His father was a tailor and his mother a needlewoman. She was an accomplished needlewoman, some of her embroidery still exists. The noted needlewoman Ann Macbeth also had articles published in the magazine. She was an accomplished needlewoman in an era when needlework was held in high esteem. In adult life, she worked as a needlewoman and in a jute processing factory. A needleman or needlewoman is a person who practices the handicraft or profession of needlework.