Introduction

Cornelius Wakely is an example of a young man who migrated from Hardington to South Wales. This move significantly enhanced his employment status, elevating him from a bakery worker to a railway engine driver.

Early life at Hardington

Cornelius was born at Hardington on 20 September 1864, the first son of John Wakely and his wife, Emma. He was baptised on November 13, 1864, at Odcombe, his mother’s birthplace.

As a child, he lived at Lyatts, where his father pursued various occupations, including lime burner, smallholder, and road contractor.

In April 1881, at the age of 16, Cornelius was employed as a baker, probably by Abraham Partridge or Albert Squire.

Life in South Wales

By April 1891, Cornelius had moved to Cardiff, where he boarded at 46 Richard Street, St John, the home of John Rendell, a carpenter from East Chinnock. At this time, he was working as a “fireman”. As his later jobs were all on the railway, this presumably means he was a fireman on a locomotive. It is unclear whether he became a railway employee before or after moving to Cardiff.

On 7 March 1893, he married Martha John, a domestic servant, at Cardiff St Andrew. She was the daughter of John John, a coal miner.

Their first child was born at Clydach Vale on 23 February 1894, and their second at Aberdare on 17 July 1898. In March 1901, their address was 77 Wind Street, Aberdare, and Cornelius’s occupation was “Railway Engine Stoker”.

By 6 April 1903, when their third child was born, they lived at Llandaff, probably at 32 Hawthorne Road, which became their permanent home.

By April 1911, Cornelius had progressed to the role of railway engine driver. By June 1921, he was an engine repairer employed by the Taff Valley Railway Company.

The 1939 Register gives his occupation as “Loco Driver GWR Retired”.

Death

Martha died on 19 October 1943, aged 72.[1] Cornelius died on 30 December 1957, aged 93, leaving effects valued at £44 7s 3d. He appointed his daughter, Juletta, as his executor.[2]

Children

Cornelius and Martha had three sons and three daughters.

References

[1] Western Mail, 20 October 1943, p.3.

[2] National probate calendar.