Charlotte Louisa Baker

Always Tottie, sometimes nicknamed Redhead

29 July 1866 to 17 June 1918

BAK00157

The Bakers Home Page Return to the Home Page of the Bakers Family part of the website

The Bakers of Highfields Story The Story of the Dods and Bakers and of Highfields, Fenton House and Hasfield Court. A journey through the history of Cheshire and Staffordshire, an Anglo-Saxon nobleman who retained his lands after the Conquest, pottery at Stoke on Trent, an encounter with Elgar, and the history of an Elizabethan manor house at Audlem

The Bakers of Highfields The family tree of the Bakers of Highfields

The Dod Family The Family Tree of the Dods, predecessors to the Bakers of Highfields

The Bakers of Fenton House and Hasfield Court The Family Tree of the pottery Bakers of Stoke on Trent

The Bellyse Family The Family Tree of the Bellyse Family

The Farndale Story The main part of this website tells the story of the Farndale family from Yorkshire Descendants of Arthur Baker, the story of the Farndale ancestry is told through the main part of this website You can also return to the Farndale website home page

The Hall Family The genealogy of the family of James Hall, linked to the Baker family through marriage to Arthur Baker

Headlines of Tottie Baker’s life are in brown.

Dates are in red.

Hyperlinks to other pages are in dark blue.

References and citations are in turquoise.

Context and local history are in purple.

1866

Charlotte Louisa Baker was the daughter of William and Henrietta Louisa (nee Bellyse) Baker (BAK00121). There is a birthday book held by the Noble family which has signatures by Emily Baker, 7 October; Henrietta Baker, 9 February and Tottie Baker, 29 July. These are the dates of their birthdays. She was baptised at Audlem on 23 December 1866.

1871

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

John Piercy, agent and Mary Piercy, visitors

Mary, Emma and William Dobson, 24, 20 and 16, domestic servants

1878

See the diaries of Charity, Charlotte and Emily Baker covering the period 1878 to 1882.

Charlotte (“Totty”) Louisa Baker (1866 to 1918)

I am going to try and turn over a new leaf, write in my diary, learn my verse out of my Scripture Text book more regularly, as I forget them very, very often, and I am sure it is God’s will that I should learn my verse.

May 1878 (continued presumably from a previous volume)

Tues 2nd. Poppy and Chatty have been to Audlem, they stayed dinner at Aunt Jane. Jack has gone to Shrewsbury.

Wed 3rd. Mamma and Dick have been gathering currants. Jack has returned from Shrewsbury. There really does not seem anything to put for day after day passes with scarcely any change of things. I think that is wrong, for if I have nothing else I ought to write my thoughts.

Thur 4th. Poppy, Jack, and Dick have gone to the vicarage. What a beautiful verse this is of the 4^th of *. I was reading it today, and I thought how good God is for making it such a happy hour. Oh, I do truly hope that I shall reach it “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away. I think now I have written it, I shall remember it.

Fri 5th. Mamma has gone to Audlem. Uncle Joe has been here this morning and has been watching us play eight. I am going now to help Dick put up the folds. The bells have been ringing at Audlem and Adderley. We have not been out, as it has been so wet.

Sa. 25th. Jack has gone to play cricket at Audlem. Mr. Woodcock has brought us several geraniums to plant. We have been out for a little while, but it began to rain.

Mon 27th. I forgot to write in my diary yesterday. Jack, Arthur, Uncle Joe, and Mr. James Greaves have been out shooting at Adderley. It has been very wet, and there was a little thunder this afternoon. Mrs. and the Misses Ashe, Miss Holice, Miss Eliza, and Mrs. Jac have been here.

Wed 29th. I forgot to write in my diary yesterday. Cousins Harry and Fanny came yesterday, and Poppy had gone with them to Hawkstone today. Aunt Sarah and Cousin Edith drove here this afternoon.

Thurs. 30th. Every one except Mamma, Chatty & Emily and I have gone to Aunt Sarah’s to tea. It has been a beautiful day & we went out.

Fri 31st. Mamma, Cousin Harry & Fanny are gone to Aunt Sarah’s. Jack, Dick & Mr. Sydney are gone to a tea-party at Norton.

June

Mon 3rd. I have forgotten to write in my diary for two days. Cousin Harry & Fanny have gone home we went with them to the station. Mamma has been down to Audlem.

Wed 5th. Forgot to write in my diary yesterday. It has been a fine day, we have been out.

Fri 7th. Forgot to write in my diary yesterday. Mamma has gone to Audlem.

Thurs 13th. I have forgotten to write in my diary for two days. Jiffy, Jack, Dick have gone to Audlem. Cousin Amy has been here.

Fri 14th. Mamma, Chatty & Emily have been to Audlem. It is the first time Chatty has been so far since her illness.

Sun 16th. Forgot to write in my diary yesterday. I went to church this morning and Mamma has been this evening.

Mon 17th. Poppy and Miss Evans have gone to Kinsale, and they have not come back yet.

Wed 19th. Forgot to write in my diary yesterday. It has been a beautiful day & I have been out.

Thurs 20th. Mamma has gone to Hankelow. Jack has gone to Audlem tonight. Dick has not come back yet.

Fri. 21st. Poppy has gone to Hankelow and Jack has gone to meet her. Mrs. Vigours & Agnes have been here this evening, and we have been swinging Agnes.

Sun 23rd. Forgot to write yesterday. Mamma has been to Audlem. She went in the afternoon. I went to church this morning.

Wed 26th. I have forgotten to write for two days. We have begun our holidays today. We have been playing croquet.

July

Mon 1st. I have forgotten to write for four days. I have been with Attie and Emily to Hawksmoor this week. Dick has gone to Kinsale. Mrs. Evans went for her holidays on Friday. Thursday the day that we went to Stapley.

Sat 6th. Poppy, Emily, and I have been to Mrs Mac Cafies to take back a book which Miss Bessie lent me. I have kept it such a very long while. She had lent me another, and I am going to try how quickly I can read it. We are going to have dinner soon. I shall be very sorry for I like them very much. I think they are very kind.

Mon 8th. I did not write yesterday because it was rather late when I came from church. I think little Robbie will have to go for tonight, he fitted us, and we had to get against a tree. I shall be very sorry, for he is a great favourite and he seems really to love us. He went with me to Hawkesmoor this morning.

Tues 9th. Chatty and Mamma have gone to Hankelow. Mrs. Ashe came for them, they were to have gone yesterday. As I was looking into the sky tonight it made me think about dear papa, who is so happy now. I often long oh so much that he were here now, but it is God’s will and I must learn like Christ to say from the bottom of my heart, nevertheless not my will but thine be done, and I must always remember that God has promised to be a Father of the fatherless.

Wed 10th. Mr. Sydney is here, he came this evening. I miss Chatty very much for she is a very good sister to me, and I only wish that I might be a better sister to her. I wish I could pray for Chatty for then I might ask for what ever I want, but I really feel as though I could not, and not though I could get her sure.

Thurs 11th. I wrote to Miss Evans last evening. It was a very long time before I wrote, but I know she will not mind, as somehow she does not seem to think of things in the way which perhaps many over the world, perhaps they might think that I did not wish to write to them. Poppy, Emily and I were thinking of going to Audlem this evening, but was rather wet, and Poppy said perhaps we should go tomorrow morning.

