Charity (“Chatty”) Baker
4 November 1862 to March 1881
BAK00156
|
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Headlines of
Charity Baker’s life are in brown.
Dates are in red.
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citations are in turquoise.
Context and local
history are in purple.
1862
Charity Baker was the daughter of
William and Henrietta Louisa (nee Bellyse) Baker (BAK00121). She was born on 4
November 1862 (diaries) and baptised at Audlem on 22
January 1863 (Audlem Parish Records).
1871 census – High Fields, Buerton,
Audlem, Cheshire
William Baker, 54, head, land owner
Henrietta Baker, his wife
46
Henrietta Baker, 22
John Bellyse Baker, 20
Richard D Baker, 14
Arthur Baker, 11
Charity Baker, 8
Charlotte L Baker, 4
Emily J Baker, 2
Two visitors, including
John Percy, their agent
Three servants
1878
See the
diaries of Charity, Charlotte and Emily Baker covering the period 1878 to
1882.
Chatty was 16
years old when she began writing her diary and continued it until 1880, when
she was 18, the year before she died.
Charity (“Chatty”) Baker, (4
November 1862 to March 1881)
Diary begun on 12 February 1878
Odd moments are the gold dust of
life
February 1878
Tues. 12th. Learnt that Jupiter is
so very large that in comparison with the earth it is as much larger as an
orange is to a pea.
Wed. 13th. Mr. Dutton was here
this morning. Dick had such a bad cold he could not go to the office.
Thurs. 14th. Poppy has gone to
Drayton to stay, but I hope she will not stay long, for it is very quiet even
when they are all here.
Fri. 15th. Mamma gave Lotty and Emily
half a holiday, and Lizzy came and read to me all the afternoon, one of the
Sundays at Home.
Sat. 16. I saw the first primroses, and they looked so
pretty arranged amongst ivy and moss.
Thurs. 21st. I got up for the first time. I have been in
bed since Sunday so I have not written in my diary.
Fri. 22nd. Did some knitting. Mamma has been very
poorly, but she is better.
Tues. 26th. Aunt Sarah will think me very negligent. I have
forgotten to write in my diary for three days. There has been a concert at
Adderley and all except Mamma and we three children have gone to it.
Wed. 27th. Heard that when Australia was mostly
inhabited with aborigine people every youth when young had his two front teeth
knocked out with a stone to show that he had been taught warlike exercises.
Thurs. 28th. Dusty, an old favourite dog died, and Jack
has been beagle hunting.
March
Sat. 2nd. Miss Evans went to Nantwich to stay till Monday
and Mr. Smith has been here. I had two mustard plasters on last evening so I did not write in my diary.
Sun. 3rd. Cousin Charley and two of his friends have
been here. Dick has been able to go twice to church after his bad cold.
Mon. 4th. Polly and Emily went to Mrs. Hill’s for some
apples. Jack returned from an oyster supper at Uncle Beaumont’s.
Tues. 5th. Uncle Henry has sent me some grapes for my
cough. I hope they will do some good.
Wens. 7th. I had to go to bed yesterday afternoon so I could
not write in my diary. Mr. Ash has sent me some sweet food & bread, very
kind of him.
Thurs. 8th. I have seen Hettie’s puppet,
it is not very pretty but it is a merry little thing. Jack is gone to Mr. Hurvey’s tonight.
Fri. 9th. Mrs. Thos. came here,
she brought me some jelly. Arthur has gone to Drayton.
Sun 10th. A little lamb came here.
Jack does not know to whom it belongs, it is a pretty little thing.
Mon 11th. Emily has not been very
well to day, she is rather hoarse
and has had her throat rubbed with belladonna.
Tues 12th. Kitty has been out of
door for the first time since her cough. Jack has been furbishing.
Wed 13th. I think Uncle Henry’s
lozenges have done me good, should have been out to day
but it was not warm enough.
Thurs 21st. I have not been able
to write in my diary for a week as I have not been very well, been out for the
first time since Christmas.
Jan 22nd. It is sheep shearing
forth day. I hope we shall spend a happy day, it has
been singing.
Jan 23rd. Jack has gone to see
Aunt Sarah, Cousin Jim and a crowd went there but did not stay long.
Jan 24th. It has been a very dull
day, has been snowing most of the day so I have not been able to go out.
Jan 25th. None of us been able to
go out, has been so cold. Jack has not returned yet.
Jan 29th. I forgot to write in my
diary yesterday Aunt Jane and cousin Maggie have been here, been out twice.
Thurs 28. I do not think it has
stopped snowing all day, none of us been out.
Jan. 29th. Totty has begun some
tatting. Heard that Lord Derby re‑signed last night, because war is
declared against Russia.
Jan. 31st. Forgot to write in my
diary yesterday until it was too late. Jack went to see Uncle Joe. Miss Evans,
Poppy, and Dick have gone to church.
April
Mon. 1st. Mrs. Ashe and Miss Kate
have begun to read ‘Marmion.’ I think it will be interesting
Tues 2nd. The wind has been so
cold none of us been out. * has a new piano‑forte.
Wed. 3rd. Jack and Mr. Sydney have
gone to Tarporley steeple chase, it has not been a fine day.
Thurs 4th. Aunt Jane sent me a new
dress. It was very kind of her, been out a great part of the day.
Fri. 5th. It has not been very warm, we have not been out very much. Poppy and Miss Evans
have been to Audlem.
Sat. 6th. Aunt Mary and Uncle
Beaumont been here. Miss Evans and Dick have helped so went to Adderley Church,
Uncle Joe been here.
Mon. 8th. Dick sent for some
flower seeds, they have come this morning. Mamma been
to Audlem.
Tues. 9th. Poppy and Miss Evans
walked to Drayton. Aunt Hannah is perhaps coming tomorrow.
Sun. 14th. Totty and Emily have
been out most of the day. Miss Evans has been playing hymns. I have not been
able to write in my diary since Tuesday.
Tues. 16th. I wrote to Uncle Henry
last night, so it was too late to write in my diary, it has been too wet for us
to go out.
Wed. 17th. I heard that Mr. Fred
Hargreaves is going to Australia soon. Poppy and Miss Evans have gone to
church.
Thurs. 18th. I have been out, it was so very warm. Miss Evans and Poppy have been to
Adderley.
