Patrick Baker (1843-1932) married Charlotte Hendley (1856-1940)

1843 – Baptism of Patrick Baker

On 26 December 1843, Patrick Baker was baptised in Quin, County Clare, Ireland.

He was the son of Michael Baker (1824-?) and Margaret O’Neil (1824-?).

1856 – Birth of Charlotte Hendley

Charlotte was born in 1856. Charlotte was born at what was known as the “Old Camp,” about a mile from the village of Wardell, NSW, or “Blackwall,” as it was then called. She was the first white girl born in the district.

–Charlotte was the daughter of Charles Hendley (1822-1871) and Anne Kirwin (1827-1917). Charles and Anne were married in 1854 in Sydney at St Mary’s Cathedral (Roman Catholic).¹ About 1855, Charles and Anne moved to Wardell, NSW.

-Charles is stated on familysearch.org to have been born in 1822 in Hampshire, England. Charles was the son of John Hendley and Charlotte. No matching records have been provided for this. Charles died on 27 September 1871 in Broadwater, Richmond Valley Council, NSW.²

-Anne was born on 1827 in Roscommon, County Roscommon, Ireland.

ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION.

In the will of Charles Hendley, late of Broughton-place, in the county of Richmond, in the Colony of New South Wales, farmer, deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given, that after the expiration of fourteen days from the publication hereof, application will be made to this Honorable Court, in its Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, that probate of the last will and testament of the above named Charles Hendley, deceased, may be granted to Ann Hendley, of Wardell, in the Colony of New South Wales, widow, widow, an executrix named in and appointed by the said will, leave being reserved for John Hayward, and Henry Cook the elder, the other executors named in and appointed by the said will to come in and prove the same.—Dated this 14th day of August, A.D. 1873.

STEPHEN CAMPBELL BROWN, Proctor for the said Ann Hendley, No. 69, Pitt-street, Sydney. 4306 6s. 6d.

In 1881, ten years after Charles’ death, Anne remarried John Poore (1824-1895) in Lismore, NSW.

On 1 November 1917, Anne died in East Wardell, NSW.

OBITUARY.

MRS. JOHN POOR.

Death has notspared the Wardell district during the past. fortnight, the last to receive the call being Mrs. Poor, of East Wardell, who passed away at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. P. Baker, East Wardell, on Sunday morning. The deceased was nearing four score and ten years and had been in her usual health at the time of retiring on Saturday night. Not feeling too well early Sunday morning she decided to remain in bed, and on coming in a few minutes later- Mrs. Baker found she had quietly passed off. Mrs. Poor was a native of Roscommon, Ireland, and came to Australia 64 years ago. She married .some 12 months later Charles Hendley and shortly after came to the Richmond, where her husband engaged in the timber industry at Wardell or “Black wall” as it was then called. She and her husband occupied the first house erected on the site where Wardell now stands 63 years ago. In 1872 she had the misfortune to lose her husband. In 1881 she married John poor, ‘who pre-deceased’

her by about 20 years. She leaves an adult family of two sons and one daughter, Charles (Wardell) recently returned from the front, and John (Townsville), being sons, and Mrs. P.Baker ‘ with whom the old lady resided’, the only daughter. One son, Thomas, was accidentally killed some 15 years ago. A number of grandchildren also survive her. During her long life on the Richmond the deceased lady made many friends by whom her genial presence will be missed. ‘The ‘funeral took place in R.C. portion of the Wardell cemetry on Monday.

1862 – Patrick and His Mother Sail to Australia

In 1862, Patrick and his mother Margaret sailed to Australia onboard the Lady Milton. Full details about this voyage are contained in Margaret’s profile.

1878 – Patrick Baker Married Charlotte Hendley (1856-1940)

In 1878, Patrick Baker married Charlotte Hendley in Richmond River, NSW. Patrick was aged about 34 at this time and Charlotte was about 22.

