Samuel was born in 1893.

He was recorded on the census of 1901 at 4 Pwllclai, Brynford in Flintshire. Head of the household was Lead Miner Robert Hughes who was 36. His wife was Maria Hughes who was 39. Listed in the household with them was nephew Samuel Needham who was 8 years old. All three were born in Brynford according to this census.

The 1911 Wales Census was completed by Robert Hughes in Welsh.  The family was  living at 4 Prollclai (Pwllclai ?), Brynford, Holywell. (Pwllclai means Claypool). Head of the house was Robert Hughes aged 49 His wife Maria Hughes  was 39. His sister in law Mary Kennedy was also present.  Samuel was  an 18 year  old bricklayer.  On this census he was listed as a Lodger who had been born in Bagillt in 1893.

UK soldiers Who Died in the Great War 1914-19 accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms all the military details above. It adds that he enlisted in Flint and that he was killed in action.

His medal index card also on Ancestry, lists his medals and tells us that he had a previous regimental number. He was once Private 2205 in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Infantry Base Depot.

There is a pension ledger index card for him on Ancestry. It says he was 5ft 6 inches tall and weighed 158 lbs. His eyes were grey, his hair brown and his complexion was fair. He had a tattoo on his left forearm. It names Maria Hughes as his Foster Mother.

The UK Register of Soldiers’ Effects in which the army calculated what moneys were owed to deceased soldiers includes an entry for Samuel Needham. It names Robert Hughes, his Foster Father as his sole legatee. He received a total of £21  ..3sh ..0d in two separate payments.  It confirms he was killed in action in France on the 14th May 1917.