Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Heald, James
HEALD, JAMES (1796–1873), philanthropist, second son of James Heald of Brinnington and Disley, Cheshire, merchant, was born on 1 March 1796 at Portwood, near Stockport, was educated at Rochdale, and entered his father's business. His parents belonged to the Wesleyan body, but he contemplated taking orders in the church of England, and relinquished his work in order to study for that purpose. By the influence of an uncle, however, he rejoined the Wesleyans, and continued for a time a partner with his father. He became very wealthy, and in 1825 he removed to Parr's Wood, near Manchester, where he resided until his death. In the latter part of his life he was not actively engaged in business, but greatly assisted in the reconstruction of the Manchester and Liverpool District Bank, and was a shareholder in many Manchester companies. At the general election of 1847 he was returned in the conservative interest for Stockport, his colleague being Richard Cobden. After declaring himself in favour of free trade, he was unseated in 1852. Heald was extremely charitable. He contributed largely towards various Wesleyan institutions, he was treasurer of the Wesleyan Missionary Society, and the most prominent layman in the connexion. He frequently preached. In Stockport the infirmary, of which he was treasurer at the time of his death, was founded and largely maintained by him.
Heald died unmarried at Parr's Wood on 26 Oct. 1873, and was buried in the churchyard at Chapel-en-le-Frith in Derbyshire. Sir Joseph Napier, the lawyer, described his character as a rare combination of evangelical earnestness and wise moderation.
[Methodist Recorder, 14 Nov. 1873; Manchester Examiner, 29 Oct. 1873; Walford's County Families.]