First Name(s)	Year	Registration Number	Father’s Stated Given Name(s)	Mother’s Stated Given Name(s)	District	Spouse’s Name
Patrick Baker	1878	4662/1878			Richmond River, NSW	Charlotte Hendley

1879-1897 – Births of Patrick and Charlotte’s Children

Child No.	First Name(s)	Year	Registration Number	Father’s Stated Given Name(s)	Mother’s Stated Given Name(s)	District
1	Michael Thomas Baker	1879	22616/1879	Patrick	Charlotte	Lismore, NSW
2	Margaret Anne Baker	11 June 1881	26289/1881	Patrick	Charlotte	Wardell, Lismore, NSW
3	Mary Baker	1883	29851/1883	Patrick	Charlotte	Lismore, NSW
4	Charles Patrick Baker	1886	33041/1886	Patrick	Charlotte	Lismore, NSW
5	William John Baker	1888	35081/1888	Patrick	Charlotte	Lismore, NSW
6	Edward J Baker	1891	5042/1891	Patrick	Charlotte	Ballina, NSW
7	Charlotte Agnes Baker	1892	4956/1892	Patrick	Charlotte	Ballina, NSW
8	Francis Baker	1894	4616/1894	Patrick	Charlotte	Ballina, NSW
9	Michael J Baker	1897	9967/1897	Patrick	Charlotte	Ballina, NSW

Marriages of Patrick and Charlotte’s Children

Child No.	First Name(s)	Year	Registration Number	Father’s Stated Given Name(s)	Mother’s Stated Given Name(s)	District	Spouse’s Name
1	Michael Thomas Baker	– (Died as a 17 year old)	–	–	–	–	–
2	Margaret Anne Baker	June 1913	11010/1913			Lismore, NSW	Denis John Hartigan (1882- 1959)
3	Mary Baker	1914	8338/1914			Ballina, NSW	Frederick Ernest Leben (1886- 1957)
4	Charles Patrick Baker	26 June 1918	6983/1918			Sydney, NSW	Alice Ryan (1886- 1962)
5	William John Baker	1926	1316/1926			Ballina, NSW	Mary Amelia Bell (1903- 1966)
6	Edward J Baker	– (Died as a baby)	–	–	–	–	–
7	Charlotte Agnes Baker	1927	5704/1927			Sydney, NSW	William Frank Warren (1888- ?)
8	Francis Baker	18 December 1923	16416/1923			Bathurst, NSW	Mary Agnes McAulley (1896- 1971)
9	Michael Joseph Baker	– (Died aged 21)	–	–	–	–	–

Deaths of Patrick and Charlotte’s Children

Child No.	First Name(s)	Year	Reg. Number	Father’s Stated Given Name(s)	Mother’s Stated Given Name(s)	District
1	Michael Thomas Baker	1896 (aged 17)	5446/1896	Patrick	Charlotte	Ballina, NSW
2	Margaret Anne Hartigan	2 May 1963 (aged 81)	10371/1963	Patrick	Charlotte	St Joseph’s Hospital, Lismore, NSW
3	Mary Leben	17 May 1942	10257/1942	Patrick	Charlotte	Lismore, NSW
4	Charles Patrick Baker	30 August 1943	19733/1943	Patrick	Charlotte	Lismore, NSW
5	William John Baker	31 July 1974	54327/1974	Patrick	Charlotte	Ballina, NSW
6	Edward J Baker	1891	2811/1891	Patrick	Charlotte	Ballina, NSW
7	Charlotte Agnes Warren	1980	18267/1980	Patrick	Charlotte	East Ryde, Sydney, NSW
8	Francis Baker	3 April 1978	8486/1978	Patrick	Charlotte	Concord, NSW
9	Michael Joseph Baker	25 April 1918	8213/1918	Patrick	Charlotte	Ballina, NSW

1928 – 50th Wedding Anniversary Celebrated

On 29 July 1928, Patrick and Charlotte celebrated their 50th ‘Golden’ Wedding Anniversary.

On 7 August 1928, the Northern Star published the following about the occasion:

Golden Wedding

Baker-Hendley

At the Roman Catholic Church, Lismore, on July 29, 1878, by the Rev. Father Doyle, Charlotte, only daughter of the late Mr. Charles and Mrs. Hendley, Wardell, was married to Patrick, only son of the late Mr. P. and Mrs. Baker, Wardell.

The above marriage was the first celebrated in the old R.C. Church, Lismore (which was burned down), and also the first to be solemnised by the late Bishop (then Father Doyle) of Lismore. Miss K. McDonough, of Wardell, was bridesmaid and the late Mr. John Byrne, Broadwater, was best man.

The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. P. Baker, Boundary Creek, East Wardell, was one of the most interesting functions held in the district. It is rarely that a couple is found reaching the 50th anniversary of their married life and living in the same district. It is good to note that both are enjoying good health, although Mr. Baker is feeling slightly feeble owing to his advanced years. On Sunday, 29th inst.. they were tendered by their family a banquet and presentation, at which their oldest friends and neighbours were present. The usual celebrations at the “Home” was preceded by a ceremony in the church. This was unique as being the first time a similar ceremony was carried out in the diocese. The crowning and blessings of the principals at their golden jubilee is an old custom.

