Page updated 26th March 2009 by Sue Froud

CHARLES BAKER

ancestor of Cathy Setterfield

CHARLES BAKER 1872 - 1913

Charles was the 6th child of Charles Baker and Elizabeth Bright, he was born at Penlline, Cowbridge on 5th July 1872.  Charles aged 23 married Margaret Ann Jones aged 22 daughter of Thomas Jones and Ann Harris on 28th October 1895 at The Church of St Elvan, Aberdare. Charles worked at the Colliery, and was living at 14 Hall Street the same address as Margaret. The witnesses were James Baker and Elizabeth Ann Evans.

Charles and Margaret had 12 children. Elizabeth Ann was born on 15th December 1895, at Aberdare. Sarah Jane was born 5th December 1897, at Aberdare. Charles was born 1st July 1899, at Pontypridd. May was born 8th July 1900 at Pontypridd. 

The 1901 census shows the family living at 37 Bonirlston? Road, Pontypridd: Charles Baker, aged 28 Haulier under, born at Cowbridge. Margaret A Baker his wife, aged 27, born at Ystrad. Elizabeth A, daughter, aged 5, born at Aberdare. Sarah J, daughter, aged 3, born at Aberdare. Charles, son, aged 1, born at Pontypridd. Mary, daughter aged 7 months, born at Pontypridd.

The family moved house soon after,as Leonard James was born 25th October 1902 at Senghenydd. Thomas George was born 24th February 1904 at Senghenydd. Harold Adolphus was born 22nd May 1905 at Senghenydd. Elena Maud wad born 6th December 1906 at Senghenydd. Andrew was born 24th May 1908 at Senghenydd. Margaret was born 29th March 1910 at Senghenydd. Doris was born 24th August 1911 at Senghenydd. and Alice Novello was born 11th October 1913, at Senghenydd.

3 days after Alice was born, Charles and his eldest son Charles aged 14 were both killed in the Senghenydd Colliery explosion on the 14th October 1913. 438 other men and boys died as well.

Life was very hard for Charles' wife Margaret and his remaining 11 children. The Newspapers of the time gave coverage of her plight and there were offers to adopt some of her children. Margaret in desperation offered 3 year old Doris for adoption.  By 1926 the general strike hit the community and work was scarce, so Tom and a few other walked to Croydon in Surrey to find work. 2 years later Margaret and daughter Alice went to Croydon to join him.

ALICE NOVELLO BAKER 1913-2007

Alice was the youngest child of Charles Baker and Margaret Ann Jones she was born 11th October 1913, just 3 days before her father and brother Charles were both killed in Senghenydd Colliery explosion. Alice was named after Ivan Novello, who did a lot to help the families of the pit disaster.  When Alice was 15, she went to Croydon with her mother to join her brother Tom. 

Alice married Herbert Edward Setterfield on 8th April 1939 at Christ Church in Croydon. They had two daughters Catherine Alicia and Christine Edwina.

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