< Ray@Copson.org >
The Chronicle is pleased to re-print this email from Michael J. Copson (Miccops@aol.com) to Sean Copson (skcopson@lineone.net)
Dear Sean
With reference to the article in the last Copson Chronicle, about a possible reunion of the Copson clan, and other references in earlier issues, I, for one, favour a get together in the Leicester area. When does not bother me at all, I can normally fit myself around whatever the majority decide. In particular one has to bear in mind that some attendees will be coming from far afield.
There are very few Copsons in my part of Southern England. In fact my daughter-in-law is the only named Copson in our local telephone directory. It will be interesting to visit the heartland, as it were, and be surrounded by other members of the family. Please keep me informed and let me know if there is anything I can do to spread the word.
I note that Derek Copson of Cheltenham, my recently discovered second cousin, raised the idea in 2000.
Yours sincerely
MICHAEL J COPSON
Keith Copson of Warwick continues his researches in the genealogy of Thomas Copson, the Warwick chimney sweep (see New Copson Articles for 2000), and his father Daniel. Keith is very interested in finding out more about George Copson (milkman) and Julia Copson, probably born Julia Jearle, recorded in Birmingham in the 1881 census. Working with marriage records at St. Catherine's House in London, Keith has found Copson links with Catherine Kent, Emma Vincent, and Mary Worrell. For details, contact Keith at KeithCovUK@aol.com.
Nick Hollingworth, the great Australian Copson researcher, writes:
G'Day Ray. Will attach a copy of the records that I have on John William Copson. To get the family tree of the Aussie mob go to http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com. Try nickb2.
These may be of use to any of the aussie mob looking for information
Regards Nick
[The Chronicle can only print a little of what Nick has found about John William Copson, but what a tough and resilient man John must have been. For more information, contact Nick at nickb2@bigpond.com.]
The following is a list of the records & general information collected on John Copson & his wife Catherine Evanson. There are a few obvious gaps that need further research. I will point these out & hope that someone do this. It would make an interesting story BD&M Nuneaton Warwickshire from the LDS reel No 6501441
Marriage of Joseph Copson, Silk Weaver & Sarah Wilson, widow were married by bans 14.11.1803. Both of this parish.
John William Copson Baptised at Nuneaton 26.11.1806 Parents Joseph Copson & Sarah Wilson
John became a shoemaker
John was on jail delivery for Newgate-Changed to Middlesex 27.5.1830 for stealing linen.
For some unknown reason I did not get around to getting the details of this from England
Now for copies of Records
PRO Reel 70 .HO 10/29 Alpha list of Convicts arrived 1828-1832
Copson John William
Age 25
Vessel ,"Georgianna"-1831
Sentence. 7 years
Religion. Protestant
Assigned to John Wood at Lowther ( Near Hartley Vale)
A.O. Reel905 4/4016 Indentures of "Georgianna"
Sailed London 1 st April 1831. Arrived Sydney 27 th July 1831
1170.70 Copson John William C40/887 35/847
Age 25
Education Reads
Religion. Protestant
Single
Native Place Nuneaton
Trade Shoemaker
Sentence . 7 years
Offence. Stealing Linen
Tried Newgate-Changed to Middlesex 27th May 1830
No previous convictions
Height 5' unreadable
Complexion Pale pock pitted
Hair Light Brown
Eyes Grey
No other marks
Assigned to John Wood Lowther. 35/847 C 40/887
Bound Indents 1830-33 Reel 905 Georgianna from England
[John was sent to a place called Hartley, which, Nick writes...] was very new when John was sent here. The Blue Mtns had only been crossed in 1813 & the road was roughly constructed in 1815. The first coach arrived in Bathurst 1835. Would have been wild untamed country.
[John sought to marry Eliza Quinn, but...] They did not marry. I found a marriage for Eliza 2 years earlier. They were involved with several others in a robbery. Not sure if they were part of it. Did not see anything of Eliza after the robbery. [Here's more detail:]
Desposition of John Ingasole re John Copson
John Ingasole by sworn oath .. I have heard my deposition of the 3rd instant read.I declare its contents to be true & correct and the prisoners now at the bar are the same sworn to in that deposition. The prisoners Copson & Reynolds were sleeping in the appartment with me, Shady, otherwise John Walters is the owner. The Memorandoms of the purchase of 49 wethers bought of L C Sultan was amongst my papers in my pocket book ,which was stolen from me. The silk handkerchief now produced, resembles very much the one I lost and I am firmly of the opinion is mine, from the circumstance of its having a few spots of blood on one corner which my handkerchief had & mine had never been washed with soap.The afternoon before the robbery Copson came to my dray & I observed he had a silk handkerchief on but it was a lighter colour than mine,now produced. The prisoner Reynolds left the appartment just before i got up,& when he returned I Was awakened by the noise of his shutting the door & I saw him go into bed
[So John seems to have been locked up until 1837. He tried to marry again, but ...] was refused permission to marry Fanny McCready on 13th March 1837 because "Having on her arrival stated that she was married"
[Finally, in 1839, he succeeded in marrying Catherine Evanson, who had arrived three years before on the James Pattison, commissioned by the London Emigration Society to take single women to Australia. And things took a turn for the better. Children were born, and ...]