After the 8.30 a.m. Mass the ceremony was- performed by the Rev. Father Power, who congratulated the aged couple on attaining their golden jubilee, and through those years they had led a good life, and had been strict adherents to their faith and had reared a family who had been faithful members of their church. He then crowned Mr. and Mrs. Baker with garlands of white flowers. Mrs. P. T. Flood played the Wedding March while the bride and bridegroom of fifty years passed down the aisle. A large crowd were present at the church. An adjournment was made to the homestead. The Rev. Father Power addressed those present and said-: “We are all assembled here to day to do honour to Mr. and Mrs. Baker and to give them hearty congratulations on their golden jubilee.” It was very gratifying to see such a large gathering, and he called on Mr. P. J. Meaney, one of their oldest friends, to make the presentation.

Mr. P. J. Meaney said: “I have a very pleasant duty to perform. I feel honoured’ to-day to be called upon to make this presentation on behalf of the Baker family to their parents, and I now ask Mr. and Mrs. Baker”to accept these easy chair’s and beautiful cushions from their family as a token of love and esteem; and although there are two absent I can assure them their thoughts “are with their parents to-day, and I hope Mr. and Mrs, Baker will live long to enjoy the gifts.”

Mr. Baker feelingly responded.

THE BANQUET

The spacious verandahs had been closed in, and here the tables were set out. Decorations in white and gold paper, with floral decorations of golden wattle, white roses, and asparagus fern. The choicest edibles were provided. A handsome three tier wedding cake, bearing the inscription “the bride of 50 years,” and decorated with silver horseshoes, true lovers’ knots, and golden wattle,’ held pride of place. The cake was made by Mrs. D. Hartigan, junr., and decorated by Mrs. J. Gibson.

The Rev. Father Power presided, and proposed the toast of “The bride arid Bridegroom of 50 years,” and after . congratulating them said they were, among the early pioneers. Mrs. Baker was the first white child born in the “Wardell district 72 years ago. Mr. Baker was a native of County Clare, Ireland, and had reached the age of 82 years. Father Power said that he was pleased to be present to join in celebrating the 50th anniversary and to find them- both looking so well, and hoped to see them celebrate their diamond jubilee.

Mr. P. J. Meaney in support said it afforded him very great pleasure to be present, arid expressed his appreciation of the invitation. extended to him self and “wife. He congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Baker on attaining their golden jubilee.’ “I have known Mr. and Mrs. Baker for over 60 years,” said Mr. Meaney. “I looked upon them almost as members of our family, and only the creek divided the two farms. He would accept advice from Mr. Baker as soon as he would from his own father, and Mrs. Baker was like an elder sister. His first remembrance of Mrs. Baker was when she returned from Sydney. She was then about 12 years old.

Later on when the small school in Wardell closed in 1872 for the want of a teacher Mrs. Baker came to the rescue and taught a few children at the late Mr. McDonough’s residence at East “Wardell. When Mr. and Mrs. Baker were married they went to live out near the beach on a new farm. There was no road and only a track led through the bush. They reared their family in the hard, days of the pioneers. Many a time they carried a child each to the. river bank, and then pulled’ a boat – to Wardell to attend Mass. They never missed when there was an opportunity. It must be gratifying to them today, continued Mr. Meaney, to see the family gathered round to show them the respect that was their due. Mr. and Mrs. Baker also had the respect and esteem of all their neighbours. “I wish them all the happiness this world can give them, and the best in the next,” he concluded.

Mr. J. P. Meaney (North Creek) was pleased’ to be there to celebrate the occasion and expressed thanks for the invitation. They were very old friends of his, and he was pleased they tad attained their golden wedding, and hoped to be present at their diamond wedding.

Mr. E.’-‘ J”. Meaney congratulated his old friends in attaining golden wedding anniversary, and hoped to see them spared to have many another “game of cards.” Although the youngest of the family, he had had as

much association, with Mr. and Mrs. Baker as anyone. They were among the few pioneers left in the district, and he had found them good friends and neighbours, and hoped to see them celebrate their diamond wedding.

Mr. W. Anderson endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks, saying that he had known Mr. and Mrs. Baker all his life. They were good neighbours, and he wished them health, wealth and prosperity.

