Chapter 3 - Charles Maynard Walker and the Early Riser's Friend (1891)

I have not found Charles Maynard Walker or his mother Ellen in any documents between the censuses of 1851 and 1861. By 1861 Ellen was living alone at 86 Grey Friar's Walk, Bedford, and she was working as a dressmaker. It is interesting that she stayed in Bedford, where doubtless everyone knew about her husband's transportation. I would love to know to what extent she stood by Charles, despite the obvious flaws in his character. Curiously, she described herself as a married woman in the census. Hadn't she been told of Charles's suicide four years earlier? In those days suicide was a crime, so perhaps she knew, but was trying to avoid staining her own reputation. Or perhaps she never stopped putting on a show of loyalty to her husband.

In 1861 Charles Maynard Walker was fifteen years old. He had left his mother's home and was living at 16 St Mary Street, Bedford, where he was working at Bradley's Grocers as an assistant. His employer was Maria Loader Bradley, a well-to-do young widow. Maria's husband, Charles, had died on 27th December 1858 at the age of 30, leaving her with two small children. He had only recently been appointed as a town councillor.

Maria's business was a substantial one. She employed a grocery manager, Thomas Payne, as well as a man, three boys, and two housemaids. On 5th September 1864, Maria married Thomas, her manager, at St Nicholas Church in Brighton, Sussex.

Having learned the trade, Charles moved to London some time between 1861 and 1869, and worked as a grocer’s manager. In 1869 he was living at 123 St John's Road, Hoxton. He married his first wife, Emma Jane Currey, at St Luke's, Hoxton. Charles and Emma had a daughter, Emma Ellen Jane Walker, on 5th November 1869. Barely six weeks after the birth, Charles's young wife died at 14 Bridport Place, Shoreditch. She was buried at St Pancras Cemetery on 20th December 1869.

It is likely that Charles's mother came to London to help him manage with his little baby girl. By April 1871 the three of them were living at 26 Newton Street, Hoxton. By October that year they had moved to 123 St John's Road, Hoxton (long since demolished).

On October 22nd 1871 Charles remarried to Emma Mary Smith, daughter of Charles Smith, a laceman, at St Peter's, Islington. On the wedding documents, Charles listed his father as Charles Walker, baker, deceased. It is possible that the family had now been notified of Charles Walker's death in Australia, but perhaps Charles had not heard from his father for so long that he simply assumed he was dead.

Towards the end of 1872, Charles's mother Ellen died. She was only 49 years old. She had never remarried or relinquished her husband's last name.

Charles and his second wife, Emma, would go on to have seven children together: Alice Rose Walker was born on 25 Dec 1872, Frederick John Walker on 29 Jul 1878, Nellie Edith Walker on 4 Feb 1880, Charles Donald Walker in 1881, Christabel Kate Walker in 1882, James Cuthbert Walker in 1888, and Dorothy May Walker in 1890.

Sometime after Alice's birth, the family appear to have moved to Southport, Lancashire. Frederick and Nellie were both born in Southport. By 1881 the family had returned to London. In 1881 they were living at 137 Balls Pond Road, Islington, an attractive mid-terraced Georgian house, which is still standing.

Charles was an ambitious man, and creative, like his father, and he seemed to be embracing modern ideas and skills. He was no longer a grocer, but was working as a photographer. Technology must have fascinated him. Within three years he was working as an employee or partner of Messrs Henry Greene and Son, who were gas engineers and china, glass, and lamp dealers, at 153-155 Cannon Street, London.

It was here that Charles turned his inventive mind to the harnessing of tidal power. This type of power had been known for centuries, but there had been little success when it came to creating a viable practical application for industry. There were two main methods in use: the first was to use the tide to raise a weight, which then released motive power as the weight fell; the other was to use watersheds affected by the ebb and flow of the tide. Charles came up with a new idea, using tidal water to compress air, by which pressure he could raise water to any desired height, and fill a header tank for any purpose - such as driving machinery or producing electricity. It was an exciting foray into the world of water pressure, which gave him the skills and inspiration for his later experiments in automatic tea making.

Charles built a working model of his tidal power invention in his employer's warehouse at 155 Cannon Street. It consisted of a series of tanks, which might be made of concrete, connected by vertical pipes.

An airtight tank (A) was constructed at low water level, and fitted with a valve so that its contents could escape at dead low tide. A vertical supply pipe was positioned in tank (A) with its base a little above the bottom, and its top in the river or sea, just below the level of high water. A second pipe started near the top of tank (A) and rose nearly to the top of a second airtight tank (B) above it, but below high water level. Tank (B) was similarly connected by a pipe starting near the bottom of (B) to a third tank (C). Further tanks could be added above these three to obtain the required head of water provided that each pipe rose less than the height of the tide.