Fri 12^th. We have been to Audlem, we went down with Dick. Mrs. Woodcock has been. She has brought me a bunch of flowers and another scented geranium, what a kind woman she is.

Sat 13^th. Jack has been playing cricket this afternoon. Jack and Dick went to Shropshire yesterday they did not come back till three o’clock in the morning. Mr. Sydney came of age. Emily and I have been with Dick to Audley station this evening to take a parcel to the station.

Sun 14^th. I have not been to church today, it has been too wet, hardly seems like Sunday when one does not go to church. I wish we had family prayers, I think if God allows me to grow up and have a family I think I shall have prayers. I have finished the Schonberg Cotta Family. I have been spending time over it. It says a great deal about Martin Luther and I think from what it says about his domestic life, he must have been a very good husband and father.

Thurs 18^th. I have not written in my diary for some days, it has been bed time when I have come, several things have happened since I last wrote. I have been to Audlem twice, I have seen Chatty, I have heard from her and Emily and I have both written to her. Besides that the little meadow has been mown, and the hay been carried, poor little Emily is ill again, I have been in the way, and I do often wish that she could have been with me, she would do more good herself.

Fri 19^th. Pollie Whittain has been here this evening, and we have been playing croquet. She was here on Tuesday afternoon, and wrote her name in our Scripture Text Book.

Sat 20^th. We have had tea out under the trees for the second time today. It is such beautiful weather now and has been for a long time. How good God is, when we are so.

Tues 23rd. I have not written in my diary for two days. I hope I am not going back into my old way. I must try not. Poppie, Emily and I have been to the Miss Mac Cape’s to tea.

Thurs 25^th. I forgot to write yesterday. Poppie and Emily and I went to the tea-party yesterday, and the boys as well. The rain poured through the tent. It has had breezy, showery nearly all day.

Mon 29^th. I have not written in my diary for five days. It is my birthday today, how good God is, besides having taken such great care of me for twelve years, I think of no one has ever so much that could be better child. Mr. Corbet preached such a beautiful lesson on that evening his text was ‘He opened eyes if it be not afraid.’ Oh what very comforting words those are. I thought so before but now I think them more so.

Wed 31st. Did not write last night for we had been to Mr. Williams and it was bed time when we came home. Poppy and I went down to Audlem this morning and Aunt Charlotte came back with us. It had been such a beautiful day and I think it will be alike tomorrow for there is a mist, how very kind God is and how little we deserve such kindness.

August

Sun 4th. I have not written for three days. I have not been to church. Aunt Mary was singing.

Mon 5th. Dick, Jack, and Arthur have gone to the cricket. There has been a thunderstorm this evening. Annie has been here and I think she has gone away from home.

Wed 7th. I did not write yesterday. Aunt Mary came yesterday and uncle Beaumont has come this evening. Mrs. Evans returns tomorrow. Uncle Joe, Aunt Jane, and Aunt Charlotte have been here this evening. They came with Aunt Mary from Audlem.

Fri 9th. Miss Evans has come back yesterday, and I did not write in my diary, for I was with her all the time. I am so glad she has come back, I feel as though I can tell her anything that troubled me, for Miss Evans has had trouble enough to sympathize with other people.

Sat 10th. Poppy and Miss Evans have gone down to Audlem. I have been thinking this evening how much Poppy would like to be one of Christ’s little lambs, but I feel as though I were wandering further and further away from Him, and as though I should never reach Heaven. The verse in my text book for today was so pretty, it was, “Whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.”

Sun 11th. I have been to church this morning with Miss Evans & Poppy, Chatty and Emily. Mamma went down to Aunt Jane’s this afternoon. I think the vicar gave a very good sermon this evening.

Mon 12th. I do have to begin lessons again. I do not doubt it somehow that I shall reach heaven. Miss Evans told me that I must think of Jesus more as a friend and to remember the text, “Pray, believe, ask, and it shall be given thee.” I said that a comfort this is to me, and oh, she is such a very great comfort. I must not get disheartened if God does not hear me.

Tues 13th. We have not been out much. It has been raining nearly all day. Jack has not been able to get on much with his corn harvest.

Wed 14^th. Mamma has gone down to Audlem, and I should think she would be frightened for there are two bulls in the park. I think Poppy is going to Drayton tomorrow to stay a little while with cousin Pollie.

Thurs 15^th. Poppy has gone to Drayton. She went by the five train this afternoon. The Misses Mangnalls were called this evening they asked Jack and Dick to go to tea on Thursday after the cricket. They wanted Poppy to go, but she will be away.

Fri 16^th. Arthur and Elsie have got a many mushrooms today and I think Dick is going tomorrow morning before breakfast.

Sat 17^th. Jack and Dick have gone to the Misses Mangnalls to tea. Mr. Lightfoot came here this afternoon.

Sun 19^th. I did not write yesterday. I feel so miserable for Miss Evans is vexed with me and I do try to be good but I cannot and I don’t think that she thinks I don’t try to be good but it is so, and it is very hard. I feel as though it is all of no use, and the more I hear of good children, the more I long to be one.

Tues 20^th. We have planted some ferns that Miss Evans brought in a box. I do hope they will live for they are so pretty.

Tues 27^th. I have not written in my diary for a week. Chatty went to Drayton on Thursday she has come back today. Poppy & Miss Evans, Jack & Dick have gone to the Miss Heath’s this afternoon to tea.

Wed 28^th. Poppy went to Kinsale this morning & down to Audlem this afternoon. It has been raining a great deal.

Thurs 29^th. I did not write yesterday. Aunt Sarah & Cousin Amy, and Cousin Willie, Harry & Jim were here yesterday. It did begin raining a great deal. I am afraid the corn will be spoilt, but it is God’s will & He knows best what is good for us. St. Paul said “All things work together for good to them that love God.” He had a great deal of sorrow.

September

Sun 1^st. I did not write yesterday. I have not been to church at all. I could hear the bells ringing so plainly this evening & they did sound so pretty.

October

Sun 27^th. I have not written for a very long while. Dick has been ill. He is going to Uncle Fred’s next week I think. Miss Evans & Poppy have gone to Audlem church. We were there this morning.

November

Sun. 3^rd. Miss Evans & Poppy have gone to church. Dick is going to Uncle Fred’s tomorrow & Mamma and he are hacking up.

Sun 10^th. Miss Evans & Poppy have gone to Aunt Mary & Uncle Beaumont have been staying here since last Saturday, but they have gone away this evening. It had been very wet today.

Mon 11^th. It has been raining nearly all day so we have not been out at all. Jack has gone to Audlem.

December

Sun 29^th. I have not written for a long while. Our holidays have begun & Miss Evans went away yesterday. There has been a great deal of snow but it is going away now; it has lasted more than a week. I have not been to church for several Sundays, as it has been such bad weather.

Mon 30^th. This evening we have been putting some New Year cards ready for Dick to take to the post tomorrow; we are sending some to Hankelow & some to Duncliffe. The doctor who has come to stay while Dr. Jay is away, has been here.