Fri. 19th. Miss Smith and Sydney
have been here, it is Good Friday. I am going to try
to lead a better life for the future.
Sun. 21st. Cousin Charley and cousin Harry have been here. I forgot to write in my diary
till it was too late yesterday.
Tues. 23rd. Jack, Dick, and Alf
have been to the Drayton
race. It has been very wet. I forgot to write in my diary yesterday.
Wed. 24th. I have been
on Jack’s horse today. Mamma has gone to Audlem.
Thurs 25th. Mamma is gone to Hankelow. Miss Evans has been practising this evening.
Fri. 26th. Poppy has
gone to Hankelow. I have been out most of the day, we
have been swinging.
Mon. 29th Mr. Ashe has been, it
has not been very warm so I have not been out much.
Saturday and Sunday do write in my diary.
Tues. 30th. It is Aunt
Mary’s birthday. Mamma thinks she will come tomorrow. It rained this morning.
May
Wed. 1st. Aunt Jane has
been here. Poppy, Miss Evans, Lotty, Emily have been to Swanbach
to see about some cowslips for Aunt Mary.
Thur. 2nd. Aunt Jane
and Aunt Mary have been. I am reading Marmion. I think it very interesting. I
forgot to write in my diary yesterday.
Sat. 4th. Miss Smith
has been but did not stay long and Miss Evans has been to Nantwich.
Sun. 5th. I have begun
to read a book called Stepping Heavenward, and I like it very much.
Mar. 7th. Cousin Monty is here it
has been raining nearly all day we have not been out.
Tues. 8th. Mamma has been to Audlem
to see Aunt Charlotte. I have been out it is very warm.
Wed. 8th. Cousin Monty went away
it has scarcely stopped raining all day.
Thurs. 9th. I wrote to Uncle
Henry, not been out, the workmen have been cutting down trees.
Sat. 11th. I forgot to write in my
diary yesterday, little Emily has dressed a doll. I
have finished reading Stepping Heavenward. I like it very much.
Mon. 13th. I have not been out,
Mrs. Ash has been, Jack has been rook shooting. I
forgot to write in my diary yesterday.
Tues. 14th. Mamma went to see Aunt
Mary. I shall be glad when she returns, our pet lamb has been ill but it is better again.
Wed. 15th. Papa has gone to see
Miss Smith. Miss Evans has been playing, my garden
seeds are coming up.
Thurs. 16th. I have been out, Jack has gone to Drayton to pay the rent for the farm.
Fri. 17th. Mamma is coming home
tomorrow. I am very glad, we have gathered some ferns.
Sun 19th. I have made a Bible
Clock today it has been so wet none of us went to church this morning.
Mon 20th. I am trying
to get up a piece of music for cousin Fanny. She is
coming next week. Mr. Harper is coming to tune the piano tomorrow. It is off of grand. Miss Evans have gone
to Audlem. Aunt Mary and Uncle Beaumont are coming tonight.
Tues 23rd. I forgot to
write in my diary yesterday. Dr. Jay has been today. Totty is playing her
little tunes.
Apr 24th. It has rained
nearly all day. I think there will be a bad harvest if it rains much more.
Mon 27th. I forgot to write
in my diary for two days. Cousin Harry and Cousin Fanny are coming tomorrow.
Wed 29th. Aunt Sarah
has been here. She thinks our piano is a good one. I forgot to write yesterday
it was the day our cousins came.
Thurs 30th. Miss Evans
and Poppy have gone to Aunt Fanny’s for tea.
Apr 31st .
I think we shall have summer soon now it has been lovely today. There was a tea
party at Horton today June.
June
Fri 7th. Mamma has gone
to Audlem. I think we are going to see Aunt Sarah soon.
Thurs. 13th. Little Emily has been
poorly but she is much better. Miss Evans is playing
and it makes we three children very merry. I have forgotten to write very
lately.
Fri. 14th. I have been to Audlem,
it has been very nice. I have not had lessons this 4 months.
Sun. 16th. I wish I were older so
that people would think that I felt sorry for them when they are unhappy. I
forgot to write yesterday.
Mon. 17th. Miss Evans and Lizzy
have gone to see Miss Smith. Lizzy I think will soon
begin her holidays.
Tues. 18th. I mean to try and work
harder at my lessons when I begin again, to try and please Miss Evans for I do
not like to make her angry with me.
Wed. 19th. It has been a very nice
day. I think we are really going to have some summer at last. Miss Evans has
been very today but I think that if I had no home like
her I should hardly ever be merry.
Thurs. 20th. Mamma has gone to Hankelow and perhaps Miss Evans and Lizzy are going to see Aunt
Mary next Sunday. I wish there were more life here it is very quiet.
Fri. 21st. Mrs Woodcock has
brought us some very pretty flowers. It is very kind of her, and she is going
to bring Miss Evans a plant.
Sun. 23rd. I have not
been to church since Christmas the time seems very long. I offered Miss Evans a
hymn book but she would not take it, out of the
kindness of her heart, for I am sure she would not be unkind if she could help
it in the least. I forgot to write yesterday.
Mon. 24th. Mamma has been
to see Aunt Sarah Etches. I have begun to press some flowers and, when I have enough I am going to paste them on some card
board. They keep their colour beautiful and then we have them during
winter to remind us of God’s goodness in making such beautiful things.
Wed. 26th. I forgot to write
yesterday. We are going to Stapely tomorrow and Miss
Evans is going from there for her holidays, but I shall be very glad when she
returns. The time seems so long and it always seems as
if I had lost one of my sisters. I am writing this because I really think it
and not for Miss Evans to see it.
Fri. 28th. We went to Stapely yesterday and Miss Evans went to Chester. It is
almost too warm now to be out. I am pressing some flowers there are dog roses,
twister cups and ferns. I hope they will keep their colour. We are going to
have five weeks holidays.
July
Mon. 1st. I went to church
yesterday for the first time since Christmas. I have had a letter from Miss Evans
to- day. I was very pleased. Our poor little pet lamb is lame. Uncle Joe has
been tonight. Little Emily has been poorly since I wrote last
but she is all right now. I wrote to Miss Evans to-day. I like writing to her
because I know she is pleased to hear
from us. I only used to write once to her during the holidays but now I write
three or four times to her. My flowers look very nice.
