A Talbot Green man is researching his family history and needs the help of Caerphilly Observer readers.
Phil Redding, 75, is researching his family and is looking for information about his grandfather Charles Cross.
Mr Redding contacted us to ask if our readers could help him unravel his family history mystery.
He said: “I am currently researching my family tree and have encountered a brick wall in trying to trace information on my grandfather Charles Cross.
“He was born around 1871 and his birthplace is listed as Caerleon in the 1901 census or Bassaleg, in the 1911 census – these may be regional administrative centres.
“By all accounts he was an extremely clever engineer and there is evidence of this in a photograph. It shows steam engine built by him in 1892 at Cwmaber. This engine was displayed in the school yard of Aber School in 1893 – this detail came from a note in his own hand on the back of the photograph.
“He apparently made quite a few miniature working models of steam engines and was well-known around the Rogerstone area where he lived. He is also reputed to have invented or made a special machine engine for the Cadbury factory where he also lived nearby around 1900.
“In 1896 he married Eleanor Montgomery who was from Black Vine, Durham. About 1897 his eldest son, also Charles Cross was born in Senghenydd (he was subsequently killed during World War One in 1918). By 1898 he had moved to Aston, Birmingham where he had a further five children and by 1910 he had returned to Wales and was living in John Street, Rogerstone where his youngest child was born.
“In 1922 his wife Eleanor passed away at the age of 49 and was buried at St John’s Church, Rogerstone. After this, nothing much can be found. While it is said he lived until his 80s, all that is known is that for a short time he lived with his youngest daughter Irene at Michaelstone-y-Fedw then moved somewhere near Bedwas to live with a relative.
“It is not known where or when he died, or where he was buried. I have been unable to find records of his birth, marriage or death and I would dearly like to find out more about him and hope maybe someone can help.”