1879

January 1879

Tues 7^th. The bell ringers were here last night. I do so like to hear them. They rang three times, the last time it was the Christmas hymn called “O come all ye faithful.” I think it is such a beautiful tune. Mrs Ashe, Miss Slate, Mrs Slae

were here yesterday morning. Jack has gone down to Audlem this afternoon. The snow has come again, and the frost.

Wed 8^th. Jack has gone to Mrs. Brittain’s this evening. I think her brother is there. I have been reading the life of the Prince Consort out of “Little Folks”, what a very good man he was. Jack is thinking of going out to try to shoot a rabbit tonight, but I do not know whether he will or not. The moon is very bright, it was full last night. Yesterday evening the scullery window was most beautiful, there was a pot on it, and the moon shining through it.

Fri 10^th. Mr. Sydney was here this afternoon, & Poppy has been down to Audlem with Miss Smith. It has been snowing again today. I have finished some crochet that I have been doing. I began it before Miss Evans went away for the holidays. We are without a servant now, and we have been for a fortnight. There was one here this evening, named Mary Buckley, but I don’t know whether she will suit Mamma or not. I hope she will, for Mamma and Poppy have to be so busy, and Mamma has had a bad cough for a long while.

Sat 11^th. Jack, Arthur, and Dick have been skating at Adderley this afternoon, and Jack has not come home yet. I put my crochet to stew this afternoon, because it was so dirty, and Mamma has put it out of doors.

Sun 12^th. Jack has gone to church this evening. It is snowing and raining. Mrs. Parker has been here, Jack is giving up Hawkesmoor, the sale is on Thursday.

Tues 14^th. Mrs. Morton has come here this morning to stay until we can get a servant. Servant has been here, and I hope she will do for Mamma.

Thurs 16^th. The sale has been today, & Jack thinks it has been a good one. Cousin Jenny has been here, & two Mr. Hunsleys.

Fri 17^th. Emily and I have been out, it was very nice but rather cold. I forgot to put yesterday that Emily had a letter from Miss Evans.

Sat 18^th. She said that little Georgie’s cough had come back again, and he was very poorly. I have written to Miss Evans, and Jack has taken the letter to the post, he was going to Poplar Gate to stay until Monday. It has been snowing very much, it is the third time we have had the snow this winter, but we must not complain, for St. Paul says “All things work together for good to them that believe.”

Sun 19^th. Poppy and Dick went to church this morning. I have been singing hymns this evening. I think one of the prettiest is “Pleasant are they countenance above,” it reminds me of Papa. I remember singing it when he was there

one morning at church, and it always makes me think of him. I have begun to read “Mark Caughan,” it is one of Poppy’s books.

Tues 21st. I have been to Mrs. Brittain’s this afternoon. Chatty has written to Miss Evans. Jack came back from Pipegate yesterday and he was at Mr. Benion’s last night. Aunt Mary wants Mamma to go to Pipegate at the end of this week. I do not know if she will go or not, I think it would be good to go for she has a very bad cough. Dr. Jay came here this afternoon. He says Chatty is very much better.

Thurs 23rd. I went to Mrs. Brittain’s this afternoon. Poppy and Dick were at Pipegate yesterday evening, and Jack was at a party at Mrs. Gouldbourne’s. Chatty and I have had a letter each from Miss Evans. I did not write yesterday.

Sat 25th. I did not write yesterday. Arthur and Jack have been skating at Shavington. Arthur has come back but Jack has not. I should like to learn to skate, I think I shall ask Dick or Arthur to teach me. We are putting down the books we read, and I am going to put two more down tonight.

Sun 26th. Poppy and Dick have been to Addleley church this evening, and Jack and Arthur to Audlem. I have written to Miss Evans and to little Georgie, and I shall give the letters to Dick to post tomorrow.

Tues 28th. I forgot to write in my diary last night. I was trying to skate yesterday. Dick bought me a pair of skates from Audlem. Miss Smith has been here today. She expects Miss Mackenzie tomorrow. A new servant came yesterday, I do hope she will suit Mamma, her name is Jane Chester.

Wed 29th. Jack has gone to a party at the Miss Mangnalls Heaths. Chatty wrote to Miss Evans yesterday, she is coming back on Saturday week. Mr. Sydney was here this morning.

February

Sat 1st. I have not written for two nights. Jack was at an oyster supper at Uncle Joe’s last evening. I think Aunt Mary and Uncle Beaumont are coming here tomorrow, they are staying at Uncle Joe’s till Monday, they came yesterday. Chatty has written to Miss Evans. When Miss Smith was here the other day, she told us that the King of the Netherlands was dead, and he was only married last August, what a sad thing it was. The Princess Alice is also dead. She caught diphtheria with kissing one of her children who had it, she died the same day of the month, of the same month as the Prince Consort, and she was such a good creature. I think it shows us we ought to be prepared for death, for it may come so suddenly upon us. I know I wish that I was. Uncle Beaumont had been here, he went early because Uncle Joe was going to Chester to the service, and he wanted to see him before he went. The snow is thawing very fast. I am reading Pilgrim’s Progress, and I think I have read half of it.

Mon 3rd. Dick has made a spill-case of cardboard with flowers gummed on it, and it does look so pretty. Chatty and I have made a new cover for the footstool that is in the dining room, and Emily had finished a piece of woolwork she has been doing. When I have finished writing I think I shall read a little out of ‘Mabel Vaughan,’ for I have not finished it yet and it is so interesting; we are putting down the books we read for Aunt Sarah to see. I have read 12 counting 2 poems and 3 lectures out of a book called ‘Peter Hall Lectures.’

Tues 4th. I have finished reading ‘Mabel Vaughan,’ and I must put it down on my paper. Miss Smith and Miss Eliza Mackenzie have been here. Polly Brittain came here this afternoon, and she asked us to go there to tea tomorrow. Miss Ashe and Miss Petitjean were here this morning. Miss Ashe has been staying in London for not quite three weeks. The snow is nearly all gone, but I think it’s freezing again tonight.

Thurs 6th. I did not write last night for we were at Mr. Brittain’s and it was late when we returned. Chatty and I have written to Miss Evans. Jack has been to an oyster-supper at Uncle Beaumont’s, he stayed all night at Aunt Jane’s.

Fri 7^th. Uncle Joe and Mr. Fallon have been here. We have been making spills nearly all this evening; I do so like making them. Jack has gone to Kynsal this evening. I began to read ‘Wakefield’s Tour’ yesterday; it is about a family travelling through England.

Sun 9th. I did not write last night. Miss Evans came home yesterday; she has brought Chatty and myself a scrap-book, and Emily a Bible. Poppy and Miss Evans went to church this morning, and Jack and Dick have gone this evening. I have a bad cold, and Arthur as well, I wish they would go away.

Mon 10th. Miss Evans has been teaching Emily and me a pattern of knitting. It is very pretty. Arthur and Jack have been ferreting. Am reading Wakefield’s Tour; have finished Mabel Vaughan.

Tues 11th. Chatty and I are knitting Arthur a pair of socks, before Christmas we knitted Cousin Reggie a pair. Miss Evans is knitting Arthur another pair. Mamma has been to Kynsal this afternoon, she has not been so far for a long while.

Aunt Jane and Aunt Charlotte have been here this afternoon, they have not been before for a long while. Jack is gone to an oyster supper at Dr. Jay’s this evening.