Mon 8th. Mamma and I
are going to Hankelow tomorrow for a few days. I have
not heard from Miss Evans since I wrote on Friday. I hope there will be a
letter tomorrow. I have for- gotten to write in my diary since Friday.
Tues. 23rd. I have not been able
to write for a fortnight because I have been staying at Hankelow.
I hope Miss Evans will not be away much more than two weeks. Poppy, Totty and
Emily have been to tea at Mrs. Mac. ‘Capes’.
Thursday. It has been raining all
day, so we have not been out, Jack has gone to Crewe, but
has not returned yet. The days are beginning to get shorter,
it seems to me that each year seems to go quicker than the last one.
Monday 29th. It is Totty’s
birthday, we are going to Mrs. Brittain’s tomorrow and to see Mr. Greaveson Friday, but I would far rather stay at home. I
must try to get out of that way for Miss Evans says I shall be as quiet and
nervous as Poppy is if I do not go out amongst people. I have not written for
three days. I think Miss Evans is coming back on Monday.
Wed. 31st. Aunt Charlotte has been
here, and Mamma went with her to Kynsal this evening. There is such a beautiful
sunset this evening if the warm weather continues. Jack will soon be begun his
corn harvest. I should so like to go to the Harvest Thanksgiving this year. I
can only remember being there twice.
August
Sun. 4th. We heard yesterday that
Miss Evans is not coming home till Thursday. None of us have been to church
this morning it was so wet. I feel quite ready for lessons again. I am so
glad I am well again. It was very quiet
to be obliged to stay in the same room, but it makes a great deal of difference
when everybody is so kind. I have not written since Wednesday.
Mon. 3th.
Annie has been today, she is soon going away from home
to stay with. She is fifteen. Aunt Mary is coming tomorrow and Uncle Beaumont
on Wednesday. They are staying until Thursday.
Tues. 4th. Aunt Mary came
yesterday until Thursday. We are going to begin lessons on Friday. Miss Evans
is coming home on Thursday.
Wed. 4th. It is cousin
Harry Baildon’s birthday tomorrow, and the
verse in my text book for the day is 'What shall it
profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his
own soul.'
Fri. 9th. I was down at Audlem
yesterday and stayed with Aunt Jane all day. Miss Evans came yesterday,
it is so nice to have her amongst us again. We did not write yesterday. We do
not begin lessons until Monday.
Sat. 10th. Poppy and Miss Evans
have gone to Audlem, I think they must have stayed for tea at Aunt Jane. Miss
Evans has given Poppy, Emily and myself each a little
flower basket they are so very pretty, they will look so nice on our dressing
table full of flowers. I am quite ready to begin work on Monday.
Sun. 11th. We all went to Adderley
church this morning. We were too frightened of the bull to go to Audlem. Mamma
has gone to see Aunt Jane, and she is going to write to Aunt Sarah tomorrow to
tell her. Miss Evans has come home, because she is going to settle our lessons
for us.
Mon. 12th. It has been such a beautiful
day we have been out twice to-day. I am very glad the first day of our lessons
is over, I cannot tell why but I always glad when it is.
Tues. 13th. Poppy is going to
Drayton on Thursday, and I think to Kynsal tomorrow evening. We have such a pretty blue flower in a pot now and Miss Evans brought us
some ferns.
Wed. 14th. Mamma has gone to Hankelow. It is beginning to be like the autumn, the winter
will soon be here, it does not seem like two years since Papa was living and telling
us about himself when he was a boy.
Thurs. 15th. Poppy went to Drayton
and will not be back for a fortnight. The Miss Mangnalls
have been here tonight.
Fri 16th. Jack has not
been very well today but he could not have been very
poorly for he has been on the sewing machine all morning. It is his birthday
tomorrow.
Sat 17th. Jack and Dick
have gone to the Miss Mangnalls this evening. We are
reading the life of John Milton, and I think he was a greater man than Shakespeare,
because he was blind, when he composed his two best poems.
Sun 18th. Mrs Evans and
we three children went to Adderley church this morning, we had such a beautiful
sermon. Aunt Sarah told us such a beautiful little bit about the rainbow, she
said that God has made the bow, and that the round part was turned toward
towards the earth, showing that God is not always angry with mankind, we ought
to thank God for it. Aunt Sarah said she had come to Shrewsbury once, but she did
not, so I think she will come tomorrow. It has been such a beautiful day, we
have been out a great deal.
Mon 20th. We have been
planting the ferns Mrs Evans brought into a box, our plants look very well. We
have not heard anything about Aunt Sarah.
Tues. 27th. I have been staying
with cousin Polly since Thursday. We went over Little
Drayton church, it is so pretty. When we were going
over the church-yard, it made me feel so queer, as it
was so full of graves and the man was digging two fresh ones.
Wed. 28th. It has been such a
rainy day, but there is a thick mist rising tonight. Poppy and Dick are going
to see Mrs. Foggie on Saturday.
Thurs. 29th. Aunt Sarah and cousin Amy have been this afternoon. I cannot tell why, but some times I feel as though
something unpleasant thing is going to happen. It makes me feel so unhappy, I
feel like it to-night, but there is no reason for me to think so.
Fri. 30th. I am afraid it will be
a very bad corn harvest if the rain continues as it has these three or four last
days. Next Sunday is the first of September. In four months
Christmas will be here again, but I doubt I have not done as much good as I
might have done in the last year.
Sun. 31st. I have not been to church it has been too
cold. We are reading Home Influence. It is
about a girl who has not the courage always to speak the exact truth. Fozzy and
Miss Evans have gone to Audlem Church this evening. I did not write yesterday.
September
Sun 15th. I have not written for
fortnight, but nothing particular has happened. Totty
and Jane knitting a pair of stockings for cousin
Edith. I hope we shall do them nicely. We are keeping an account of the books
we read, and to show them to Aunt Sarah at the end of the six months.
Tues 17th. Miss Evans and Poppy
are going to see Aunt Mary on Saturday. Mamma is very busy with her jam,
she had never stopped working since eight o’clock this morning. Miss Smith came
here just when we were sitting down to dinner to ask Poppy and Miss Evans to go
to Kynsal on Thursday instead of Wednesday.
October
Sun 27th. I have not
written since the Sept 17th. Dick has been ill since then,
and is going next week to see Uncle Fred. I have just read the ‘Pillar
of Fire.’ It gives you an account of the early life of Moses, but the events of
his life were so far long ago that I can hardly think of them really taking
place. And yet the same God takes care of us now who
delivered the children of Israel out of Egypt. We had such a beautiful sermon
this morning, and it making good use of the gifts God has given us.