In operation, the tanks were all empty to begin with. At high tide tanks (A) and (B) filled from the river through the open top of the supply pipe by gravity. As the tide receded tank B was left full, as the water could not escape, but the water in tank (A) emptied out through an outlet and the tank filled with air. As the tide began to rise again, a ball and socket valve closed. At high tide water flowed down the supply pipe into tank (A), where it compressed the trapped air, forcing it up the pipe into tank (B), which drove the water in tank (B) up the next pipe into tank (C). Each tide the process was repeated and the water in the tanks rose another stage. The water in the top tank would then be available to power electricity or machinery.

In June 1884 Charles demonstrated a working model to the press. The Bradford Daily Telegraph reported on Friday 6th June 1884 that they had witnessed water being raised in stages to about twenty-four feet in one instance and eighteen feet in another. That same year the International Health Exhibition took place in South Kensington, on a site mid way between the Royal Albert Hall and the new Natural History Museum. This was an exhibition on a grand scale, under the patronage of Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. It was something like an Ideal Home show, promoting all kinds of goods, services, and technological advances, loosely connected by the theme of good health and hygiene. The exhibition attracted four million visitors between 8th May and 30th October 1884. Henry Greene and Son took a stand on a corner where the main approach to 'Old London' cut through the 'South Annexe', an area given mainly to drainage. Charles took the opportunity to exhibit a large working model there. He demonstrated with this, and a series of diagrams, how his invention could be used to discharge London's sewage at any required level, without the need for pumping machinery. It could also be used to supply inland towns with salt or fresh water. [1]

Charles also explained that by a slight modification of the tanks and the use of a turbine, power could be harnessed for the working of machinery. He suggested that it might be an economical way to supply hydraulic power at the new Tilbury Docks, as the tanks could be constructed during the excavation and building works there. A source for the large supplies of concrete required could even be seen at a neighbouring stand at the Exhibition, that of the Imperial Stone Company.

A few days later, on 28th August 1884, the Pall Mall Gazette published a substantial interview which they had conducted with Charles, illustrated with diagrams. [2] Charles emphasised that his invention would not require the maintenance of machinery and therefore would be very economical to run, after the initial capital cost. However, when questioned on the cost of the works to build a full size example, Charles could only provide estimates.

Charles said that a firm was prepared to supply 40,000 gallons of water from the sea daily to the Southport authorities for their public baths. The capital expenditure to construct the reservoirs in concrete tubes and lay pipes for delivering water into the baths would allow a profit, if £50 per annum were paid for the water. The Pall Mall Gazette reporter asked what the cost of supply was currently for the Southport authorities, but Charles didn't know. The reporter also questioned whether there would be economies of scale, and Charles affirmed that there would. They then discussed the possibility of using his method to deal with London sewage.

"Taking the sewage of London as 25,000,000 cubic feet a day, and the lift as 27 feet at the low end of the new outfall sewers, how would you do it?" asked the reporter.

This time, Charles was very confident in his reply.

"The rise of a neap tide is 17¼ feet at London Bridge. At Sea Reach it would be more, but let's assume it is that figure. I would construct tank B six feet deep, so as to lessen its area. After deducting for the head necessary to get the pressure in (A) and the fall necessary to get the sewage out of (C), it would leave me 9 feet as the lift between each tank. Three sets of tanks would thus be necessary, and tank (B) would need sufficient capacity to contain a twelve hour flow of sewage."

"It would be enormous!" exclaimed the reporter, as he scribbled down some figures in his notebook, "Half the daily flow of sewage is 12,500,000 cubic feet, and if you double the mean flow, as is usual for sewage calculations, the tank would need a volume of 25,000,000 cubic feet. That would cover an area of 4,166,667 square feet, nearly a hundred acres!"

"That is so," admitted Charles, "the London sewage is an enormous problem."

The reporter was still doing the maths, and he didn't look impressed.

"The whole of this 100 acres would have to be excavated 27 feet deep, which means an excavation of 4,500,000 cubic yards. At 1s 6d per cubic yard this alone would cost £387,500. The construction of four tanks such as you require, one on top of the other, watertight, and airtight, would cost millions, to say nothing of the cost of the land."

Charles was not deterred.

"Remember, there are no annual expenses thereafter," he insisted.

"What is the annual cost of lifting the London sewage at present?" asked the reporter.

"£100,000," replied Charles, "which capitalised at 4% equals £2,500,000."