Wed. 12th. Aunt Jane and Aunt Charlotte have been here this afternoon, they have not been before for a long while. Jack is gone to an oyster supper at Dr Jay’s this evening.

Thurs 13th. Emily has had a valentine. Dick sent it to her. She is crocheting my doll a petticoat. I have not been out today, it has been so wet. Have done the heel of Arthur’s sock. Miss Evans is doing the foot of the one she is knitting.

Fri 14th. Emily has nearly finished my doll’s petticoat. Dick has brought me some lozenges, for I am beginning with a cough. Jack, Dick, and Arthur have had three beautiful valentines.

Sat 15th. Jack has gone to Audlem this evening. I think he was going from Adderley by the train; it is a dreadful night. I should think he would have a very miserable out. We have none of us been out today, it has been so wet. Emily has what she was crocheting for a doll’s petticoat for one, for a doll’s frock for herself, for we think it will do better for one. Miss Evans is crocheting the body of the frock, it will be very pretty I think.

Sun 16th. Miss Evans and Dick went to church this morning, and Miss Evans and Poppy went to call at Kynsale this afternoon, because Miss Mackenzie is going away tomorrow. I am reading a book called “The Biographical Sketch of Sir Henry Havelock.” It is very interesting.

Mon 17^th. Jack has been out hunting, he has not been before for some time because of the frost; he has gone to Corbrook to Mr. Boote’s. It has been snowing very fast indeed, and the flakes were so very large. I do not think I have ever seen them so large before. Miss Mackenzie has left Kinsale today she is going home, she sails one this day from Liverpool, she is going down the Mediterranean, and I think she expects to return home in about two months; she has been very ill indeed. Chatty and I are learning a duet it is called Lucretia Borgia, it is very pretty indeed, and I hope we shall soon know it.

Tues 18^th. Chatty writing to Uncle Henry for some cough lozenges, for her cough has returned, and she has a sore throat. Jack has gone to the Waterloo coursing with Mr. Foote, he is coming back tomorrow night; we used to keep some greyhounds, but they were all old except one, and that died not long ago. A gentleman named Mr. Folley, who lives at The Belaporte, had been looking over the house, he wants it for his son, but I do not know whether he will take it or not. Mamma was trying to let it the year before last, but she could not. Emily is going to have some doves from Hankelow Hall. I think they are coming this week. I am so fond of birds.

Wed 19^th. Dick has not been to the office, for he has a boil on his chin, and he is afraid of getting the frost into it. Miss Evans and Poppy have been down to Audlem to post some letters. Jack has not come back from the Waterloo coursing yet, he was to come tonight. Chatty is getting into bed, she’s going to have some mustard poultices on; we have had our lesson upstairs in Mamma’s bedroom, because Chatty could not come down, I hope she will soon be able to.

Thurs 20^th. Jack did not come home last night. Poppy and Miss Evans saw Mrs. Boote yesterday afternoon, and she said that they was going to stay at Corbrook all night, he has not come home yet. I am learning a new piece of music, & have begun it today.

Mon 24^th. I have not written for three days. Mr. Colville was here this morning looking over the house, he is the stepson of Mr. Colson, Mamma did not think he will take. Jack and Arthur are thinking of going to South America to a sheep farm, I am sure we shall miss them very much if they do go, for we shall be very quiet without them. They are thinking of going in May, with a friend of Mr. Ashe, who has a very large farm there.

Tues 25^th. Miss Evans, Poppy, and Dick have gone to an entertainment at Audlem, and Jane has been sitting with us. Chatty has not come downstairs yet, she is now stitching some tatting on one of Emily’s nightgowns, it is very pretty indeed.

March

Wed 5th. Emily had been in bed with a cough, but I think it is a little better now, she got up today & yesterday. Emily’s flowers have come, they are such nice little things. Poppy had been staying at Hankelow for a few days. We have our lessons upstairs yet. I have not written for several days.

Sun 29th. Miss Evans & Poppy have been to church. Dick & I have been singing hymns nearly all evening. Jack went to Liverpool on Friday. Mamma has been staying at Pipegate with Aunt Mary.

April

Tues 1st. Miss Evans & Poppy has gone to Chester today, she is going to the godmother of Mr. Williams’ baby, she is coming home again on Friday, I think. Poppy, Miss Evans, Jack, Dick & Arthur went to a concert at Audlem last night. Jack & Arthur have been to the Drayton races, and Cousin Willie won one race. I think Jack and Arthur are soon going to Buenos Aires, how we shall miss them, we shall be very, very sad without them, who would have thought three years ago they would have gone. I think God is very good for letting us know what is going to happen, though we may often wish to do. Mamma still has a bad cough, it does not seem to get any better, unless she tries to go outside. Oh I wish I could be a better child, Oh God help me to become one, for Jesus Christ’s sake. I have just been upstairs with Jane & Emily to light Mamma’s fire.

Wed 16^th. Dick, Emily and I have been a long walk & we gathered some anemones.

Thurs 17^th. Mamma went to Aunt Mary’s yesterday, she came home this evening. Chatty has been out with us today, she has not been out for some time before. We have planted some more primrose roots in our garden & some violets. Chatty, Emily & I have been to Mr. Brittain’s.

Sun 20^th. Miss Evans came home again last Friday evening. Miss Smith & Amy Coombes were here on Friday to tea. Chatty, Emily, & I went down to Audlem the same day, Aunt Jane came back with us. Mamma has been very ill; she has not been well for some time & on Friday she was obliged to go to bed again, but she is better now. I had come down stairs today. Poppy & Jack were at Hankelow to tea last evening. I am reading now the life of Capt. Hedley Vicars, he fought in the Crimean war. Jack has gone to see Mr. Ashe again today, & Dick & Arthur have gone to church.

Wed 23^rd. Mr. Gouldbourne & Mr. Mear have been here. Arthur has been to Drayton. I was to have gone with them. It was rather nice day, Mrs. Ashe & the two Miss Ellises have been here yesterday, they have not been out today.

Sun 27^th. I have been such a pleasant walk with Miss Evans & Emily. I have not had such a nice one for a long while; we gathered some very pretty flowers, primroses & anemones. Dick & Arthur went to Hankelow yesterday afternoon to tea. There was a concert at Adderley last Friday. Dick & Jack & Arthur were there. Jack & Dick were at a party at Mr. Lisk’s Thursday evening, at the house they have just gone to. It has been such a beautiful day, the lambs seem to enjoy it, for they are so playing.

May

Sun 18th. Miss Evans, Dick & Arthur have gone to church this evening. Jack & Arthur are not going to Buenos Aires till the 5th August. It was 3 years last Friday since Papa died; oh how I long to be a better child & go to heaven when I die, but I do not seem to make any progress. Perhaps it is that I do not try sufficiently. I have been reading Revelations III this evening, how I wish that I enjoyed reading the Bible more than I do.

June

Sun 1st. Miss Evans & Poppy have gone to Audlem church. Miss Evans went to Nantwich yesterday. It is Whit‑Sunday, & it is Bank Holiday tomorrow. How well I remember last Whitsun Monday. Nature is lovely now, it makes me think of those happy days long gone by, ah! those days will never return, but I ought not to complain, for on the other hand what blessings God is continually sending me. Lord, in thy mercy make me a much better child than I am, make me like unto thee, if it is not too great a mercy to ask for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. Dr. Jay has been here today, he drove up this afternoon. We have made a rockery by the back door yesterday.