Wed. 30th. How dry & useless
it is to try and be better without constantly asking God’s aid. I was very
unhappy yesterday that I determined to try and be better, but to-day things
have gone worse than ever, till I am getting discouraged about ever being good
like some other people, much more doing Christmas my example.
November
Nov. 3rd. Tomorrow is my birthday
and I shall be sixteen. The little event is very appropriate I think, for me, it
is Thanksgiving. I am weak in resisting temptation, for he sends such foolish
thoughts into my mind, that any other person I feel sure would resist. Mr.
Robinson preached such a good sermon saying how that if we neglected to pray it
is act to God, we are sure to
go wrong. I have not written since Wednesday. Aunt Margaret, Uncle Beaumont
have been staying here since Saturday. Poppy and Mrs. Evans have gone to church
tonight.
Mon 11th. Aunt Jane has
fallen down stairs and hurt her eye. Mrs. Smith and the
Miss Mac Capes are coming here tomorrow for tea. How very much I wish I could
please Miss Evans more with my music. It makes things so miserable, she must
think I do not care for her in the least, but I am sure I do.
December
Sun. 29th. I have not
written since Nov. 5th. I have said so many times I will write
regularly this time. I will really try more than ever, for Miss Evans says if we are not true
in little things we shall not be so in greater ones. Miss Evans has gone away for
her holidays. Since I last wrote Dick has been away from home, and I have been
poorly again with another cold, so I have not been able to practise lately or
do any lessons.
Mon 30th. We have been
sending away some New Year cards. I think it is very nice to send them. The
snow has quite gone, it has stayed a very long time. I
am going to begin to practise again tomorrow, and try
what I can do before Miss Evans returns.
1879
January 1879
Sat Jan 4th. I wrote to
Miss Evans last Wednesday but I have not heard from
her yet. We have been having such fun, playing at dressing at old women! The
snow has returned, I am so sorry, but it is of course all for the best.
Jan 7th. Jack has been
staying at Whitchurch since Saturday. Uncle Joe was here on Sunday, but Aunt
Jane dare not come because of the frost. I have just been writing to Miss
Evans, she is not coming home for three weeks, I hope she will enjoy her
holidays, she works hard when she is here.
Jan. 8th. Dr. Jay has been
here, he has been away for a fortnight seeing his children. I have thought very
much lately about going into an hospitte (perhaps meaning a hospice). I
should like to do it. I have not said anything about it to anybody except Miss
Evans, some how I do not like. If pa were alive I could talk to him, I do not know why, but, he always liked us to tell him any
thing we thought about. We are without a servant now, I wish we could
get one, I am afraid. Mamma is working too hard, she
has a very bad cough now.
Jan. 9th. There has been no one
here to day. I have had a
good practice, tonight, I think I have done my piece of music, some good. Aunt
Sarah is coming to give us our examination when Miss Evans comes home. I am
reading a book called Mabel Vaughan, it is interesting.
Jan. 10th. Mr. Sydney Smith has
been here today. Jack and he are going to skate on a pond at Adderley tomorrow.
John has been to Audlem with Miss Smith.
Sat 11th. Jack has been
skating at Adderley with some others from Audlem. We have not heard from Miss
Evans yet. I am trying to finish some crochet before she returned to put on my
night-gown.
Sun. 12th. I have just finish
reading Mabel Vaughan, it is interesting, it really is getting near to the end.
Jack has gone to Audlem church, it is so long since I have been to church, and
Dr. Jay says I must stay in the house nearly all winter. Kitty is singing hymns
with Dick, she is playing Mamma’s favorite
one “Pleasant are Thy courts above.” I think it is very pretty, but I like
others better.
Tue 14th There has been
a servant here from Drayton, I do not know if she will do, I hope she will.
Jack is going to have a sale at Hawksmoor on Thursday. Mamma will be very busy,
but Mrs. Moston is staying here to help. Poppy heard from Miss Evans last
Monday. I shall be very glad when she comes home.
Wed 15th. Cousin Harry
came to-night, to sell the things at Hawksmoor to-morrow; cousin
Jinny is coming to-morrow. We have not heard from Miss Evans yet, I think we
shall to-morrow.
Thurs 16th. Cousin Jack
thinks it has been a good sale. I have written to Miss Evans to-night. I like
writing to her, I can tell her anything that I think of, just as if I were
talking to her. Cousin Jinny has been to-day I like her very much.
Fri 17th. It has been
such a beautiful day! Totty and Emily have been out-of-doors. We have made some
letters on some paper, “Welcome Home,” and are going to put them in Miss
Evans’s room when she comes home. Mrs. Moston has not been to work to-day, she
has been well.
Sat 18th. The servant
that was here the other day will not do. Cousin Jinny is going to enquire in
Whitchurch for one. I hope she will be successful. I have read thirteen books
since Midsummer, counting pieces of poetry. I am going to write to Miss Evans
on Wednesday, Thursday next.
Sun 19th. Poppy and
Dick went to Audlem church this morning. Jack has gone to Pepegate
to stay till Monday. The snow has returned, I was so sorry to lose it, but it
must be all for the best. I have begun to read “Paradise Regained.” I have
commenced before, but have never finished it. Jack
said that perhaps Dr Jay will leave Audlem, I hope he will not, I think he is
very clever. I am sure he has done Emily good. Totty is singing hymns. I wish I
had not been obliged to leave off singing, I would
have rather gone on with that than with my music. I always thought I could have
done more at singing than playing, although I should never have done much at
either, but I mean to try at my music now, I think Miss Evans thinks that when
I leave off lessons I shall give it up. I will try and not disappoint her so
much as that.
The 21st. I did not write
yesterday. I wrote to Miss Evans today. I shall be glad when I hear from her. I
am anxious to hear how Georgie is, he has been very poorly. There has been such
a dreadful accident in Audlem last Thursday to a man who was riding home, how
very serious it is to die, so very sad, it shows we should be always ready to
appear before God. Dr. Jay has been today. I should think there is no cause for
him coming again.