"And you could construct the tanks for that sum?"

Wisely, Charles was unwilling to commit himself.

"It remains to be seen. An estimate could be prepared, of course, but I could not say offhand. It appears that the London sewage may be beyond the economical application of my system, but it is not certain."

"Well," said the reporter, his scepticism plain for Charles to see, "this interview will be published and attention directed to it."

"That is what I want beyond everything," said Charles, "If my system is what I believe it to be, let it be known. If it is not, let attention be drawn to it, and its defects will be shown."

The reporter pressed his point.

"If the capitalised expenditure of the annual expenses and the capital expenditure for your works were equal, the balance of advantage would be against you," he insisted, "for in the event of some cheaper method turning up, the annual expenses could be stopped, whereas all your capital is locked up."

"Hmm, that's a novel way of looking at it, but it is so," agreed Charles, reluctantly, "but publicity will bring all such points as these out, therefore let me have it!"

A few days after the publication of the Pall Mall Gazette's article, Messrs. Henry Greene and Son wrote to them to clarify and correct certain points of detail. They acknowledged that the interview had been, in general accurately represented, however, the report was in error when it stated that there was a firm willing to supply 40,000 gallons of water daily to Southport public baths. What Charles Walker had meant to convey, was that should the Southport authorities, or any other, wish to entertain the question, the Imperial Stone Company would be prepared to construct a means to deliver the required supply of concrete. If it were then constructed, the interest on prime cost would leave a profit, compared to the 40,000 gallons of water being raised by other means. Henry Greene's second point related to the matter of London Sewage. Noting that the population of London was ever-increasing and the suburbs growing, there was an obvious need for an extension of the existing infrastructure. Present arrangements collected sewage into one grand depot north of the River Thames, and another to the south, and the eventual disposal of this waste into the river was highly detrimental. The necessary deodorisation of faecal matter was both very expensive and also added excessive quantities of lime to the river water of the lower Thames. Why not use the present expensive pumps to raise the sewage as far as possible, then lay pipes to run it to Maplin Sands or some other favourable locality on the north bank, and a similar location on the south bank, and there use tidal power to re-lift the sewage, and using gravity, send it on all the way to the sea.

"The main question in our minds," a spokesperson from Messrs. Henry Greene wrote, "is whether the utilization of tidal power can do the work required. We believe it can, and would very much like to  learn whether our opinion can be shown to be correct. As regards the larger application of the patent, namely that of raising water to be used as a power for turning machinery and the thousand and one other objects to which such power could be applied, we shall equally appreciate any adverse criticism."

Although the author of this response is not given, we can hear echoes of Charles's voice in its composition. It was apparent that Charles mirrored his father, not only in his creativity, but also in his blatant quest for media attention. He clearly knew the truth of the phrase, 'any publicity is good publicity'.

In 1886, Charles and his family moved to 39 Landcroft Road, a Victorian mid-terraced house, in Dulwich. He enrolled his son Frederick at the newly built Goodrich Road School in August that year. Within a couple of years he had moved to another property in the same road, 140 Landcroft Road, a neat Georgian mid-terraced townhouse, slightly grander than the previous house. In Dulwich's community Charles found exciting new means of expression. It would seem that the first organisation that he joined was the Dulwich Reform Club, a local centre for Liberalism. Between 1886 until at least 1892 he frequently served as the Chairman of the Club. He was not one to evade the limelight, and was soon making speeches. The first of his speeches to be recorded in the press was made in 1886, when he stood in for an absent colleague to open the Club meeting and Events of the Week debate. [3]

His opening speech alluded to the Campbell case, an infamous divorce case of the period. He went on to assert that prison work performed by convicts should be paid, and the money given to the state, to go towards the costs of detention. He then spoke of a convict named Mr Belt, a sculptor whose sentence he thought very severe, and expressed pleasure that Mr Belt had been allowed to work on the Queen Anne statue whilst in detention. The Chairman, in his reply, argued that Mr Belt was deserving of his punishment. This difference of opinion seems to support the notion that Charles knew about his father's fate, and shows that Charles felt considerable sympathy for convicts, especially those with creative talent.

By 1887 Charles was working with a different business, the Victoria Regenerative Lamp and Gas Appliance Company. His inventing continued apace. The South London Press reported in April 1887 that he was exhibiting an entirely new type of lamp, invented in partnership with Mr H Hutchinson, on Messrs. Brew and Co.'s stand at the Building Trades' Exhibition. [4] The newspaper describes it with a turn of phrase which sounds suspiciously like Charles's writing.

