Tag: Ancient Order of Foresters

Mr Nicholas Webb Baker – A Veteran Forester

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.

Edith and Samuel Whiteman in pictures

It is always a wonderful surprise to find images and family memories about those buried in Radnor Street Cemetery. This week I came across a photograph on the fantastic Local Studies Flickr page and a comprehensive, illustrated family tree on Ancestry posted by Steve Clements.

My first find was a studio portrait of Edith Jemima nee Ricketts and her husband Samuel John Whiteman published courtesy of Brian Timbrell. The couple look young, despite Samuel’s impressive beard, and I wonder if this photograph might have been taken on the occasion of their marriage (look at Edith’s nipped in waist!). Edith and Samuel were married at St. Stephen’s Church, Kensington on April 17, 1876. They were both 24 years old.

Samuel was born in 1851 in Chippenham, the son of George, a smith, and his wife Elizabeth. Edith was also born in 1851 in Down Ampney, Gloucestershire, the daughter of Richard Ricketts and his wife Elizabeth.

At the time of the 1881 census the couple lived 8 Read Street with their two children Edith and Francis (a second son Lancelot was born in 1883) and two boarders Robert Dean and Caroline Hewer who were possibly members of Edith’s extended family from Down Ampney. Samuel worked as a clerk in the GWR Works. In later years Edith worked from home as a dressmaker.

The couple lived at various addresses across Swindon – in 1891 they were at 178 Clifton Street and in 1901 at 51 Curtis Street. In 1911 they lived with their daughter and her family at 14 Curtis Street before moving to 7 Curtis Street where Edith died in 1923. She was buried on August 1 in a public grave, plot C482. Samuel outlived Edith by a further 16 years. He died in 1939 and was buried on November 11 in a public grave, plot C696. His last address was 4 Temple Street.

Edith and Samuel pictured with their little granddaughter Eileen Edith Young

Sadly, as both these graves are public plots there is no headstone on either of them, so it is especially pleasing to remember Edith and Samuel with photographs.

A Veteran Forester

Death of Mr S.J. Whiteman of Swindon

The funeral took place on Saturday of Mr Samuel John Whiteman, aged 88 years, of 4 Temple street. He had been in ill health for some six years and had been confined to his bed for the past 12 months.

Mr Whiteman was born at Chippenham and came to Swindon when a young man. When 19 he entered the service of the GWR Co., being employed as a clerk in the Q Shop, and later in the Accounts Department. He retired from the Works some 35 years ago, and was for some years in the employ of Mr. L. J. Chappell, then owner of the Swindon Motor Coy., retiring on his 72nd birthday.

Mrs Whiteman died 16 years ago. He is survived by one daughter and two sons, also three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mr Whiteman was one of the oldest members of Court Briton’s Pride, North Wilts District A.O.F.

The first portion of the service was held at St. Paul’s Church by the Rev. M.C. Melville (curate) and the interment was at Radnor Street Cemetery.

The Chief mourners were: Mr Frank Whiteman and Mr Lancelot Whiteman (sons), Mr R. Dean (brother-in-law), Mr J. Dean (nephew), Mr E.H. Elliott and Mr B.W. Phillips (friends).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs A.E. Smith and Son, of Gordon road.

North Wilts Herald, Friday, 17 November, 1939.