Thurs 23rd. I have had such a kind
letter from Miss Evans, Georgie is better. I am very glad, for if he were to be
very ill, I do not know whatever she would have done. I think Mamma has a
servant at last. Poppy is going tomorrow to see her. It is nearly a year since
I began to write in my diary. I was reading
some of it the other night. I do not think it is not nice at all. When I have
finished this I shall begin another now I know more how to write one. I shall
tell Miss Evans first what I have thought about, for I am sure I shall show it
to her, if I make another. Poppy and Dick went to Kynsal yesterday for tea, the
Miss Mangnalls were there, I think they enjoyed
themselves very much. I did not write yesterday.
Sat 25th. Jack and Arthur have
been to skate at Adderley, it has been a harder frost this
time than it was before. The servant is coming on Monday I hope she will do.
Miss Evans is perhaps coming home on Thursday if we do not hear from her to
ask. Mamma may stay longer. We are to go to Mrs. Brittain’s some
day soon before we begin lessons again. Mamma still has a very bad
cough. Mr. Brook has sent her some lozenges I hope they will do her good. I did
not write yesterday.
Sun 26th. Poppy and Dick have been
this evening to Alderley church, I wish I could go to church. We have been sitting
with Mrs. Mostyn and have shown her some books, Jack was skating at Shavington and he went home with
Mr. Witton because it is his birthday. It has been a very quiet Sunday I think. I have read more to-day than I have done for
a long time. I wonder how Miss Evans has passed this Sunday, in reading I dare
say.
Tues 28th. I did not write
yesterday. Mamma had a letter from Miss Evans, she is
not coming home until Saturday week. Mamma has a servant at last,
her name is Chester, she seems very quick at her work. I hope she will do, we have been without one such a long time. The snow is
still on the ground, it freezes all the time, I do not ever remember such a
hard frost as it has been this winter. Miss Smith has been, it is a very long
time since she was here before, her friend Miss Macfarlane is soon coming to Knysal soon, then she is to go up the Mediterranean on Feb
7th and will return home at the end of April. I should enjoy going very much.
Wed 29th. Jack has gone
to the Miss Heath’s for tea. Mamma’s cough was better,
she does not feel very well to-night. I wish her cough would leave her. Sydney
Smith was here this morning to ask Jack and Arthur to go to Skat. Totty was
skating last Monday for the first time. Dick has bought her a paid of skates. I do not think I should care for it. I am
going to write to Miss Evans some time next week. She
is going soon from Chester to finish her holidays with her sister at Tarporley.
We have had rather long holidays this Christmas. Arthur went to Audlem..
Fri. 31st. Mr. Witton was here
yesterday for dinner and tea. Miss Mackenzie has come to Kynsal, she is staying
until Feb. 6th I think. There is an oyster supper at
Uncle Joe’s tonight. Jack has gone. Aunt Mary and Uncle Beaumont came this
morning to stay until Monday perhaps they are coming here tomorrow. I hope they
will. It is a very long time since I have seen them. Aunt asked Mamma to go to
stay with her at Pipegate I wish she would take her
back with her. I am sure Mamma wants a rest, it would
do her good to have a change. I did not write yesterday.
February
Sat 1st. I have written
to Miss Evans tonight as she is coming home today week. I do not think I shall
write to her again these holidays. Perhaps Uncle Beaumont and Aunt Mary are
coming tomorrow they are staying at Uncle Joe’s till Monday
I think. Perhaps Mamma is going sometime next week to stay with Aunt Mary at Pipegate. Jack has gone skating to Adderley. I hope he will
not be late in coming home.
Sun 2nd. Uncle Beaumont
came here this afternoon, he brought Poppy a pair of
cuffs. I have finished reading Paradise Regained, it is very interesting and it
is not as difficult to understand as I thought it would have been, but I had to
think of what I was reading. I think the frost is going at last. I am very glad
it is.
Mon 3rd. The snow still keeps going, it is so pleasant to see the green grass again.
There is an oyster supper at Uncle Beaumont’s next Wednesday. Jack is going to it and he will stay at Audlem all night. Mamma thinks her
cough is better. I am so glad, she still takes her lozenges. She likes her servant, she is very quick and tidy. Totty and I have made a
cover for the foot stool, it looks very much better than it did before. Dick
has made such a pretty spill-case out of cardboard and covered it with
pictures.
Tues 4th. It is Mr. Smith’s
birthday. Miss Smith and Miss Mackenzie were here this afternoon. She does look
so pale, and I am reading a book of travels, it tells you about the chief towns
of Europe. It is very interesting. We have not heard from Miss Evans yet, I
think we shall in the morning at least. I hope we shall, but we shall only have
to wait till Saturday and then she is coming home for almost six months. I have
caught fresh colds so I have to
be very careful. Mrs. Hattan has asked us to go there for tea tomorrow but I think I shall ask Mamma if I may stay at
home, I would rather do it than make my cold worse, I do not want to be
upstairs next Saturday. Mrs. Ashe and her cousin were here for a short time
this morning. Mr. Ashe has gone to Liverpool but is returning on Thursday or
Friday. Miss Ashe has a bad cough, she could not even go to play the organ at Hankelow school last Sunday, she would not mind going
there, if she could help it. Dick has made another spill-case.
Thurs 6th. Totty and Emily were at
Mrs. Brittain’s yesterday. They did not come home till quite late. I could not
go because of my cold, but it is better today. I have written again to Miss
Evans. I did say I should not again these holidays but
I altered my mind about it. I did not write last night.
Fri. 7th. I have heard from Miss
Evans today she is coming home tomorrow by the quarter to five. I am so glad.
Uncle Joe and Mr. Fallon have been this afternoon. I think, what little I have seen
of Mr. Fallon, I liked Mrs. James better. Jack has gone this evening to Kynsal.
The snow has quite gone at last, but Mamma thinks it will return; I hope not.
My cold is better tonight.
Sat. 9th. It is Poppy’s birthday.
Miss Evans has really come home at last. She is the same dear old friend that
went away. Totty has caught a bad cold and Arthur, I think, is beginning with
one. Jack and Dick have gone to Audlem church, it has been such a beautiful day
quite warm. Miss Evans has brought Emily a Bible and Totty and me a scrap book
they are so very pretty. I have often thought I should like one.
Mon 10th. We have begun
to take cod liver oil again. Mamma has bought a half-gallon bottle from
Liverpool. I am knitting some socks for Mamma. Mrs Mostyn has never come for
the wool to knit them. It has been such a beautiful day. Emily has been out of
doors.
