< Ray@Copson.org >
Thanks to Leslie Copson Foster! This coat of arms was once awarded to a Copson, probably a prominent citizen able to afford the fee. Who was he -- presumably a he, at any rate. What can the symbols mean? A lock with two keys and a log with twigs sprouting? Copsons in England, New Zealand, and the United States are at work on this mystery.
Dear Chronicle,
You may be interested to know that, since discovering 'copson.org', I have managed to pinpoint four of your correspondents (ie Derek of Cheltenham, Ray of New Zealand, Sue Hardy and Helen of Wigston Magna) as being a second cousin, a second cousin once removed or a third cousin. I have been in touch with each of them and have elicited a lot of information, previously unknown to me, about my particular branch of the family. In October we visited Derek and his wife, Margaret, in Cheltenham and had a very pleasant afternoon chatting, you can guess, about family history. Your namesake in NZ has obviously done an enormous amount of family research and has been kind enough to send me sheaves and sheaves of very interesting and useful documents on the family. Sue Hardy (Ray's niece) has filled in a few gaps too. Fifteen-year old Helen's interest is truly inspirational.
Getting to know more about my family has been very much due to your initiatives in first launching The Copson Chronicle and then the web site. Here is one Copson who is most grateful.
Many many thanks.
MICHAEL J COPSON
Cheltenham, UK
The editor's daughter Marjorie was in the West African country of Ghana recently, and was pleased to notice that people there seemed to know how to pronounce the name "Copson," and could even spell it! No one insisted that she must be a "Thompson" or "Compson."
The matter was turned over to the Chronicle research department, which determined that a player on one of Ghana's top football (soccer) teams, Hearts of Oak, is named Edmond Copson. Everyone else on the team has a Ghanaian name, so it seems likely that Edmond is Ghanaian as well, perhaps descended from an Englishman -- many English names are found along the Ghana coast.
Can anyone throw further light on this matter?
My son was browsing the web the other day and came across a website which lists passegers en route to Australia. Amongst them were a number of Copsons in 1910 aboard the "Commonwealth": E Copson, E Copson, M Copson, Mark Copson, Samuel Copson (Gardener) and Thomas Copson (Park Keeper). The site address is www.beavis.co.uk/netlist.txt
Regards to Copsons everywhere. DerekCopson@compuserve.com
Nick Hollingworth, stalwart contributor from Australia, has a new email address: . nickb2@iprimus.com.au
Using Mormon records, Nick has pulled together a long list of 18th Century Copson births, deaths, and marriages in the Parish of Nuneaton, UK. It may be useful if you are looking for Copson ancestors from part of the English Midlands -- or if you want a list of good Copson names. For a copy, contact Nick directly or email ray@copson.org.
The Chronicle has a new correspondent, Keith Clarke, well-versed in Warwick Copson's. Here's what Keitn writes:
"Had a look at your website, and just thought I would send an Email. I am descended from Richard Copson ( ribbon weaver) and Elizabeth Ward.
I now live around the corner from Foleshill, St Lawrence Church, where Richard Copson is buried. Warwick is my home town, and where the descendants of my great great grandfather Thomas Copson ( chimney sweep) still live. His father Daniel Copson came to live in Warwick from Coventry c. 1860s. Daniel and Thomas were both baptised at Foleshill St Lawrence.
As far as I am aware all of the Copsons in Warwick are descended from Thomas. He was a Chimney Sweep as I may have mentioned there is a really fascinating obituary in one of the local papers for him, I have tried to scan the copy but it wasn't very good so I will type it out :
The Warwick & Warwickshire Advertiser and Leamington Gazette
Saturday June 19 1909
Well known Chimney Sweep Dead
The funeral of a well known Warwick personage, Thomas Copson, Chimney Sweep of Friars St., took place on Tuesday last.
The deceased stood quite at the head of his craft in Warwick. Over his door was a sign bearing the following words:-
'Will sweep clean, and not too dear,
from top to bottom never fear;
and should your chimney be on fire,
he'll put it out if you require.'
I have a Photograph of his daughter Jane Hannah Elizabeth Copson who was my great- grandmother. Please do refer anyone looking into the Copson family in Warwick to me. That would be great."