Mr. B. McDonough said lie was very pleased to be present at the function. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have been life long friends of his family, and they were among the early pioneers who helped to blaze the trail and to bring the district from a wild state to its present prosperous condition. They had reared a good family, and he was quite sure they had not an enemy in the world, which is a big thing after 60 years’ residence in the district. Ho wished them a happy and pleasant life together.

Mr. T. Murphy said he had pleasant recollections of the guests for the past 36 years. He could not improve on what had already been said, and he could not have better friends. He wished them every happiness.

Mr. J. O’Brien (Lismore) said it gave him pleasure to assist at the golden jubilee, and it was a great pleasure to meet all the old friends. He congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Baker.

Mr. P. T. Flood endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks. He congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Baker, and said he could not see any reason why they should not celebrate their diamond wedding. He wished them health and happiness.

Mr. Gr. Kempnich, although a late comer to the district, endorsed the previous speakers’ remarks, and. said lie had never lived beside better neighbours.

The toast was drunk with musical honours.

Mr. Baker on rising was greeted with applause. He thanked the Kev. “Father Power and the speakers for what they had said, and for their kindness. He was very pleased to see his old friends there, and wished there had been room to have had more. He hoped they would enjoy themselves, and he again thanked them for their presence.

Mr. J. F. Meaney proposed “The Braidesmaid” (Miss McDonough), and said he was very pleased to propose this toast, and asked them to charge their glasses and drink the toast of the “absent bridesmaid.”

Mr. B. McDonough responded on be half of his sister, said said he knew that she regretted very much not being able to be present.

Mr. T. McDonough supported.

The important toast of “The Family “was in the hands of Mr. E. J. Meaney, who said he felt proud to be asked to propose this toast. He had been associated with the Baker family all his life. They were neighbours, and had always got on well together. He found them willing and obliging, and always ready to assist anyone who needed help. Mr. and

Mrs. Baker were successful and an asset to the district, to which they gave their very best, and a credit to themselves.

Mr. D. Hartigan (son-in-law) in his response apologised for the absence of Frank and Aggie (Mrs. Warren), who were absent, but although so far away, that they, could not be present in person they were there in their sentiments. He congratulated the parents on attaining. their golden jubilee. The family realised what their parents had gone through in the pioneer life and the hardships they met, and they thought it would be right to recognise their 50th anniversary. He thanked Mr. E. J. Meanev for the way he proposed the toast, and those present for the way it had been received. It was very gratifying to have so many old friends there. Those in charge of the arrangements would have liked to have had more present, but there was | not accommodation. They had, therefore, to restrict the gathering to the oldest friends and neighbours, had been with them in times of sickness and trouble. This was the first occasion they had of meeting them in a pleasurable way.

Mr. C. Baker said he was pleased to see so many present to honour his parents.

Mr. W. Baker said it gave him great pleasure to see so many at “mum and dad’s golden wedding,” and he thought any good qualities that family had they owed to the good example of their neighbours.

“The Press” and “The Chairman” concluded the toast list. The evening was passed in pleasurable reminiscences of the past days, and photographs were taken. Members of the family were: Mr. and Mrs. D. Hartigan (son-in-law and daughter), Mrs. F. Leben (daughter), Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. William Baker, Mr. and Mrs. F. Kuhn (cousins and nieces), also 18 grandchilden. Mrs. J. Warren (daughter) and Mr. Frank Baker (late A.I.F.) and at present first assistant at Corowa Public School, were unable to be present.

Mr. and Mrs. Baker suffered the bereavement of three sons, Thomas and Joseph, who grew to manhood, and also one who died in infancy.

Other guests were: Rev. Father Power, Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Meaney, Mrs. Capt. William Duncan, the oldest pioneer in the district, Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Meaney, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Meaney (North Creek), Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Meaney, Mr. and Mrs. P. Carney, Mr. and Mrs. W. Anderson, Mr. T. McDonough, Mr. B. and and Miss W. McDonough, Mr. and Mrs. J. O’Brien (Lismore), Mr. and Mrs. P. T. Mood, Mr. and Mrs. Kempnieh, Mr. T. W. Murphy, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. Cashman.

Telegrams were received from Mr. and Mrs. Atkins (Lismore), Mr. and Mrs. W. Coe (Lismore), Mr. F. Baker (Corowa), Mrs. “Warren (Sydney), Miss J. Meaney (Lennox Head). Some beautiful gifts were received, including several cheques.