Tues 11th. Totty and I
have begun to knit a pair of socks for Arthur. I am going to see how quick I can
be over them. We have not been out it has been so damp. Mamma has been to
Kynsal but did not stay long.
Wed 12th. Aunt Jane and
Aunt Charlotte have been this afternoon. They have not been for a very long
time. Mamma is soon going down to Audlem to see Aunt Charlotte before she goes
to Yorkshire. There is an oyster supper at Dr. Jay’s tomorrow. Uncle Joe is
going. Jack has gone to Audlem. I should think Aunt Jane will soon be coming now
the weather has changed. It has been such a beautiful day. I am so glad. The
summer I think is coming at last.
Thurs 13th. It has been
such a wet day none of us have been out. Emily has begun to crochet a little
petticoat for Tottie’s doll. There is a war in Cape Colony between the English
and Zulus. They are such tall men, scarcely any of them are less than 6 ft.
They have just killed 500 of the English besides taking a great deal of
ammunition. (In February 1879, the Cape
Colony was heavily entangled in the Anglo-Zulu War, which had broken out just a
month prior in January 1879. While the principal fighting of the Anglo-Zulu War
took place primarily in neighbouring Natal and Zululand, the Cape Colony served
as the political and logistical nerve centre for the British military campaign.
The war was largely orchestrated from Cape Town by Sir Henry Bartle Frere, the
British High Commissioner for South Africa. By February 1879, the colony was
reeling from the catastrophic British defeat at the Battle of Isandlwana on 22
January 1879, where Zulu forces annihilated a British column. Throughout
February, the Cape Colony was in a state of high panic and mobilization,
rushing reinforcements, horses, and supplies to the front lines to stabilize
the region).
Fri 14th. Mamma and
Emily have been out of doors it has been quite warm. We have done some of the
plain knitting of the three socks. Miss Collins is finishing her first thick for
going to London on Thursday. It is a week tomorrow since these Evans came home.
Sat 15th. Mrs. Mostyn
has fetched my wool to finish Arthur’s socks so I cannot go on with mine until
Jack has bought some more from Audlem. I am getting on with my book, it gets more interesting the farther I read in it. It
has been a real February day. Jack has gone to Audlem by train.
Sun 16th. I am just
finishing such an interesting book, the Life of Captain Hedley Vicars, he fought
in the Crimean war. Miss Evans and Dick went to church this morning. Jack and
Arthur have gone this evening.
Mon 17th. Jack has been out hunting, the snow has resumed. I hope it will not last long.
Emily has been out with Miss Evans. Uncle Tom has sent for some grafts from our
apple trees. Aunt Jane has gone to Pipegate to stay
with Aunt Mary while Uncle Joe is in London.
Tues 18th. I have written to Uncle
Henry to ask him to send me some more lozenges my cough has returned. Mamma says
I must stay upstairs tomorrow. Jack has gone with Mr. Boot to Waterloo coursing, he returns tomorrow night.
Thurs 20th. I did not write
yesterday. I had to have some mustard plasters on. John went to Waterloo on Tuesday, he has not returned yet.
Mon 24th. I have not written for
four days. Jack has gone to Whitchurch. I do not know yet how long Dr. Jay has
been, this afternoon helped, did not stay as long as usual. We are having such
cold weather, there is quite a thick snow again. I hope
it will not last as long as it did before. It almost
looks as if we were not going to have any warm weather.
March
Sat 1st. Miss Evans has
been very poorly for the two last days, I hope she will be better tomorrow. I
have sent for some lozenges for Mamma but they have
not come yet, her cough is very bad yet, mine is much better. I shall soon be
able to come downstairs.
Wed 5th. I have not written since
Saturday. Miss Evans is quite well again, but Emily has a bad cough. Aunt Jane and
Uncle Joe were here on Sunday but did not stay long.
Sun 23rd. It was Miss Evans
birthday yesterday, she and Poppy went to Audlem. I
have been downstairs for more than a fortnight. We are going on just the same
with lessons. Totty is going to try for the Cambridge examination in December.
Mamma has been staying at Pipegate for some days, her
cough is still bad. Jack and Arthur are to South America in May
we shall miss them very much, it will perhaps be more than three years before we
shall see them again. I shall try to write as often as possible. I am reading a
very interesting book, that Miss Evans lent me, it is about the Indian Mutiny.
Dick has another boil under his arm, it has been very
bad. Poppy, Miss Evans, Jack, and Arthur have gone to Audlem church this
evening, it is months since I have been, though it does not trouble me much
that I cannot go, so that I could go to church oftener than I do. I am getting
used to staying in the house.
April
Tues 13th. Miss Evans has
gone to Chester, to stay until Friday. Mamma has a bad cold, she does not seem
well at all. Jack and Arthur have been to the Drayton races,
they have been very good. Cousin Willy won one, with a tranny that he drives.
Poppy, Miss Evans, Jack, Dick, and Arthur were at a concert at Audlem yesterday
evening they thought it very good. Cousin Arthur has been here from Birmingham,
for his Easter holidays. Last Friday was Good Friday, Sydney was here for
dinner, and on the Sunday some of them from here went to Pipegate
to see Uncle Beaumont and Aunt Mary, they did not return until late.
Thurs 17th. It has been
such a nice day I have been out all afternoon. Miss Evans is coming home
tomorrow. Mamma has been to Pipegate, and she came
home today. Aunt Sarah is coming sometime next week,
she was to come tomorrow but we did not know Mamma and Miss Evans would be at
home.
Sun 20th. None of us have been to
church, it has been such a wet day. Mamma is very poorly,
she has such a bad cold. Miss Evans came home last Friday. Hetty, Emily and myself had been to Audlem, and Aunt Jane came back with us.
Dr. Jay has been ill with rheumatic fever, but he is better now.
Wed 23rd. The Doctor was here
yesterday to see Mamma, she is very poorly. Arthur has
been to Drayton. Totty was going only it was too wet. Jack and Arthur are
really going to Buenos Aires in May so they have not not long to be at home.
Sun 27th. It has been such a beautiful
day I have been out nearly all morning. I think summer will soon be here now and I hope I shall be able to go to church often. The
doctor was here yesterday to see Mamma. Jack and Arthur were at Nantwich. Mr.
