John Needles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Needles
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| Born | October 4, 1786 Talbot County
Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | July 19, 1878 Kent County
Maryland, U.S. |
| Occupation | Cabinetmaker |
| Spouse(s) | Eliza Matthews Lydia Smith Mary Ann Bowers |
| Children | Mary Lamb, b. 5-1812 Ruthanna, b. 3-24-1815 Edith Dawson, b. 9-30-1817 Ann Maria, b. 7-22-1819 Edward Man, b. 4-26-1823 Eliza Marsh, b. 4-18-1826 John Amos, b. 10-1-1828 Sarah, b. 5-19-1831 Helen McHenry, b. 12-26-1834 |
| Parent(s) | Edward Needles Mary Lamb |
John Needles (1786–1878) was a very active member of the Quaker community. He was also a famous abolitionist from Maryland, meaning he worked to end slavery. Besides his important social work, John Needles was a highly skilled craftsman who made beautiful furniture.
Early Life and Learning a Trade
John Needles was born on October 4, 1786. His parents, Edward and Mary (Lamb) Needles, lived on a farm called High Banks. This farm was near the Choptank River in a small community. It was about eight miles east of Easton, in Talbot County, Maryland.
When John's father passed away in 1798, John went to live with his grandfather, Pearce Lamb. His grandfather's farm, Lamb's Meadows, was located near Kennedyville, in Kent County, Maryland.
In 1803, at the age of 16, John Needles moved to Easton. There, he began a five-year apprenticeship with James Neall. An apprenticeship is like a long training period. John learned how to be a cabinetmaker from Mr. Neall.
Starting a Family
After finishing his training in 1808, John Needles spent six months at Wakefield. This was a farm owned by his friend, Joseph Bartlett. Wakefield was located between Easton and St. Michaels.
John Needles later met Eliza Matthews. She was the younger sister of Joseph Bartlett's future wife, Rhoda Matthews. John was interested in Eliza, and he wasn't disappointed when he finally met her.
On May 29, 1811, John Needles and Eliza Matthews (1793-1840) were married. Their wedding was a Quaker ceremony. It took place at the Gunpowder Meetinghouse in Cockeysville, Baltimore County, Maryland. Eliza's parents were Mordecai and Ruth (Hussey) Matthews.
Moving to Baltimore City
In October 1808, John Needles moved to Baltimore, Maryland. He started working for Edward Priestley, who was a very well-known cabinetmaker.
Later, John Needles worked for William Camp. In March 1810, he opened his own shop and home at 10 Hanover Street. By 1812, John and Eliza Needles had moved to a new home and shop at 54 Hanover Street.