November

Sun 2nd. I went to church this morning, it is Adderley Thanksgiving. Aunt Sarah and Poppy are gone to Audlem, Aunt Sarah is staying here. It has been such a splendid day, there was quite a sharp frost this morning. Mamma has gone to Uncle Fred’s at Bognor. Jack and Arthur have gone to Buenos Aires, they left home Aug. 5th & sailed the 6th. We have heard from them twice, once a few days after they went, and once again from Buenos Aires, which arrived here on Oct. 17th.

Mon 3rd. I have been out a little, it was dull but tolerably warm. I have heard from Mamma, I wrote last Wednesday evening. Miss Evans is practicing some songs. We have gone back to the schoolroom to have our lessons nearly all this half year. I like it much better than having them in the dining-room.

Tues 4th. It is Chatty’s birthday. Mamma has written to her, I sent her a birthday-card, she is seventeen. We have had a half holiday. We have finished reading The Old Curiosity Shop last night, it’s a very interesting book.

Wed 5th. We have had a very long walk this afternoon, we have a half holiday on a Wednesday now, and we generally go a walk. Mrs. & Miss Ashe have been here.

Thurs 6th. We have been out after lessons. Poppy has heard from Jack again today, they had not a situation then.

Feb 7th. It has been so warm. The doctor has been here. I have been out, we have planted some horse‑chestnuts in a pot today to see if they will grow.

Sat 8th. Poppy, Dick & Miss Evans have gone to Aunt Jane’s to tea, the Miss Mangnalls are going there. Dick has heard from Mamma. It has been a beautiful day.

Mon 10th. I went to Audlem church yesterday evening. I have not been in an evening for a long while. They have been threshing the corn today, we watched them for a short time, it is the first time I have been so near a threshing machine, I think. Poppy has written to Jack again, & she & Miss Evans have taken the letter to the post. Dick has gone to Kinsale.

Tues 11th. Aunt Jane came here this morning, & Aunt Sarah went back with her, but I think she has come back again now. We have not been out as it has been too cold.

Wed 12th. Emily and I have been out this afternoon gathering some berries and leaves, it was very windy, we have got some straw for Dick’s bed.

Fri 14th. I forgot to write in my diary last night, till we were just going in to supper. It has been so beautiful yesterday & today, it has been frosty. Poppy & Aunt Sarah went to Drayton yesterday.

Sat 15th. We have been a walk round by Buerton. It has been a splendid day, quite a sharp frost. Aunt Sarah had heard from Mamma again. Dick has been to Nantwich.

Mon 17th. I did not write last night. Aunt Jane was here yesterday & Poppy went with her down tonight & came back this morning. Uncle Joe had heard from Jack & Arthur, has written a letter to Mamma. They have an appointment & have to tend sheep. They are about 80 miles from Buenos Aires. They get up at 5 o’clock in the morning.

Tues 18th. Poppy has been to Audlem & she & Aunt Sarah called at Kinsale. We have been out today. Dick has a boil on his neck & has not been to the office yesterday or today.

Mon 23rd. I have not written for several days. Mamma is in London now. There was a fall of snow yesterday but it has gone away now. I think Dick has been to church. Mr. Sydney was here to tea.

Thurs 27th. I have not written for several days. Mamma is coming home tonight. It is a week today since we went to have tea with Peggy Woodcock. We have been out & others.

Sun 29th. It is the first Sunday in Advent. Dick, Poppy & I went to church this morning. We have written to the boys again, the letter was posted last Friday & I think the mail goes on today. Mamma is at home again.

Highfields,

November 25^th

These are Tottie’s kisses, xxxx

My dearest Attie,

We were very pleased to hear you have something to do, what a jolly sort of a journey you must have had with those half wild horses. Iris is very fat, as fond of Lily as ever, we have fine fun with her sometimes. Yesterday Emily got the piano duster & said she was going to dust Mug’s ears out. Then she held her up on the sofa & said she was a pattern of clean lines, which I don’t think she was just then. We shall have to wash her again with soft soap. We keep a nail brush and a comb in the cupboard for her. Emily says she wears a green shade over it now. We have had a fall of snow already here but it has gone away now. I have not tried my skates again yet, I hope I shall make a better attempt this time than I did last winter. I was so afraid of falling. One of the calves got his leg fast in a hurdle the other day, but he got it out himself & I do not think he was hurt much, only just lamed himself for a short time. Old Parker was here last Sunday & was looking as sharp as ever. A few Sundays ago, Uncle Beaumont, Casey and Rebel came here. Casey said Rebel was worth fifty Irises but Chatty said she was not. Mamma has been staying at Bognor with Uncle Fred, but now she is at Cousin Lizzie’s. Uncle Joe went to London yesterday & Mamma is coming back with him. The Hounds have been again, we have seen the Hounds twice. The first time we saw them Laddie & Iris did so barked at them & there was one dog behind the rest & it was so absurd to see these two following him. Emily’s doves keep very well, we have them in the house again now & we feed them with wheat now it has been threshed, we watched the men threshing the wheat for a little while.

Mr. Fallon is leaving Audlem in February. Mr. Atkinson has another curate coming then. Cousin Jim has been shooting several times, but I don’t think he has killed very much. Mr. Pigott of Heywood is a teacher & he is gone to Manchester selling milk. We got the hay in all right. Dick helped to carry it. Edward has bought another cow so they are feeding Rachael ready to sell. Miss Craven wishes to be kindly remembered to you. She is busy helping Poppy, so we are having a holiday. Dick has had a boil on his neck, so he stayed away from the Chapel nearly all last week. Mamma is at home again now, she came last night & she is writing to you now. Do you get all our letters, we have written four times, at least some of us have. Poppy wrote in the last mail & is going to write again for the one that leaves on the 4th of December, the mail we are writing for goes next Sunday I think. It is your 20th birthday next Tuesday & Miss Evans & we three children wish you very many happy returns of the day. We are sorry we cannot give you a neck‑tie this year. I should so like to ruffle your hair for you. Mamma has bought Emily a dolls cradle & she is now sitting on the window‑seat rocking it. We washed twopence last Wednesday afternoon. Mamma has a relaxed throat, she saw a doctor whilst she was in London & he asked her if she could gargle her throat & when she told him she could not very well he said she had better have an inhaler, we have been watching her use it this morning. I can’t tell you exactly what it is like, she puts some water in a little glass thing & then sets something (almost like a lamp) alight under it, this boils the water; then she has a bottle with some solution of alum in it & the steam goes into her mouth, it is so funny to watch her.

Poppy sends her very best love to you.

So now goodbye, with very best love to you, believe me, dearest Attie,

Ever your loving sister, Lottie (otherwise Red-head)

(Letter from Charlotte Louisa Baker to her brother, Arthur Baker (in South America), 25 November 1879, Baker Records, 64)

December

Tues 18th. I have not written for several days. Uncle Beaumont & Aunt Mary came last Sat, went away again yesterday. Aunt Sarah is coming home again next Sat. Cousin Mary has cut her knee with the ice. Miss Mac Cape has fallen & broken her arm. I have not tried to skate this time yet.