Pope wanted to see Arthur before he goes away. Miss Evans, Hetty and Emily
gathered such pretty primroses, it is so nice to have them again, some flowers
that I pressed last year are all right in colour as the day I did them.
June
Sun 1st. I am reading such
an interesting book that Miss Evans lent me, she was at Nantwich yesterday to
see Mrs. Williams from Chester. The Dr. was here this afternoon to see Mamma.
We have not heard anything of Aunt Sarah’s coming at Midsummer yet.
November
Sun 2nd. Since I last
wrote Jack and Arthur have gone to America. Mamma has been very poorly she is
now staying with Uncle Fred, she has been gone nearly
a fortnight. I have been to Adderley church with Miss Evans and Totty, it is the Thanksgiving.
Mon 3rd. Totty has heard
from Mamma today she hopes she will return stronger. We have been out today and
have had a pleasant time out. It is nearly four months since Jack and Arthur left home, it all the time seems to fly so fast. I shall
hope to see them soon. I mean in 3 or 4 years what a time to know that you
cannot see them.
Tues 4th. It is my
birthday. I am seventeen years old. I must try to lift this year to more useful
than the last. Mamma has sent me a very pretty card and a letter telling me she
was better though her cough is dreadful one in the morning. Aunt Sarah is
staying with us.
Wed 5th. We have had
such a pleasant walk this afternoon we always have half a holiday on Wednesday.
Miss Evans has a very pretty song called “Break, Break”, but of all her songs I
like “Wings” by far the best.
Thu 6th. Been out today
I have written to Mamma thanking her for the card she sent me. It is more than
a fortnight since she went to Bognor
Fri 7th. Totty, Miss Evans
and Dick went to Aunt Janes. Aunt Sarah and we three children are keeping
house.
Sun 9th. Been to Adderley Church
this morning. Miss Evans has been to see Mrs. Young this afternoon. They have
only gone to Audlem about three weeks. Emily’s eye has been very bad. It is
better now but still very weak. She has not had lessons for many weeks. Uncle
Beaumont has been here for the afternoon. Aunt Mary has a bad leg she can only
walk a very little.
Mon 10th. The corn has been thrashed
today. Polly has written to Jack and Arthur. She and Miss Evans took the letter
to the post.
Tues 11th. Aunt Sarah been down to
Audlem. Dick heard from Mamma she thinks of soon coming home. She is better. On
her way back she is going to stay a few days with cousin
Lizzie.
Wed 12th. Not been out today the
wind rather cold. Aunt Sarah and Polly were going to Drayton, turned out got
too fine day.
Thurs 13th. Have been a nice walk Dr.
Jay has returned from London. Aunt Sarah has heard from Mamma she is soon
coming home. We shall be glad to hear from Jack and Arthur.
Fri 14th. Heard from Jack and
Arthur they have work at last it will be a relief to Mamma to know they are
settled. Mrs. Evans and Polly went to church yesterday and stayed to dinner at
Aunt Jayes, Uncle Joe went to Shavington.
Sat 15th. Polly has been to
Audlem. I have not been out, it was too damp. Emily’s eye
is better but still very weak. She is going to have a shade made instead of a
handkerchief.
Sun 23th.
Mamma is coming home this week, we shall all be very
glad to see her again. It is five weeks on Tuesday since she went. No one
except Dick has been to church. The snow has come. Sydney Smith has been here
this afternoon. Miss Evans and I spent a very quiet and pleasant afternoon
alone last Thursday all of the others were out. Hetty and
Emily had been to tea at Jessy Wood crofts. We are without a servant now Jane
was not well and had to go home and I hope we shall soon get another.
Thur 27th. Mamma is coming home
tonight we shall all be glad to see her. I am sending a letter to Jack
tomorrow. I hope we shall hear from them soon again. Not written since Sunday.
Sun 30th. Been to church. Left my
music home and Dick has gone this evening. Mamma brought me a very pretty book.
It is the first Sunday in Advent. I am sorry Christmas will be here again so
early it seems a very short time since last when Jack and Arthur were here.
December
Tues 1st. Mamma still very poorly.
Dr Jay has been to see her today. It was Arthur’s birthday on Dec 2nd. I wonder
how he spent it.
(Letter from Charity Baker to her brothers, John
Bellyse Baker and Arthur Baker (in South America), undated 1879, Baker Records,
65)
1880
(Letter from Charity Baker to her brother, Arthur
Baker (in South America), 25 January 1880, Baker Records, 63)
1880
January 1880
Sun 18th. Mamma is still very
poorly she keeps to her room now and has not been out of bed much for the last
week. It was a fortnight on Saturday since Miss Evans went on her holidays. I
hope she will be home in three weeks. Dick has gone to church. This evening I am fast in the house
with an other cough. I hope I
shall soon be rid of it again. Mr. Fallon was here yesterday, he said Mr.
Atkinson is ill with erysipelas, but he is not very ill with it.
Jan 29th. Mamma is better again
today. I hope she will keep improving. Poppy has a bad cold
but she is not so troubled with it now. She has heard from Jack. He writes
better news this time, but he has not received any of the papers that have been
sent. We have not heard from Miss Evans again yet.
February
Tues 1st. Miss Evans came home last
Monday. Mamma is better again but Aunt Sarah is poorly in bed
but I hope she will soon be all right again.
March
Thurs 4th. Last Sunday Mamma was
very ill indeed but she rallied a little
before night, during Monday she was better but last night she was much worse
again, it was shock yesterday since she began with the sharp pain feeling. Jack
and Arthur came home from South America a week tonight we were very glad to see
them again. They are changed very little indeed during the seven months they were
away. Dr. Jay is coming to see Mamma again tonight, he does not always come
twice a day but Miss Evans and Poppy have sat up
nearly all the night with her poor neck.
Fri 5th. Mamma is about the same
today. Dr. Jay has only been once. I hope he will not have any reason to come
twice again. I have written to Aunt Sarah today to tell her about Mamma. Aunt
Charlotte has been with us since Thursday afternoon.
Sun 7th. I did not
write last night. I am sorry to say Mamma is not so well to-night. Aunt Charlotte
left us yesterday. I have put some flowers in Mrs Evans room. I like doing
things for her, she always seems pleased, however little the things you do for
her.