"The simplicity of its construction, the beauty of the light, the finish of the lamp itself, and the exceedingly low price at which it is offered, £2 2s. each, single it out as an object of great interest. The principle upon which it is constructed is that of heating the air necessary for combustion before it reaches the flame, this being done by the waste heat from the flame itself. The lamp shown burns about seven cubic feet of gas per hour - that is, with gas at London prices, considerably less than one farthing per hour."

The same lamp was shown later that month at the Workmen's Exhibition held at The Rink, Hudson Road, Sunderland. [5] In this paper it was noted that the lamp was likely to effect a revolution in gas lighting in houses and shops. They wrote, "It is, we believe, about to be used in lighting up Sir Noel Paton's picture of 'The Great Shepherd'."

Charles was increasingly involved in his local community, and had all the characteristics of a respected businessman. In early February 1888, Charles was among those instrumental in the formation of the Dulwich Co-operative Society, and was probably the first to be elected to the chair. [6] In March 1888 he became President of a new organisation, the Dulwich and Penge Liberal and Radical Association, and at a meeting hosted by the Dulwich Reform Club that month he was elected chairman of the district. [7]

At the Dulwich Working Men's Liberal and Radical Club on the 20th of May 1888, Charles made a fascinating speech entitled 'Great Events from Trivial Causes Spring'. [8] We are fortunate indeed that the South London Press reported the speech, for it sheds much insight into Charles's character and his views on invention.

In the course of his remarks, Mr. Walker referred to the Coral Islands, raised by minute organisms, a splendid monument of individual influence. Speaking of insects, he drew attention to the fact that the only English Pope of Rome was choked by a fly. One of our great naval battles was turned from defeat into a victory by the crowing of a little bantam cock. During the reign of Charles I, there was a law that no person was to sail from these shores without special permission. It happened that a vessel was about to weigh anchor for America, when a party of officers suddenly appeared on board with authority to search the vessel. Two persons discovered on board without having the necessary documents were put ashore; but it would have been better for Charles I. had these two men been allowed to sail in the vessel, for they were none other than Oliver Cromwell and John Hampden. Some of the best inventions of which we were possessed sprang from the most trivial causes; but these causes would be useless without the possession of the faculty of observation, which he considered to be the property of almost every intelligent being. This power was strongly displayed in the case of Watt. Nothing should ever be thought too small or trifling to be searched and inquired into. Brunel, who succeeded in driving a tunnel under the Thames, admitted that he owed the idea of tunelling to watching the operations of an insect boring its way in timber in a shipbuilder's yard, and he applied this to the construction of the Thames Tunnel. Electricity was another great invention which sprang from a simple cause. The telescope, which revealed the wonders of the heavens, and photography, an art which enabled us to gaze upon the shadows of those dear to us when far removed by death or travel, were brought to light by the most trivial causes. The steam-engine by Watt was another instance. It was by the application of the master mind of Watt that this great giant was harnessed to the work of man. In concluding a very able and instructive address, he strongly urged upon the audience the necessity of observation, without which he considered it was impossible to achieve any great results.

Surely Charles was thinking of his father when he was moved to observe that photography was 'an art which enabled us to gaze upon the shadows of those dear to us when far removed by death or travel'. Indeed his father was removed from him by both means: death and travel.

As the new year dawned in 1891, Dulwich Reform Club held a special meeting with a supper in its Goose Green club house to celebrate Gladstone's 81st birthday. The event was reported in the South London Press on 3rd Jan 1891. Charles made a speech at this event. He said the Club was frequently twitted with the remark that they did not pay sufficient attention to political work, but that this was untrue. He believed that for political action to be valuable it must be spontaneous. There was no point organising meetings and debates simply to discuss matters upon which they were already agreed. He felt that they would achieve success through the social element of the Club. They had also achieved something noteworthy by securing a permanent home for Liberalism in the district, not secured by the patronage of one of two men, but by their own mutual effort, resulting in a building which was practically their own freehold.

Charles admitted, however, that the members had their faults. He had heard from the wife of one of the members that although the club was excellently well conducted, there were a few members who were in the habit of staying rather late. He was sorry to say that it was the married men who were the offenders, and he was sorry to say that he had seen amongst them certain bald headed gentlemen. At this the assembly jovially demanded that he name the offenders, but he replied with the words of a popular song of the time, "It's neither you nor me." He then insisted that they would have to put a stop to this behaviour. They were going to form a Ladies' Committee, and if any man should stay late at the Club, he would be brought before that committee and duly sat upon. Once the laughter had subsided Charles went back to his original point. He said they could congratulate themselves on their success and could look forward to a long and successful future.