Keith can be contacted at: KeithCovUK@aol.com
Thanks to Ron and Jane Brookes of Coventry for helping Susan Catalano of Greenwhich, Connecticut (SCATAL134@aol.com) find out more about her ancestor Mary Ann Copson, who came over to Bridgeport, Connecticut, from Foleshill in 1892. Her husband, Albert Ashley had already settled in Bridgeport in 1890 and she followed with the children and a niece.
Mary Ann was the daughter of Samuel Copson and Elizabeth Rollason, making the second Copson-Rollason marriage known to the Chronicle. The editor is descended from another -- the marriage of Thomas H. Copson and Julia Rollason, who settled earlier not far from Hartford in Easthampton, Massachusetts. There are some links here that continue to be explored!
Meanwhile, Heather DePaolo of Amesbury, Massachusetts (dpaolo@amesbury.net) has been working on her ancestor, William Frederick Copson of Leicester, who came to Lowell, Massachusetts on October 12, 1887. This is probably the William F. Copson mentioned in the Chronicle article on "The Elastic Web," and the Chronicle sent Heather a long extract on this William from a book the editor's father acquired entitled The History and Romance of Elastic Webbing by Clifford A. Richmond (Easthampton News Company, 1946).
Finally, Sue Hardy writes:
"Just a quick note to say - seen the Bill Copson item and surprised to notice Clay Cross. This is , as they say round ere' just up the road from Alfreton where I work, and often I go the Clay Cross as a bank cashier.
The place itself was built for the Clay Cross company and George Stephenson, when the tunnel and mines and railways were all being set up.
This month the Old Clay Cross Company, now called Bi-waters, has been bought out by an international company and as is usual mass job losses are to take place. The small village now gets smaller.
Morton, Stonebroom, Newton, Blackwell, Huthwaite are all on my journey home and the more I see of family history the more connections to these villages are turning up.
Ray in NZ is looking at a Bermuda connection with a young man, and his family are living in the house next door to where Ray lived when in Kirkby!
Anyway, best wishes and keep searching,
Sue Hardy (andrewhardy@supanet.com)
Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire."
Hi Ray,
My name is Mike Copson (Michael William) and my wife is Jenny (Jeanette Jennifer).
I stumbled across your website a few days ago - what a surprise - so I just had to make contact.
My wife and I are originally from a small coal mining village in North East Derbyshire (UK) called Clay Cross. However, since 1971 we have lived in the Cheltenham area of Gloucestershire, currently in Bishop's Cleeve 3 miles north of Cheltenham.
I note your reference to cricket in 'The Copson Home Page Vision' as one of the occupations/sports in which Copsons have excelled. Well, I can certainly provide some information on this particular topic.
My father was W. H. (William Henry) Copson, affectionately known as 'Bill', and my mother was Emily. Dad was raised in a village near to Clay Cross called Morton although he was born nearby in Stonebroom. He had a brother Clarence and a sister Constance (Connie) who lived for a large part of her life in Market Harborough, Leicestershire.
Dad - who was born in 1908 - was introduced to cricket during the depression of the late 1920's and went on to play for Derbyshire and England although his career was interrupted by the 2nd World War. This press photo below was taken in Hollywood on the return leg of the Australian Tour of 1936/7. Dad is far right on the photo (aged 29). The caption reads as follows:
"Autograph to members of the English cricket team which visited the Selznick International studio on the way home from Australia and in return he takes their autographs. The entire cricket team watched the making of scenes of "The Prisoner of Zenda", David O. Selznick production with Ronald Colman, Madeleine Carroll, Fairbanks, Mary Astor, C. Aubrey Smith, Raymond Massey and David Niven.
"Michael Copson
E-mail Address: Mike@mcopson.fsbusiness.co.uk
Editor's note: Who is the guy with the cigarette?
My name Is Paul Thomas Copson, I was born in Clerkenwell London. Just by chance I typed the name Copson on the internet and what a surprise!!! I just did not think there were so many Copson's about.
I am interested in finding out more about our little clan.
My E.Mail address is coppos@hotline.com
Hope to from you soon
Best Regards Paul Copson
News from Kim Copson, who lives in Coventry, England.
"I was born on Nottingham in 1967 and moved to Norfolk with my parents John and Margaret Copson in 1970, My Grandparents Eric James and Florence Elsie Copson lived originally in Nottingham, but moved to East Leake Leicestershire in approx 1994. I have one brother, Christopher, and a nephew Stuart, My uncle is David Copson also of East Leake, Leicestershire, I also have two cousins Anthony and Timothy also fromEast Leake, I moved from my parental home in Norfolk, in 1993 and now live in Coventry, I will try to find out more from my grandparents regarding their brothers and sisters, mothers, fathers/family as soon as possible.
