headstone photo.

Also, Rhode Island, U.S., Historical Cemetery Commission Index, 1647-2008, Elm Grove Cemetery, Cemetery NK026, Lot 733, Mary Ellen Eaton Needham (1849-1937). Stone: good condition, granite, round top, 4 inscriptions on stone.

Back to article

16. “Elizabeth I. Needham, 87; Former Welfare Director,” obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 20 Mar 1963, p. 93, col. 7.

Find A Grave, memorial 233252763, Elizabeth Inez Sarah Metcalf Needham (1876–1963), George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, Bergen County, New Jersey; no headstone photo.

Back to article

17. “Horace R. Needham,” obituary, Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 12 Oct 1964, p. C-5, col. 6.

Back to article

18. “George Needham, 92, Funeral Tomorrow,” obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 30 Mar 1965, p. 33, col. 6.

Also, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Montgomery County, Haverford, George William Needham, 29 Mar 1965. Place of death: Haverford, Lower Merion, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Widowed. Spouse: Elizabeth C. Needham. Birth: 6 Jan 1873, Massachusetts. Parents: George William Needham and Mary Ellen Eaton. Burial: Geo. Wash. Mem. Park, Paramus, New Jersey, 31 Mar 1965.

Back to article

19. Find A Grave, memorial 233244087, George William Needham (1873–1965), George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, Bergen County, New Jersey; no headstone photo.

Back to article

20. “W. E. Needham, Was Executive,” obituary, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 15 Apr 1970, p. C-17, col. 4.

Also, “Park Girl Weds W. E. Needham,” Florence Gutsohn–William Edgar Needham marriage announcement, The Record (Hackensack, New Jersey), 12 June 1933, p. 17, col. 3.

Also, Find A Grave, memorial 23325323, William Edgar Needham (1911-1970), George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus, Bergen County, New Jersey; no headstone photo.

Back to article

Citing this page: Kimberli Faulkner Hull, author, “George William Needham (1873–1965)” Cool Adventures (https://cooladventures.com/collection/george-william-needham-1873-1965/ : posted 2021).

Back to top