By the time the census was taken in 1891 Charles had moved again, just around the corner, to 345 Crystal Palace Road, a solid looking three storey Victorian semi-detached house. In the 1891 census he describes himself as an inventor and gas engineer. He remained at that address until at least 1894.

On 19th September 1891 details of Charles's teasmade were published in Work Magazine (No 131), complete with illustrations. [9] The lengthy article is reproduced in full here:

How to make an alarum for early risers, which will strike a match, light a lamp, boil water, make tea or coffee, and awaken the sleeper at any required hour. The advantages to be derived from the habit of early rising, whether viewed from the points of obtaining or retaining health, or for the lesser objects of acquiring wealth by devoting more hours to labour, or of riding some particular hobby, are pretty generally admitted; and while it may be true that most persons living in the country practise from choice the laudable habit with a regularity that is perhaps hereditary, and also that thousands are compelled to rise early in order to follow their employment, whether they like it or not, it is equally true that a very respectable minority, who, while recognising the advantages of early rising, fail to acquire the habit, either from a want of strength of purpose from natural sleepiness, or from some other reason equally powerful to keep them in bed, and who therefore usually “oversleep” themselves – unlike the late Duke of Wellington (the Iron Duke), who is reported to have uttered and acted upon the statement that “when a man turned over, it was time to turn out.” The enormous trade in alarum clocks, carried on in this and other countries, is evidence that the class of persons referred to is a very large one; and as, doubtless, many of them are readers of this Magazine, and therefore anxious to carry out some of the excellent suggestions therein, will welcome the instructions here given, which, if carefully carried out, will put them in possession of a faithful servant, which will minister to their comfort by calling them at any desired hour, and, further, getting the breakfast ready at the same time.

In these instructions it is to be understood that the parts are of such form and of such material as are best suited to be made up by persons capable of doing ordinary soldering with sheet metal, and without the use of expensive tools; therefore, such parts of the apparatus which could be much better made from castings and turned may be with advantage so altered. However that may be, the present plan will answer every purpose.

Fig 1 represents the complete apparatus, the dimensions being: height 8 inches, width 5 1/2 inches, depth 5 1/2 inches externally, and is taken from a photograph of one in use, made by the writer. The outer part or case case is made of tin plate. The internal fittings are of wire and tin of the simplest kind, so that anyone capable of “jobbing” tin work may undertake the work with every probability of success. The clock part is an ordinary alarum clock, known in the trade as a “Cottage Alarm,” and can be bought through any clock dealer, or direct from Messrs Meyer, Aldersgate Street, EC, for about 3s 6d. This will be found a serviceable article. When purchased, it will be in a wooden case, which will of course be dispensed with and put to some other use.

We shall first require to make up the case (Fig 3), which will need but little explanation beyond pointing out that the edges of the front are turned over on three sides only, the bottom being left to admit of the front sliding into its position; also that the device or cut out at the sides is simply to combine a little ornamentation while strengthening the side. The cutting should be made before the case is made up ; also the hole, B, 3 inches in diameter, should be cut. The case is quite open at the back, and from the front a kind of inner case extends 2 and an eighth inches inside of tin which will presently form the case proper of the clockwork. In the back of this inner case, at a point 1 1/8 inches from the bottom and l inch from left hand side, is cut an oblong hole, 1 1/8 inches deep by 3/8 inch wide. This case should be very neatly made and its sides true to each other, or the finished work will present an awkward appearance. We have now to fit up the mechanism, and it will be best perhaps that, at this point, a description of the general idea should be given. We have an alarm clock, which, in its present form, simply sounds a bell at a given hour. We want to make the clock carry out our purpose, so that, in addition to being awakened, we shall be provided with tea or coffee, ready to hand when the alarm is given. In order to do this, we remove the spring of the alarm, and in its place attach a piece of catgut. Connect this to a piece of mechanism at the back of the case, which will carry and strike a match in such a position that the match will ignite a spirit lamp under a small boiler, the water of which will run out as soon as it boils into a tea or coffee pot, and at the same moment sound a shrill call with a whistle on the boiler. The writer has endeavoured to arrange the parts so that they occupy a comparatively small space, and that the case shall present a fairly ornamental appearance, the front (Fig 1) being a design cut out of zinc with the fret-saw, and the dial of clock let in behind, the whole sliding up the groove referred to in case (Fig 3).