I would be pleased to hear from any Copsons and others who think they know us
--
Kim Copson"
Kim@kuvasz.demon.co.uk
My great-great grandfather was Samuel Copson who came from England by way of Canada. He settled in Manchester, NH. He and his first wife had several children, John, Ada, Harriet, Anne, William, (maybe more, maybe Agnes eventually in Washington state) my great grandmother being one -- Mary. She married William Robinson, my grandmother Bertha (born Nov 1909) married Daniel Quirk, and my Mom Natalie married my Francis X. Meaney.
Samuel Copson and his second wife had 2 children, Arthur and Gertrude, and he and his third wife had none.(first or second wife's last name was Jennings)
He is buried with Charlotte (his last wife) in Pine Grove cemetery in Manchester, NH.
Harriet's married Joseph Green, two daughters.. Grace and Ethel.
Maura.Meaney@unisys.com
My name is Paul Geoffrey Copson, born in Rotherham, as was my father John Gary Copson. He was the son of John Henry Copson, who's own Father moved to South Yorkshire from Lincolnshire.
I have just returned from Normandy, where John Gary's older brother, Geoffrey was killed on D-Day, 56 years ago tomorrow. He was a paratrooper, in the 7th Batallion parachute regiment and was shot down in a Sterling Bomber over Granges, after straying off course from the drop zone over Ranville. (Lots more information if you want it).
I am now a Teacher in London, and enclose a picture of my Father and myself, taken on the 50th anniversary of D-Day in 1994, behind Geoffrey Copson's grave in Ranville cemetery.
PGCopson@cs.com
:
April 28, 2000
Well done Raymond. What a great job you're doing for all those worldwide who are interested in the Copsons.
I noticed on a very recent visit, the 'Coat of Arms' and the question "what can the symbols mean?" I believe that the keys and the double padlock symbolise Dominion and Authority. My cousin Edwin Copson did some research at the Birmingham Central Library in England nine years ago and found that there was no information on a Coat of Arms for anyone with the name of Copson in Vols 1 and 2 of 'Armorial Families'. In Papworth's 'Ordinary of British Armorial 1977' - Page 966 there appears "Lock or in base a double locked padlock and in chief two keys wards downwards AZ. Copson". In Fairbairns 'Book of Crests - of the families of Great Britain & Northern Ireland' - Page 133 there is "Copson - the stump of a tree couped at each end in fess, ppr, shooting forth a branch spreading to dexter and sinister vert, ensigned with a fleur-de-lys or 145.13.
'Couped' is obviously cut and 'in fess' as stated in the 'Dictionary of Heraldry and Related Subjects' is an ordinary (an 'Ordinary' is derived from the simple charge. 'Charge' is anything borne on an escutcheon. 'Escutcheon' is also a shield which may be used as a charge.) containing between a third and one fifth of the height of the shield - depends on the artist. This suggests that the stump of a tree etc., should be situated on the shield somewhere between the honour point (between the fess point and the chief point. The chief point being the top of the shield) and the nombril point. (between the fess point and the base point. The base point being the bottom of the shield.) What 'ppr' means I do not know but dexter and sinister are the left hand side and right hand side of the shield, respectively, as you face it. Sorry it's not a comprehensive explanation. I too would like to know the meaning of 'the stump of a tree etc.,' and more about the background to the books mentioned; particularly Fairbairns 'Book of Crests'.
About eight or nine years ago, I received a letter from 'Halbert's Family Heritage', Div. Numa Corp., Bath, OH 44210 USA offering for sale "The World Book of Copsons". We didn't get a copy but I have often wondered just how superficial it would have been. Have you or anyone else seen a copy of it? It is, apparently, a full 8.5" x 11" in size, is a first edition, numbered and registered in purchaser's name with a Certificate of Registration, noting that specific information, with each copy. It is handsomely bound in a burgundy grained cover and imprinted in gold with an original heraldic insignia; all for £19.95. (about $30 although I find that anything that costs $20 in the States like software or books is charged out at £20 over here in the UK).