1880

January 1880

Sun 18th. Another Christmas has passed away & the New Year has begun, it seems strange for Jack & Attie to be away, we have heard from them again, they are not getting on very well. Miss Evans is away for her holidays. Mamma is still sick but she gets up a little nearly every day. Last year has gone so quickly it does not seem very many weeks since our last Christmas holidays. I wonder how the poor boys have spent Christmas, how I should like to see them! Mrs. Jones & Miss Craven were here last Wednesday. Mr. Fallon was here yesterday.

Mon 19^th. Aunt Jane & Aunt Charlotte have been here. Jane has been to see her little brother. Dr. Jay says Mamma is better a little. Aunt Charlotte & family went a walk. It has been a very beautiful day & I think it is freezing now. Mr. Atkinson is very ill with erysipelas. I think they have him painted with iodine.

Fri 23^rd. Miss Ashe has been here. I brought Mamma some fish. I have begun writing to Jack. I began the letter yesterday. Aunt Sarah went to Aunt Janey yesterday & has returned today.

Sun 25^th. I have been finishing my letter to Jack this evening. Miss Evans is coming home tomorrow. Sidney has been to tea. I have not been to church today.

(Letter from Charlotte Louisa Baker to her brother, John Bellyse Baker (in South America), 22 January 1880, Baker Records, 66)

February

Sun 1^st. Emily & I have been to church with Dick this morning. Mamma is getting better. Aunt Sarah is ill now with a bilious attack. She was to have gone to Lichfield last Saturday (yesterday) but could not. Miss Evans has come back again, but we have not begun lessons again yet. It has been such a lovely day more like spring; there are some primrose buds in our garden already but I do not know whether they will come out or not. Mamma has been down for the first time since her illness today. Jack Parker has been here this afternoon. Last Thursday Cousin Jim & Mr. Turnbull were shooting here but they did not kill anything. Cousin Arthur was ill with measles then but I do not know how he is now.

Sun 8^th. Dick had been to church this evening but I have not been today. Aunt Sarah is still in bed. Mamma has not been up at all today. We were out of doors this morning. Miss Evans, Emily & I went to church.

Thurs 24th. We heard from Jack yesterday they say that they have not had anything to do for the last fortnight & that unless they could get anything to do before the 26th of last January (they wrote on the 20th of January) that they should return home in the Cotapaxi, which I think sailed from Buenos Aires on the 26th of January & if they did not come by her they said they would write & tell us so that we should know whether they had started with her or not, so that perhaps they may come any day now, how I should like to see them both. Dick was to look in the newspapers today, to see if he could hear/find out anything about the Cotapaxi, but he has not returned yet. Miss Evans has been helping Poppy with the ironing today. Aunt Sarah has been up today. Mamma has been in bed all day again.

(The Pacific Steam Navigation Company (PSNC) steamship Cotopaxi was a prominent ocean liner and cargo ship based out of Liverpool. From 1877 to 1879, the Pacific Steam Navigation Company operated a highly active transatlantic route connecting Liverpool to Bordeaux and Buenos Aires. The Cotopaxi was a mainstay on this line, shuffling European cargo, mail, and immigrants to South America, and returning to Liverpool with agricultural goods. On 15 May 1889, while navigating the treacherous Straits of Magellan on a voyage from Liverpool to Valparaiso, the Cotopaxi collided with the German steamer Olympia. Though she was temporarily refloated, she struck a reef and sank. Fortunately, a passing German vessel saved all passengers and crew on board)

Wed 25th. Mr. Field sent word today that the Cotopaxi will be at Liverpool at midnight tonight, so that if Jack and Attie are still coming by her they will likely be here before tomorrow. Mr. Field has been here today. Dr. Jay as well. Mr. Fallon is going tomorrow. Mamma has the shingles now, she has had them twice before, she is very great pain, it is such a pity, her cough & throat are so much better. I think the ship was at sea on the Bay of Biscay either Sunday & Monday, or yesterday.

March

Thurs 4th. Jack & Attie have come home again. They came last Thursday. Iris knew Attie again & was very pleased to see him. I am very glad they are at home again, it seems more like it used to be; it does not seem many weeks since they went. Mamma is still in bed, the shingles are dying away but she is still very very weak. Jack has gone to Audlem. The last few days have been very windy but today it has been calm. The night before last was very windy, at Aunt Mary’s they got up & lighted the candles, they thought the house was coming down. Emily & I have been out today & have had some fine fun with Attie amongst the straw. Mrs Ashe & Miss Tate have been here. Mrs Smith sent to know how Mamma is both Tuesday & today.

Fri 5^th. Jack has gone to Bristol, Emily & I have been out with Attie nearly all day & have had some fun with Chris. Miss Smith & Miss MacKenzie are still in Switzerland, I think. We have some snowdrops & primroses in our garden.

Sat 6^th. Mr Ashe, Miss Kate & Mrs Ashe have been here today. Emily & I have been outdoors with Attie & Dick. The Dr. said today that Mamma is better, she is still in bed.

Sun 7^th. Emily & I went to church this morning with Jack, Dick & Arthur. The new curate Mr Foster preached this morning, he has only been here two Sundays. We have been out nearly all afternoon. It has been a beautiful day, especially this afternoon. Mamma was a little better this morning, but now this evening she is not feeling so well.

Mon 8^th. It has been a lovely day, we have been out nearly all day. We went to Mrs. Beamam’s this morning. Mrs. Mangnall has asked us to go there tomorrow to tea. Dr. Jay is here now, he was here this morning as well, but Mamma did not feel so well again this afternoon & so she sent Emma for him. Jack went to meet Mr. James Greaves at Swanbach this morning, we went with him a little of the way, we had started before him.

Wed 10^th. I did not write last night. We went to Mrs. Mangnall’s yesterday, Emily & I, Dick stayed indoors in the evening. Chatty and I have been down to Audlem today to see how Aunt Sarah is, she says she is better. Chatty went on to Saintree to call for our umbrellas which we left there yesterday. Jack has been hunting on Gip, the hounds met at Norton. They came here. Emily & I have been out nearly all morning. Mamma keeps about the same, she was very ill again last night.

Thurs 11^th. Mrs. Ashe & Miss Kate have been here today. Jack has gone to Audlem to the post. Chatty, Emily & I went to Kinsey Heath this morning. Mamma is about the same. Mrs. Ashe brought Mamma some champagne today, & some biscuits & some oranges. We have been out.

Fri. 12th. We have not been out today, it has been very cold. Mamma’s cough had returned as badly as ever, she was coughing nearly all last night. Aunt Charlotte has been here this afternoon. Aunt Jane did not come, she has something the matter with her toes, she was not out yesterday I think. Dr. Jay said he would write to Dr. Aldridge today about Mamma, we had been twice about her before.

Sat. 13th. Chatty, Emily & I have been down to Audlem. It had been a splendid day. Mamma was a little better this morning, but just now she was not feeling so well. Mrs. Wellington’s baby is at Mrs. Brittain’s now, she came last Wednesday.

Sun. 14thth. Dick & Attie have gone to church. Emily & I went there this morning.

Thu 18^th. Chatty, Emily & I have been to tea to Jane’s this afternoon, we went to church this morning. Jack went to the frost this afternoon.