The details of the various actions of the interior will now be described. Having made the outer case, we require to make the necessary alteration in the clock. Remove it from the case, and take out the wire holdfast on the alarm side, so as to be able to raise the plate. You can then, with a little care, take out the spring-wheel and spring, cutting the latter clear of the bar to which it is fastened to the clock. Having removed the spring from the wheel, punch out the rivet which held it in its place, and in lieu thereof pass one end of a length of catgut (14 inches) through the hole. Leave about half an inch of the catgut out, tie a small knot, and restore the wheel to its position in the clock, and fasten up the plate as before. In front of the spring-wheel, at the winding-up pin, will be noticed a peculiar shaped piece of brass, which acts as a stop to the winder, and prevents the work being overwound. We shall require to readjust this later on. Further down at the bottom of the works will be noticed an escapement in connection with the alarm, having a small weight on a piece of wire, which acts as a bell-hammer. Cut this off with wire-cutting pliers. Also notice attached to this two steel pellets, which, when the alarm runs down, alternately escape, and give the necessary intermittent action of striking the bell. We do not require an intermittent action, but a continuous run down. So take firm hold of the lower pellet, and break it off. Being hard steel, it will readily snap. Hold the other part firmly, so as not to break both off. Now set the clock aside for a time. Then make a bearing to connect the catgut at right angles, for which purpose we require a pulley-wheel (such as are used by venetian blind makers, and sold in London about sixpence per dozen). This is fitted in the slot in the back of case by passing a piece of wire through the wheel, and soldering to the case. As this has to bear a considerable strain, the ends of the wire should be bent over, and let into the case before soldering. This will ensure the necessary strength.

We now require to make the match-holder and axle (Fig 4), which consists of an upright piece of wire, 1/8 inch thick by 4 1/8 inches long, to which, at a point 1 inch from bottom, is fitted another pulley-wheel, of the same kind just described. This is readily fastened by first drilling a hole on each side of the centre, passing a piece of bent wire through, as shown in Fig 5, and soldering to the upright. Bore another small hole, and insert a screw, D. This will later on be connected to the catgut. At the upper end of Fig 4 will be seen the match-holder, which is simply a piece of tin or zinc, 1 inch long by 1 inch wide, bent over a piece of 1/8 inch wire, and pinched in under the wire, leaving a kind of tube when the wire is withdrawn. This is soldered to the upright, 1 inch from the top, and at right angles to the screw, D. A piece of tinned or brass wire is bent, as E, with an eye 5/8 inch from the holder, F, leaving 1 3/4 inches extending in the opposite direction. This is soldered to the holder and to the upright, neat and strong. The next operation is to provide bearings for this work. The lower one will consist of the bottom of the case. For the upper one we must make an angle-piece (C, Fig 2) – a piece of stout brass or zinc, 3/4 inch wide, 7 1/4 inches long, bent to a right angle, 4 inches by 3 inches, and soldered, the longer end to top of case, the shorter end to back of case, at a point 1 1/4 inches from the right-hand outside of case. Before soldering up, however, a hole to admit the upright should be punched in the shorter piece, at a point 1 1/4 inches from the bend. Having soldered this up, make a corresponding hole in the bottom of case, exactly under the other, so that the match-holder action-work will be vertical – that is, as shown in Fig 4. If the measurements have been correctly made, you should have about 1/8 inch to spare of the upright wire at each hole, and you can now secure this into its place, so that while it is free to move round, it cannot move up or down, by soldering at each end a bead of solder slightly larger than the holes.

We now require a small spirit lamp (Fig 6) which is easily made of sheet zinc. The lamp is circular, with a square base, 1 3/4 inches high to shoulder, the part which forms the burner extending 1/2 inch higher, having a diameter of 1 1/4 inches. A “hank” of ordinary white darning cotton cut into three and placed inside the lamp forms a capital wick. The latter should not project above the lamp when in use, or it will hinder the action of the slide-cover. This cover is connected with an upright wire soldered to side of lamp (Fig 6), and at a point level with top of lamp. A ledge is soldered to the wire. A hole is made in the extended side of cover, and is passed over the wire. A bead of solder on top serves to secure it, while leaving it free to move. Across the cover is soldered a semicircular piece of tin, against which the wire at the apposite end of match strikes and knocks it away.