Sean's email address is skcopson@lineone.net
March 2000
I recently received the newest copy of Leicedstershire and Rutland Family History Society Magazine, and as a new member, my interests have been entered. Should anyone contact me, be assured, you will be kept informed of any new Copsons and their research. My Uncle Ray (South) has contacted Derek Copson and both Ray and myself sent copies of information to the young lady, Helen Copson, on your Chronicle. She is currently buried under paper!
As it is March, I have done very little holiday research this year, but intend to do more in the Summer. A mystery Copson is in my local phone book, and Ray says when he visited Kirkby last and saw his old home, the new owner knew the next door property was occupied by another Copson within the last ten years. So I may have another thread to weave.
Anyway, best wishes with the new computer and to all the family historians that are sent to try you.
Yours searchingly, Sue Hardy
110 Lowmoor Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 7BJ, England 01623 721905
Sue sent along some information from the GRO Index based on notes she took while researching Copsons in the Derbyshire Records Office. These records give names and weddings of Copsons from around the Midlands. In addition, a list from the Blaby Parish records several Copson marriages, burials, and baptisms. The marriage of Elizabeth Copson to David Harris took place in 1805, while Randal Copson married Ann Atkins in 1827. Contact the editor at ray@copson.org and he can fax you a copy of Sue's notes -- or better yet, write to Sue herself. She is collecting new information all the time. Meanwhile, perhaps Sue or another Copson genealogist could enlighten readers outside England on just what the GRO index is. More information on Blaby Parish would be fascinating as well.
March 12, 2000
Ray Copson of New Zealand has been looking into the Coat of Arms for some time. Here is a letter he received in November 1998, from the College of Arms. We may be pedigreed!
The College of Arms
London, E.C.4.
Dear Mr. Copson,
Thank you for your letter of 3 November addressed to the College of Arms, which has been passed on to me as Officer in Waiting.
Coats of arms and crests do not belong to surnames but to individuals. For any person to have a right to a coat of arms, they must either have had a grant of arms to themselves or be descended in the male line from someone to whom the arms were granted in the past. It is impossible to have any rights to a crest, which is only a constituent part of a full armorial achievement, without having a right to a coat of arms (i.e., a shield).
I should point out that Fairbairn's Crests is not a work of any authority. It has many bogus crests included in it and many crests wrongly attributed.
The College of Arms has records of all grants of arms made under the English Crown, together with a large number of pedigrees placed on official record by those establishing a right to arms by descent. To establish whether your Copson family has a right to arms would necessitate a search in the official registers here. A fee would be payable for such a search - probably in the region of L80 to L200. If you were able to supply me with genealogical details, that would make the task much easier. If you would like to send such information, I will then write back saying how long I think the search will take and how much it will cost exactly. Such a search would establish what was on official record here in terms of pedigrees and arms and might make it clear that either there was no chance of you families having a right to arms by descent or else that your ancestors were, indeed, to be found on record here.
Yours sincerely,
D.V. White
Rouge Croix Pursuivant
Editor Ray Copson of Virginia senses a certain coolness in the tone of this letter. But perhaps Copsons should persist. Some of us may be pedigreed! Woof!
February 17, 2000
On old and faithful correspondent of the Copson Chronicle, print version, has checked in from Australia. Nick Hollingworth writes,
"While living in Victoria during the early 80's I was in contact with the Copson Chronicle. I have moved back to my home territory in Northern New South Wales. The address 13 Royal Drive, Pottsville Beach, NSW Australia 2489.
I am still interested in the family I would like to make contact again. Am retired & have more time now. Plus have a computer to play with.
I have most of my Australian branch on Family Tree maker. Hope soon to have all documentation in the scrapbook where it can be readily accessed."
Attention readers in England. Nick is trying to determine where his ancestor John William Copson came from. He is planning to put together a story about John William's life in Australia and would like to include something on his origins.
Nick's email address is: < nickb@byronit.com >
By Derek Copson
< DerekCopson@compuserve.com >
Many thanks for publishing my letter in the Chronicle. Through it I have got in touch with the only member of my father's family so far discovered -
Ray Copson of New Zealand. Another person has contacted me but any connection has yet to be proved.
Copsons seem to be as thick on the ground as Smiths and Jones at the moment. Two were in the news a week or so ago. You may have heard that our
local (Cheltenham) Member of Parliament was attacked with a sword and his political aid, Andy Pennington, killed. The man who tried to revive Andy was David Copson (no relation). We can be proud of him.