Mon 8th. Mamma has sent
for Dr. Jay to-night. I hope he will be here before long. Totty and Emily are
going to tea tomorrow to Mrs. Mangnall’s. I am going with them, but I cannot
stay long as I am not able to be out of doors late at night.
Sat 13th. Totty, Emily
and myself have been to Audlem. This afternoon it has been
a beautiful day. Mamma has not been so well. Today her cough does trouble her
again, it quite exhausts her to cough at all. Mrs Ashe has been to see her,
with Aunt Sarah, but they did not stay very long.
Sun 14th. I have been
out of doors a greater part of the day. Totty and Emily been to church this
morning. It is Miss Evans’s birthday tomorrow. Mamma still
keeps about the same, she does not get any stronger. Totty and Emily
have been to church this morning.
Sun 28th. Totty gone to
church this morning. I am going to be confirmed on April 29th.
Tues 30th. Mamma is not
so well. Today she has been very sick and it makes her
feel so much weaker.
April
Sun 4th. Mamma still keeps about the same. She does not seem any better at
all. It seems a very long time since Miss Evans has been out for a walk with us
children, she has been so busy looking after Mamma since she came home from her
holidays.
Sun 18th. Mamma still keeps very ill. She does not get any better. Aunt Hannah
is coming to see her very soon, but she is not coming to stay here, but at Aunt
Jane’s house. Joe has been here this afternoon, he saw Mamma for a few minutes,
at least, and makes her cough to talk much at a time. Miss Evans’ watch came on
Friday, it is a very pretty one. I hope it will go
well, or else she will be disappointed in it. Jack and Arthur are still without
anything settled to do yet. I wish they could. I think it is troubling Mamma
and keeping her from getting well. Dr. Jay is going to leave Audlem, we are
very sorry he is going now, but we know who is coming next. He is an Irishman,
and his name is Dr. Newman, he seems a pleasant man.
Wed 21st. Mamma is very
ill today. I do not think that the doctors think she will get better. Aunt
Hannah is at Audlem, she has seen her very much changed. Mr Atkinson has this
evening to see Mamma, I hope that she asked him to come
tomorrow. Mr. Corbett has been about letting their house, I am sure it would be
a great weight off Mamma’s mind if it could be either let or sold. Nothing of
any importance has happened.
May
Sun 2nd. Last Thursday
I was confirmed by Bishop Kellie. He gave us such a beautiful address before he
confirmed us. Miss Evans went with me, and I hope she will be able to come with
me to church on Whit Sunday when I shall receive the Sacrament for the first time.
September
Sun 12th. Since I last wrote
a great deal has happened. Dear Mamma has been taken from us. I feel her loss
more each day. We have been to the seaside with Mr. and Mrs. Ashe. It was very
pleasant.
Sun 19th. Poppy and
Miss Evans have gone to Audlem church. They have not been in the evening for a
long time. Gran is going to see her sister next Saturday to stay till Tuesday.
We are going on the same with our lessons. My old trouble does not get any
better, not that I have any idea of giving up. I think this year has been a gloomy
one so far. Dear Mamma was ill up in her room from November to May when she
died. I do not seem able to think of her in any other way than when I saw her
the last morning when I think of her. I seem to see her dear face so
distinctly. Perhaps it was with me being with her whilst she was ill. It is the
Harvest Thanksgiving at Audlem on Thursday and at Adderley on Sunday. Dick has
gone to London for his last examination. He will be away nearly two months I think.
October
Sun 3rd. Fran did not come
home till yesterday. She and Poppy are going tomorrow to Mrs. Wadsworth’s to
tea.
Fri 15th. All of us
were at Hankelow yesterday. It was such a pleasant
day. I have been feeling very unhappy lately. Things have not been going on
very brightly. I am so dull and my lessons don’t please Gran so often. I seem
to make her angry with me much oftener than I used to do. I wish I did not for
when she is not pleased with me, there is no one I care to ask anything or I could have a pleasant talk with. Dr. Jay has
been over to Audlem again, he has cut his beard, and it does not suit him at
all. I hope he will let it grow again he looks so much better with it.
Avant le
repas.
Bénissez‑nous
Seigneur, et bénissez en même temps les
aliments que votre libéralité nous
accorde, par Jésus Christ
notre Seigneur. Ainsi soit‑il.
Après le
repas.
Nous vous
rendons grâce de tous vos bienfaits Dieu tout‑puissant
qui vivez et régnez dans les
siècles des siècles. Ainsi soit‑il.
Rules.
Try and live as you would wish to do
when you come to die.
Never do anything you would be
afraid to do if it were the last hour of your life.
Never utter anything that is
sportive, or matter of laughter on a Lord’s day.
Never do anything but what you may
ask God’s blessing on.
Always speak the truth.
Totty. 1879.
Books
The Lamplighter “The Hidden
Power”. The Lamplighter is a
sentimental coming‑of‑age novel (1854) by Maria Susanna
Cummins, and one of the great commercial successes of mid‑19th‑century American fiction. It
follows Gertrude “Gerty” Flint, an abused orphan in Boston
who is rescued and raised by a kindly lamplighter, Trueman Flint, and gradually
transformed into a morally upright young woman through compassion, education,
and chosen family bonds.
The Story of Elise
Thornborg Cotta Family.
The Pillars of Fire, or Israel in
Bondage
The Martyrs of Carthage
The Lord of the Isles
Description of the caves of Fingal
and Asbestos
A Lecture by the Dean of Carlisle
on Hugh Miller’s Testimony of the Rocks
Life of Sir Walter Scott
The Schonberg Cotta Family. The Chronicles of the Schönberg‑Cotta Family by Elizabeth Rundle
Charles.
The Bundle of Sticks
Magnet Stories
The Story of Elise
Gertrude and Eulalie
The Children of the Lord’s Supper
Mokeley
The Lord of the Isles
The Pillar of Fire
A Lecture by the Dean of Carlisle
on
1881
Charity died unmarried,
aged 18, in March 1881 (GRO Volume 8a page 260).
Her sister Tottie Baker wrote in
her diary in May 1881, Chattie has gone, she died in March. I do miss her so
much. Sometimes it seems so strange that I shall never speak to her again on
earth, but I trust we shall be with her in heaven. It was a year last Tuesday
since Mother died and how little I thought that before another year had fled,
another one would be taken, but it is God’s will, and it is all for our good in
the end. I hope I shall see one day, & may God keep us all prepared for
death for it may come any time.