Sun 21^st. Aunt Emily & I went to church this morning. It has been a lovely day, we were out this afternoon. I drank tea as well nearly for the first time this spring.

Mon 29th. Dick & Attie have gone to a concert at Audlem, I think, or else to a meeting about the election. Mamma had been a little better until tonight.

Tues 30th. Dick & Jack have gone to the Misses Mangnalls to tea. It had been a beautiful day. We went to Audlem this morning. Mamma has not been quite well since last night.

Thurs 31st. We have not been out today, it has been raining nearly all day. Mr. Atkinson has been here.

April

Fri 2nd. I did not write last night. Emily & I have been out for a little while. We went to Audlem yesterday. There was a concert last night, also on Monday night.

Sat 3rd. We have been to Audlem this morning, & to Kynsal Heath this afternoon. Jack has gone to Kynsal. Dick has been to Nantwich. There is a general election going on now.

(The general election in 1880 was not a single-day event but spanned from 31 March to 27 April 1880. On 3 April 1880, polling was actively underway across various territorial constituencies. This historic election resulted in a landslide victory for Gladstone’s Liberal opposition, which unseated the incumbent Conservative government of Benjamin Disraeli. The election is famous for the Midlothian campaign, a series of highly charged foreign policy speeches delivered by William Gladstone. Orchestrated as a massive media event, it is widely considered the first modern political campaign in British history. Gladstone fiercely attacked the foreign policy of Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli's government as utterly immoral. He leveraged British military setbacks in Afghanistan and South Africa, as well as Disraeli's handling of Ottoman atrocities in the Balkans, to swing public opinion. Although the Liberal Party was officially led by the Marquess of Hartington during the election, Gladstone's immense popularity meant the official leadership stood aside. At age 71, Gladstone returned to form the Second Gladstone Ministry as Prime Minister, despite the deep personal reluctance of Queen Victoria)

Sun 4th. I have not been to church it has been too showery, it has been a regular April day, it is so lovely now the sun is just setting.Mamma has not been so well yesterday & today.

Mon 5th. The yard has been burnt today, it is 7 or 8 years since it was burnt before, it did not blaze very much, it was rather wet. There has been a meeting of the Conservatives at Audlem today, & Jack has gone to Wrenbury.

Wed 21st. I have not written for some days. Mamma is very unwell, Mr. Stokes has been to see her this evening. Mr. Corbet has been here today, he knows someone who is likely to take the house. Jack has gone to see Joe about it. Aunt Hannah & Uncle Henry are staying at Aunt Jane’s. They have come to Audlem to see Mamma, they were here yesterday & saw her & Uncle H. has been again today. They came on to Audlem & Uncle Henry and Uncle Joe came here that evening.

September

Sun 12^th. I have not written for a long time, several things have transpired since I last wrote. Mother, after a time of great suffering, passed peacefully away, and I trust is at rest for ever in the Heavenly Jerusalem. She died May 8th. O Father, grant that we may all meet together again in that Better Land where it pleaseth Thy good Will & make us all content with our lot here on earth. Lord Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen. Poppie & Miss Evans & we three went with Mr. & Mrs. Ashes & Miss Kate to Pennanmaur, it was very kind of them to take us, we had a very pleasant month there. I went to Adderley church this morning with Poppie, Elsie & Emily.

Mn 13^th. Dick went to London last Tuesday for his examination, we have heard from him three times. It has been a lovely day, we went for a walk after lessons this morning.

Thurs 16^th. It has been so wet the last few days we went out after lessons this morning. I have had a letter from Aunt Hannah.

Sun 19^th. I went to Adderley Church this morning. Miss Evans have gone to Audlem Church this evening & Arthur has stayed in. Poppie & Miss Evans went to a party at Mr. Jones last evening.

Wed 23^rd. It has been raining nearly all the time since about 12 o’clock. I think have not been out except just to feed the doves. I have commenced to knit a pair of cuffs today with some wool Miss Evans has given me, and now Miss Evans is crocheting Emily’s for her.

Tues 29th. Miss Evans has gone to stay with her sister for about a week. She went last Saturday. Poppie heard from Dick yesterday. We have been to Hankelow today & Mr. & Miss Ashe and Miss Kate are in Germany, they are such kind people.

October

Jan 3rd. I went to church this morning Mr. Ashe has returned from Germany. I had a letter from Dick yesterday. Miss has been away for about a week she came back last Saturday (yesterday).

Wed 6th. Poppie, Miss Evans & Jack went to Saintree House last Monday & as it was wet, they stayed all night there. Dr. Jay has been here today. I think he drove to Audlem yesterday.

Wed 13th. We have been for a walk. We are going to Hankelow tomorrow if it be fine. I hope it will. Cousin Harry has sent us some poetry for our scrap-books.

Fri 15th. We went to Hankelow Hall yesterday, we had a very pleasant day. Miss Smith I think is going to Switzerland this winter again, with Miss MacKenzie. Poppie has been down to Audlem this afternoon. Charlie heard from Dick yesterday.

Mon 18th. We have been to Nantwich today to buy a jacket for myself & Poppie & Aunt Charlotte had been with us, it has been a very nice day. Mr. Ashe is giving a concert at Audlem this evening & Jack has gone to it. Dr. Pogge is dead, he died last Friday, he has been a very great sufferer. Poppie heard from Dick the other day, he is very well.

Wed 20th. We have been down to Audlem this afternoon, it was very cold. Poppie has heard from Dick again.

Thurs 28th. I wrote to Dick yesterday. Emily’s foot is bad again! Jack has gone to Audlem. It rained a great deal yesterday & the day before, & it has been raining tonight. Aunt Jane & Uncle Joe have been to Llandudno for about a week.

November

Mon 1st. Miss Evans has gone to the Fire Brigade concert at Nantwich, she is coming back tomorrow. Charlotte went down to Audlem with her. Dick is coming home next Thursday week, I think I shall be very pleased to see him again, he will have been away about two months. Jack has been hunting. I did not go to church yesterday, I have a cold. Emily’s got is a little better. Dr. Newman has been here.

Mon 8th. Dick is coming home next Thursday. Poppie has gone to call at the Villa with Aunt Jane, she has not come back yet. Emily’s foot is much better, she has begun to walk a little today.

Thurs 11th. Dick came home last Thursday, he brought Emily & Jane up with, & Charlotte made a book back. The Misses Greaves have been here today and brought Emily some books to be read to her. I finished a letter to Aunt Hannah yesterday. Emily’s other foot has commenced to be bad now. One of the doves is dead. Emily’s old Bantam is dead.

December

Sat 4th. Arthur was twenty-one last Thursday. Miss Lizzie Wilkinson’s sister died last Sunday week. Miss Lizzie was staying at Hankelow but she went home. Dick has passed his examination. Emily & I have a cough, but mine is better.

Tues 14th. My cough is better. I think Emily’s is too. Chattie has begun with one. There was a missionary meeting at Audlem last night. Popple & Emily are going to Hankelow soon, I think.

Jan 17th. It has been snowing today. Popple & Emily are staying at Hankelow. Misses Evans & Emma are both going away on Friday.

1881

May

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. We are going to Hankelow tomorrow if it be fine. I was at church this morning.