We have now to make the holder for the striking surface (Fig 7), which is given full size, and is simply a piece of tin with edge and corner turned over at dotted lines. This is attached to a piece of crinoline steel spring, and soldered at its other end to the right-hand upright of case. It is best before soldering to pierce the steel, and insert a portion of an ordinary pin – the head part, and as much as is wanted of the stem. The steel must be softened at the ends to enable this to be done, which is readily effected by holding the ends in a lamp-flame till slightly red, and letting it cool of itself. It can then be punched with the point of a centre-punch or bradawl. The spring, when in position, should be curved inwards, so that the eye of match-holder just clears it. Thus, when the projecting match is in the holder, it will strike with some force. I prefer to use safety matches – the large size, Bryant and May’s – and in the striker I place a piece of their friction surfaces, which are sold at most Italian warehouses at twopence per packet. Each sheet cuts into three, and each of the three is used four times – that is, I turn a different corner to the path of the match each time. Thus, a twopenny packet will last about nine months, daily use. I keep the box of matches in the case at the left-hand of lamp, and solder a strip of tin upright, which serves as a holder for the matchbox, and keeps the lamp in position. The latter is best made with a square bottom, and to fit easily into the space left of the floor of the case. The lamp, of course, should be under the hole in top of case which was provided for the boiler (Fig 9), which is 4 inches deep by 3 inches wide. The top extends 3/8th inch beyond, all round. A piece of compo pipe, 1/4 inch bore, is soldered into top, near edge, and reaches to nearly the bottom; or, what is better, cut the pipe on the “skew”, so that the water can run easily. A brass screw-cap is used for the filling hole, and a brass whistle (H) is made in an elbow form. Take a piece of brass tube, 1/4 inch bore, 2 3/4 inches long. Saw off 3/4 inch, so as to make a mitre, and on the longer piece, 3/4 inch from mitre, file an angular cut (Fig 8). Stop up the longer end with solder, and insert in the shorter end a piece of cane or hard wood, the exact size of the tube, having previously filed the top flat, about 1/16 inch, slightly more at the mitred end. Just try it, and if you like the tone, secure the wood in its place by drilling a very small hole, and pass a pin in and solder to tube. Now solder the shorter end to top of the boiler, having previously made a hole at the spot. Next take a piece of suitable ordinary “bell-check” steel spring. Fasten the loop end to a piece of wire, and having passed the wire through the base of clock case, at the right-hand corner extreme point, solder underneath, and bend the other end of spring wire over the screw, D, in Fig 5, so that when at rest it pulls over the striker a little beyond its proper position of being over centre of lamp.

There remains now only to fix clock movement into position, and connect the catgut (through the opening of clock case back) with the striking work at the point D. This is easily done by giving the gut a turn over D, and tying it to the wire over wheel. The gut should be so fixed that it brings back the striker to its position to centre of lamp. It will he necessary, of course, to pass the gut round the wheel, and the point D should be in the position of right angles to the striker. Now, if you wind up the alarm, you will see the action of the brass stop, before referred to. Take it off and adjust it when you have wound the gut up far enough to bring the striker to the right-hand side of case, so as to be easily manipulated in fixing match, and taking out the same. Stop its further turning by putting the stop so that it can turn no further. Replace the pin. Try the work a few times, seeing that the alarm escapement frees itself readily, and the work runs down with a sudden run. This being found all right, paint the whole (except clock) with black japan, and, when dry, slide into position the clock face. Fix on the hands and pendulum, and all is ready for use. I find about half a pint of spirit is used in a fortnight. As spirit easily evaporates, the cover must be put back as soon as lamp is blown out. Do not put the match in holder until wound up. I use a small china tea-pot, set under the pipe of boiler, for tea, and a jug for coffee. The apparatus makes these or cocoa admirably, from the fact that the water is actually boiling over when it comes into contact with either.

Alas, I have found no evidence that the Early Riser's Friend was ever patented or marketed.

 In July 1894 Charles Maynard Walker applied for a patent for 'Improvements in Gas Lighting' in collaboration with Henry Greene's son, Thomas Arthur Greene.

On Saturday 4th August 1894 Charles went to Brighton on the annual outing of the employees of Henry King, a dairy utensil manufacturer based in North Dulwich. It is not clear whether he was an employee of the company, but he was of sufficient significance to be invited to reply to the toast to 'The Visitors', which presumably referred to the accompanying guests. He said that in his early days he was a 'knight of the soldering iron' which expression much entertained the gathered gentlemen. After enjoying a selection of songs and recitations the group dispersed to enjoy the beach, before returning on a late train. [10]

In February 1895, Charles applied for a patent for a new or improved pocket-stove for curling-irons - perhaps one of his five daughters had requested that he turn his hand to this project.

By 1896 Charles was living at 33 Chesilton Road, London. He was still working as a gas engineer. Combining business with pleasure continued to be his style. In January 1896 he was initiated into St Martin's Lodge of the Freemasons (2455), then, on 24th March 1897 he became a Steward of St Martin's Lodge. He remained in this role until at least May 1898.

