The cemetery volunteers have been busy this weekend and Kevin has discovered another interesting character and a rather magnificent memorial by the chapel. Mr Nicholas Webb Baker is buried in a ‘black-lined brick grave’ according to the newspaper report.
The Late Mr N.W. Baker
A Veteran Forester
The Funeral
The numerous friends of Mr N.W. Baker of 33, Rushey Platt, Swindon, will deeply regret to hear that he passed away suddenly on Friday morning, at his residence. He had been ailing for some time, but was not seriously ill. Had he lived till to-morrow he would on that day have celebrated his 73rd birthday.
For the long period of 44 years, Mr Baker was time-keeper in the GWR Works, retiring from that post about six years ago.
By members of the AOF deceased was well known and highly respected throughout North Wilts. For a great number of years, he was Treasurer of the North Wilts District AOF which position he held at the time of his death. He was Secretary of Court “Briton’s Pride,” AOF for 36 years, and only retired from that office a month ago, owing to failing health.
Deceased leaves a widow and seven grown-up children – five sons and two daughters – for whom the deepest sympathy will be felt.
Bro. Baker was elected to the post of Treasurer of the North Wilts District, AOF, just 20 years ago, viz., in 1883 he succeeding Bros. J.W. Painter. Prior to that time, Bro. Baker was for a few years – from 1876 to 1879 – District Secretary, retiring in 1879 when Bro. T. Hill was elected.
The funeral cortege left deceased’s late residence, No 33 Rushey Platt, at four o’clock. The coffin, which was covered with beautiful wreaths, was conveyed in a hearse, the chief mourners following in carriages, while there was a large and representative number of Foresters, representing Courts in Swindon, Aldbourne, Avebury, Faringdon and Highworth.
The officiating minister was the Rev J. Jones (Primitive Methodist Superintendent), and the Foresters’ Burial Service was most impressively read by Bro. Tom Smith, PD.C.R. and District Trustee.
The remains of deceased were interred in a black-lined brick grave, and the breast-plate on the coffin bore the following inscription:
Nicholas Webb Baker,
Died July 31, 1903,
Aged 72 years.
Extracts from the Swindon Advertiser, Friday, August 7, 1903.
And it seems likely this was the former home of Mr Baker.
Nicholas Webb Baker died at his home, Rushey Platt House, on July 31, 1903. He was buried on August 4 in Radnor Street Cemetery in grave plot D1557, which he shares with his wife Elizabeth.
Radnor Street Cemetery 