At the same weekend just north of here, in Redditch, 81 year old Ellen "Nellie" Copson was released from a short time in prison following a battle
with her local council over paying taxes on an empty shop. The local people made a huge protest and the council gave in. Well done Nellie!
Others. If you go to Birmingham you may well see vans marked Copsons - they are a large company of heating engineers. Copsons of Stockholm, data processors, have a large web-site, as many of you will know. When I was teaching a few years ago, we had an exchange teacher from Los Angeles whose school secretary back home was called Copson. Miss (Bermuda, Barbados, Bahamas??) some time ago was called, you guessed it, Copson. Recently my brother went into a supermarket in Telford and found that the girl at the checkout was Helen Copson, the name of our daughter and one of your correspondents. Need I tell you the name of the physiotherapist who is currently treating him? You're right.
Anyone feel like having a Copson "Clan Gathering"? My wife is connected to the "dreaded" Metcalfe family of Wensleydale, with a traceable history to 1195, who have successful annual gatherings. Perhaps as more the "ordinary" stock of this world we might manage one, say, every three to five years. Anyone interested?
February 2, 2000
Judi Copson of Boston has learned about the Copson Home Page thanks to her 11 year-old grandson, who was working on a school family history project.
Judi's husband is Gerald Francis Copson, born in Boston in 1936, whose parents were William Francis Copson and Florence Collins. Gerald had seven brothers and sisters, and Gerald and Judi have had five children. No wonder Copsons are flourishing in Boston! Judi lists two 11 year-old grandsons -- Kevin and Stephen. The Home Page hopes one will email to claim credit for discovering the site. Gerald and Judi have several other grandchildren, and Gerald is an uncle of Paul Copson, a great contributor to the old Copson Chronicle, printed version.
Judi can be reached at < jquilter@samnet.net >
John Copson, < john_copson@lineone.net > , writes that he was surprised to learn about the family's relation to the Sphinx, and will visit to make inquiries while on vacation in Egypt later this year. John continues his efforts to find a Wigston Magna link.
"We keep finding references to Wigston Magna cropping up in our searches and also of many Williams. This all seems very fundamental to my research as I am stuck on William around the 1800 period and keep coming to Wigston Magna, which is no great distance from my roots in Atherstone. There must be some connection I feel but I can't find it.
"Of course the Copson family is very small relatively. As a comparison, whilst there were only 734 Copson listed throughout the country in the 1881 Census, there were 77,660 Coopers."
John also remains active in the Coat of Arms quest. The Chronicle has a beautiful painting of the Coat of Arms in hand, and will be publishing it as soon as the editor masters his scanner!
January 12, 2000
Helen Copson of Wigston continues her own researches.
"My Nan couldn't give me a lot of info, but she is going to look at death certificates etc in the attic. She told me that my grandfather, William Copson's Father, was called Alonsa Copson. That's all I know of William's father but at the weekend my Mum and I are going to the records office in Wigston to get some more information. My grandfather was named after his father's nephew ,who died in World War 1. He was Sergeant William Copson of the 9th Bn.,Leicestershire Regiment. He died on Friday, 21st July 1916, age 27 at the Somme, France.
My Nan seems to remember that my grandfather's aunt emigrated to somewhere, but she can't remember where to. Her name was Ginny. Nan is not sure whether she changed her name or not. .I have just found a really useful book that shows pictures of some Copsons in Wigston back in
the late 1800's. It gives descriptions of jobs, ages. children, addressees etc. I will look through it and report back. It's a pity other Copsons can't get a hold of it."
Copsons are hoping Helen continues her researchers. Many are probably desperate to know what she finds in that "really useful book!" Perhaps some of it could be posted here at the Copson Home Page.
January 5, 2000
Helen Copson, age 15, has written from Wigston Magna, Leicester. Helen says she is very interested in family history, but has just begun her research.
She writes: "I know that my grandfather, William Copson, served in the Second World War in the desert as some kind of medical person. His father (not surprisingly) was called William Copson. My Farther Barry Copson seems to remember his father mentioning something about an uncle or some relation moving to New Jersey. Well I will hopefully have more information next week. Yours Sincerely, Helen Copson."
New Jersey Copsons, and Copsons worldwide -- can you help? Please contact the Chronicle -- ray@copson.org