Charles was a great supporter of the Peckham Rye Sunday Band, and acted as chairman of its committee. The band was one of many Sunday Bands which entertained the public in parks around the country. Charles was impressed that the Queen herself was a supporter of the movement; her military band played popular music every Sunday evening on the terrace at Windsor Castle. In July 1897 Charles and his wife Emma attended the Band Committee's annual outing. They were driven in a four-in-hand break to The Royal Oak in New Malden for a meal, followed by a stroll through Combe Woods.

In about 1898 Charles and his family moved to 304 Fulham Road, South Kensington, a prominent high street corner property arranged over four storeys, including a large light basement, ground floor commercial premises, eight upper rooms, and a bathroom. When the property came to auction in 1906, it was described as one of the best trading positions in the road. Now 52 years old, Charles must have been keen to establish himself in the local business community. On November 2nd 1898, he transferred to the Royal Commemoration Lodge of the Freemasons, listing his profession as an engineer.

The move also ushered in a period of change as his children grew into independence. His eldest daughter by his first wife, Emma Ellen Jane, married William John Savory on the 25th of June 1898 at St Luke, South Kensington. The following year, on 26th Aug 1899, his second daughter Alice Rose married Percy Hunt at St Luke's, South Kensington.

On 8th Dec 1898 Charles was exalted (elevated) to the Degree of Royal Arch at the Emblematic Chapter of the Freemasons (1321).

In 1899 Charles reached the pinnacle of his career. In June he was elected as a Member of the Society for Arts. By September he had booked space to exhibit in his own name at the first annual Great Gas and Allied Trades Exhibition at the Royal Aquarium in South West London from 21st December 1899 to 23rd January 1900. [11] The organisers stated that they were in negotiation with influential firms and that one of the finest shows in London was practically assured.

Charles lived long enough to witness the birth of his first grandchild, Phyllis Emma Agnes Maynard Savory, who was born on 10th December 1899. Only a week later, on 17th December 1899, Charles died at his home, 304 Fulham Road. He was only 53 years old, with many years of future success denied him. He was buried in a private grave at Brompton Cemetery at 1.30pm on Thursday 21st December 1899. The funeral arrangements were carried out by the undertaker Mr Brain, of 6 Filmer Road, Fulham.

Charles's grave can be found in the central great circle, compartment seven, section seven. It bears the inscription:

In loving memory of my darling husband, Charles Maynard Walker
Who passed away December 17th 1899
Aged 53 years.
Had he asked us, well we know
We should cry, Oh spare this blow;
Yes, with streaming eyes should pray,
Lord, we love him, let him stay.

The urn in front of Charles's headstone is dedicated to his son James Cuthbert, who died in 1936.

After Charles's death the family remained at 304 Fulham Road, and were still there when the census was compiled in 1901. At that time his eldest son, Frederick, was working from home as a gas engineer, possibly using the ground floor of the property as a shop. Frederick married Clara Harriet Schnauber in 1912, and the young couple moved away, initially to Bradford, Yorkshire, and later to Surrey.

In 1902 the Walkers' phone number, Kensington 699, appeared in the London telephone directory, with Charles's second son, Charles Donald Walker, listed as a manufacturer and engineer.

It seems likely that Charles's widow, Emma, and the younger children, remained at 304 Fulham Road until 1906, when the leasehold came up for auction. The premises were subsequently occupied by Ridgewell and Edwards, a sewing machine sale and repair shop, who remained there until the 1950s. Emma died at the Bolingbroke Hospital in March 1911, and was buried in the same grave as Charles. She has an inscription on the right face of Charles's memorial stone, which is only partially legible as the lead letters have long since fallen off.

It reads:

Fondest memory of our dear mother
Emma Mary Walker
Fell asleep ... ... st 1911 ...

[1] Jersey Independent and Daily Telegraph, Saturday 16 August 1884

[2] The Utilization of Tidal Power, Pall Mall Gazette, 28 August 1884

[3] South London Press, 11 December 1886

[4] South London Press, 02 April 1887

[5] Sunderland Daily Echo and Shipping Gazette, 16th April 1887

[6] The South London Press, 11th February 1888

[7] The South London Press, 24th March 1888

[8] Possibly the same club or a successor to the Dulwich and Penge Liberal and Radical Association.

[9] Work Magazine (No 131), September 19th 1891. With thanks to “The Work Magazine Reprint Project” www.toolsforworkingwood.com from whose scanned copies this article was transcribed.

[10] South London Press, 11 August 1894

[11] Daily Telegraph and Courier, London, 25 September 1899.