Sun 18^th. Jane is paying with us. She & gone to church with Arthur & Dick. Arthur has come over for the weekend, he has a situation in a warehouse in Manchester.

Sun – Our holidays have begun & Miss Evans has gone away. How little we thought last summer, perhaps not one of us would be taken away before another year. O Father make us all ready.

Census 1881, Highfields, Buerton, Nantwich, Cheshire:

John Bellyse Baker, head, single, born 1851, aged 30, gentleman

Henrietta Baker, single, born 1849, his sister, aged 32, no occupation

Richard Dod Baker, single, born 1857, aged 24, solicitor’s general clerk

Arthur Baker, single, born 1860, aged 21, no occupation

Charlotte L Baker, single , 14, scholar

Emily Jane Baker, single, aged 12, scholar

Mary Dobson, a visitor, aged 33

Martha A Egerton, single, 19, servant

1891

Census 1891, Sandy Lane, Audlem

Richard D Baker, head, single, 34, solicitor

Henrietta Baker, single, 42, living on her own means

Charlotte L Baker, single, 24, living on her own means

Emily J Baker, single, 22, living on her own means

Sarah Huntbach, general domestic servant

Thomas Baker (BAK00128), the third and last of the Baker architects, built a number of country houses in the area, including Hillside, Green Lane (later the home of Arthur Baker (BAK00155) and his family) and the Cedars (later the home of the three rather eccentric sisters, Poppy (BAK00150), Totty (BAK00157) and Emily (BAK00158) and the bachelor Richard Dod Baker (BAK00154).

1901

Census 1901 – The Cedars, Audlem

Richard D Baker, head, single, 44, solicitor, born Audlem

Henrietta Baker, single, 52, living on her own means

Charlotte L Baker, single, 34, living on her own means

Emily J Baker, single, 32, living on her own means

Sarah J Cooper, 23, servant

There was a kindergarten run at the Cedars, the residence of Richard Dod Baker, by the Misses Baker (Latham F A, Editor (1997), Audlem, The History of a Cheshire Parish and its five townships, Local History Group, page 101).

Dr Laffan’s daughter, a Mrs Noble, now in her eighties, lives in Yorkshire, and has a birthday book containing the signatures of the Baker family, of the Cedars, which was a kindergarten. She can remember her brother Cecil going to school there in petticoats. The signatures in her birthday book are Emily Baker 7^th October, Henrietta Baker 9^th February, and Tottie Baker 29^th July. (Burton, Marjorie (1973), Nineteenth Century Audlem, Audlem District Amenities Society, Johnson & Son Nantwich Limited page 22).

1911

1911 Census – The Cedars, Audlem

Henrietta Baker, 62, born in London

Charlotte Louisa Baker, 44, single

Emily Jane Baker, 42, single

Ethel May Edwards, 17, servants

1917

(Letter from Charlotte Louisa Baker to Henrietta Baker, 1917, Baker Records 129)

1918

Charlotte Baker was one of the aunts of Peggy Baker (BAK00002) and her siblings, who had lost both their mother in 1908 and their father in 1916. We have this letter from Aunt Tottie to Peggy in 1918, not long before she died:

The Cedars

Audlem

Feb 26^th 1918

My dear Margaret

I have treated you realy shabbily! Please do forgive me. And then I went and missed your birthday! We wish you many happy returns of it. Though all the same, I do hope you had a very pleasant one. You do seem to have plenty of fun what with the games and the Guides. You are an important lady now being a prefeect! It sounds as if it must have something to do with Rome.

Well done getting first in class! Perhaps you will be again soon. I haven’t heard from Hilda lately; I had a letter from Geoffrey a while ago, and he told me about you being a prefect; in my letter back to him Aunt Poppie sent a message to him to the effect that now you are a prefect she hopes you will keep high and dry! You will soon be home again, the time does go quickly. Charity has been away a long time, but I expect you will have heard from her.

With our love

Believe me

Your loving aunt

Tottie

Write to me soon again, though I don’t deserve it.

(Letter from Charlotte Baker to Peggy Baker, 26 February 1918, Farndale Records)

However Charlotte Baker died unmarried on 17 June 1918. Her will was proved on 23 August 1918. Baker Charlotte Louisa of the Cedars Audlem Cheshire spinster died 17 June 1918 Probate Chester 23 August to Henrietta Baker and Emily Jane Baker spinsters Effects £1408 10s 7d (Probate Record).

The Nantwich Guardian, 28 June 1918: Funeral of Miss CL Baker. The funeral of the late Miss CL Baker took place on Thursday afternoon last week. The coffin was conveyed from the house in a hearse attended by four of the parish church choirmen, who acted as bearers,. Preceeding were six of the choir boys, who wheeled the hand bier on which were the floral tributes. The service was held in the parish church. A number of Red Cross nurses from the Stapley Hospital, Nantwich, under the Commandante and quartermaster, lined up at the entrance to the church. Mr E Blakeman, the organist, played ‘In Memoriam’, Beasley, ‘Over the wings of a dove’, Mendelssohn, and ‘I know that my redeemer liveth’, Handel. As the coffin was borne into the church he played ‘O rest in the lord’. The 90th psalm was sung to a single chant by Barnby and the following hymns were sung: ‘Abide with me’, ‘the sun is sinking fast’, and ‘Holy Father, cheer our way’. The Dead March from Saul was afterwards played. The bearers were Messrs W Holland, Fred Williams, W H Parker and L Kendall. The mourners were: Mr and Mrs John Baker, brother and sister-in-law, Mr E R Bellyse JP, Mr Harry Etches, Mr. James Etches, Miss Annie Baker, cousins, Mrs Jane Baker aunt, miss Dorothy Baker, Miss Charity Baker, nieces, Mr and Mrs James Hall, Kinsel lodge Mrs SB Jackson, Dr RF Shaw, Dr and Mrs Wyneol, Williston, Lady Adam, Hankelow Court, Mrs Stapleton Cotton, Mr Beattie Williamson, churchwarden, Mr. James Mosley and Mr TW Bentley, sidesmen, Mr W Eric Swift, representing the office standard schools of which deceased was one of the managers, Mr William Smith, Miss Nunnally, Mrs Frank Sproston, miss Sproston, Miss Cheeseman, Mr and Mrs H J Thomas, Mr Eric Smith, Mr Mrs L Kendall, Miss Kendall. Mr. White, Mrs and Miss Griffiths, Mrs Mather and many others including the committees and members of the mothers union and Red Cross working party and members of the young men's Bible class. Flowers were sent by Poppy and Emily, Jack and Rich, Dorothy and Charity, Edith A Bellyse, Lill and Bell, ER and JR Bellyse, Little Jack, Bessie and Blanche, Mr and Mrs James Hall, Mrs G Baker, Annie and Nelly, Lomas and Katie, Hilda, Margaret and Geoff, Amy Jill, Mr and Mrs nunneley, and Mary, doctor and Mrs RF shore, Mr and Mrs a Morris James Mandarin Mr and Mrs SP Jackson, Mr and Mrs James Greaves, members of the choir and church decorators, lady members of the choir, mothers union, two, Red Cross working party, Mrs G foil faucet, members of the Bible class, Mr and Mrs white, Mrs Bailey and Charlie and the Allman family. The Funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr TL Kendall.