CFHS code : HT301
Parish : Holy Trinity
Inscription : In Loving Memory of ALFRED J G HARTMANN d November 23 1928 aged 77 also of LYDIA SMITH HARTMANN d July 23rd 1932 aged 78
Monument : Stone cross (broken and fallen/Kerb stones
Above information amended from Cambridge Family History Society Survey
Monument
This set of kerbs with broken cross within, is located roughly 7 rows east of the central path in the parish of Holy Trinity. It borders the southern path to the north so easy to find but subject to bramble and ivy growth. The inscriptions of metal letters appear intact.
Inscription
In Loving Memory of ALFRED J G HARTMANN who died November 23 1928 aged 77 years
Also of LYDIA SMITH HARTMANN who died July 23rd 1932 aged 78 years
on the cross
Peace Perfect Peace
Alfred Johann Gaspard Hartmann (c.1851 – 23 November 1928)
Alfred was born in Liege, Belgium and came to Cambridge to work as a cook at Trinity College. He married Lydia Baxter in 1874 and they had five children: Alexandrain Sabina Marie Jeanne (1875-1964), John Edmond Charles Ernest (1877-1893), Lydia Marie Eugenie Stella (1878-1936), Alice Marie Lydia Nellie (1880-) and Mina Charlotte Maria Lydia (1884-). Their only son John was drowned aged 16, when his canoe was over turned near Hauxton in August 1893.
The family lived at Histon Road, but moved to Market Street when Alfred took over Webb’s Restaurant in February 1893. He also did outside event catering including the Royston Show (1902), the Cambridge Rowing Association Annual Dinner (1902) and the Anniversary dinner of the Ancient order of Foresters (1907)
Alfred took part in a ‘patriotic concert in aid of the local fund of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Families’ Association in October 1914, where he sung ‘The Marseillaise’ with special effects.
A photo from the concert shows Alfred standing first left on the 3rd row back. On 31 December 1914 he played the part of Santa Claus at a party held at the Conservative Club for Belgian children. The Cambridge Independent Press reported ‘a huge Christmas tree was the cynosure of all eyes throughout the evening. It was weighted with beautiful gifts from the American Santa Claus shop, from the children of St. John’s Parish and of All Saints’ Parish. Mons. Hartmann…distributed the gifts to the happy children. Dancing was indulged in and refreshments were handed round by many helpers. At the close of the party the French, Belgian and British National Athems were sung’.
It is not known when Alfred retired, but he died at 15 Oxford Road aged 77.
Lydia Smith Hartmann (née Baxter) (1853 – 23 July 1932)
Born in Boston, Lincolnshire Lydia was the daughter of Charles and Sabina. Her father was a cordwainer/shoemaker and her mother was a dressmaker. Lydia also worked as dressmaker before marrying Alfred Hartmann and in 1871 was lodging with relatives at 11 Wheeler Street,Cambridge. She died at 15 Oxford Road.
Sources:
Ancestry
Newspaper archives
by Claire Martinsen
[If you have any information about this family, please contact us at friendsofmillroadcemetery@gmail.com]