Charles Martin
born about 1847
Charles was born about 1847 in London. If you believe the 1891 census, he was born in Hackney (which we think is unlikely). The 1901 census states his place of birth as Lambeth.
We are not 100 percent certain about Charles' life and family but we know from the marriage certificate of his son, William (1), that Charles was a coal porter. Because he was always covered in coal dust, he was therefore known in the family as 'black Daddy', according to my grandfather, William Charles Martin (2).
We believe the family lived in considerable poverty and we know our family had a connection with Peabody Buildings, off Duke Street (now known as Duchy Street) in Lambeth. The Peabody Trust was set up in 1862 by George Peabody, an American who lived in London, to 'ameliorate the condition of the poor and needy of this great metropolis and to promote their comfort and happiness.'
We know that Charles had a large family - 9 children in total - though we have no contact with their descendants, more's the pity. According to the 1891 census he lived at 37 Duke Street, Lambeth, with his wife Emma, daughters Mary (18), Katy (16), Annie (14), Lizzie (12), Charles (10), William (7), Frederick (given as age 4 though probably 8) & John (Jack), who was 1 month old when the census man called. If anyone knows anything about these siblings and their descendants, please contact us!
10 years later, the 1901 census shows Charles, now widowed, with girls having left home, leaving the four boys at 36 Goding Street, Lambeth, which is near Vauxhall Station.
We found Charles' son John living with his brother William at 43 Engleheart Road, Catford, in 1911, but don't know what happened to him after then. So far know nothing about his wife, Emma, the girls, Charles jr or Frederick. You can trace my research progress on our Martin Family History blog.
Bill C Martin (Jr)