About 1849 John is thought to have built a shack the designated township of Cowra to conduct his shoemaking. He purchased this lot in 1854 at the Carcoa land sale Being lot 11 sectio12 Lauchlan St Cowra
When the Robinson land Act came in John selected 3 portions of land at Back Creek a few miles out of Cowra. One of 185.3 Acres, one of 40 acres, the other of 94 acres....
John died at Cowra 14.4.1889
Catherine died at Frogmore 4.12.1890
[And the "Aussie Mob" together with Copsons everywhere owe them a debt of thanks!]
I have a step brother named Michael George Gopson living in Cardiff aged 59. His father was killed in France at the end of the war. His name was George Victor Copson; he is now buried at Ranville War Cemetary, Caen, France. Our mother's name is Lilian Copson nee Jones. Would he be any relation? Thanks
Replies to Andrew, at kay@sexton33.fsnet.co.uk, but keep the Chronicle informed of discoveries.
Hi Ray, I trying to trace my family tree and, after reading your letters on the Net I wondered if you have any info for my side of the Copson Family. My Great Grandfather was John Copson (dob appox 1842 d 11 01 1934) of Whyley Farm, Wood Lane West Bromwich but, I cannot find any reference to the farm. John married I think Ellen Dale (no date) and my
Grandmother Elizabeth was born 1888. Gran married a Joseph Smith and they had 5 children.
I know it's a long shot but worth a try.
Many Thanks. John. (johncsmith@rdplus.net)
Pam Copson of Warwick, UK, has made a great discovery! She writes, "While motoring through the village of Stadhampton, 6 miles SE of Oxford this afternoon (September 20), I saw this lovely road sign. Two local ladies assured me that the sign was very new, but the Lane was very old. They did not know the origin of the name." Pam is investigating further, and will keep the Copson Chronicle posted.
Ray Copson or New Zealand has finally gone high tech and gotten himself an email connection: Ray.Copson@clear.net.nz -- be sure to include that "nz;" the editor's Outlook Express keeps trying to strip it off. Ray has been helping Copsons worldwide with their researches, and having him online will be a great boon to Chronicle readers. Thanks to his friend Prinia Riordan for forwarding his messages over the years.
Ray has found a remarkable story about a sad event in Stonebroom, Derbyshire, in 1913. The Derbyshire Times of February 18 of that year writes of the "Tragic Sensation," which killed Robert Alfred Copson, aged 8 years and 9 months, and injured his father, William Henry Copson, a miner of High Street, Stonebroom, who suffered severe burns. Robert was killed by an explosion "heard a good distance from the place where it happened, and many wild rumors got about as to Morton Colliery being fired." A subsequent investigation showed that "the death of the boy had been caused by the explosion of a bobbin of gunpowder which were used some years ago in mines for explosive purposes.... The boys took up one of these bobbins, which they mistook for toffee and put a candle too near it." The only witness at the inquest was Hannah, Robert's mother, and the following dialogue took place: "The Coroner: 'Your husband will get better and will be able to give evidence at the adjourned inquiry next week.' Witness: 'I don't know sir, he is very badly burned."
Ray has also turned up a warm, two-page tribute to Bill Copson, the famous cricket bowler, discussed elsewhere in these pages, as well as an in-depth obituary. The Chronicle editor will fax or mail copies on request.
Su Morton is an education consultant, with an interest in new technology in education, based in Lincoln, UK -- which she reports is cold and damp, just as the Romans discovered. Su, whose maternal grandmother was a Copson, is looking for connections in Australia. Her email reminds us of the hard lives many Copsons have had (see previous story).
"My Grandma's sister Ethel and her twin brother Mark went to Oz in the 1930's (I believe they were 21 years old); they went out to live with family (Copson?) already out there before saving up enough cash to buy their
own land. I understand that Ethel's son Ron still runs a sheep station in Molong, N.S.W. Ethel was in her eighties when she died; Mark survived having his appendix removed on the kitchen table by the flying doctor, but was
killed during a fire on the sheep station. I believe he was trampled to death by horses whilst trying to release them from burning stables. My Great Grandfather Matthew Copson was a miner in the West Midlands (Great Barrington?)
and was killed in a mining accident. My great Grandma had at least 7 children (2 sets of twins I understand) and her name was Faith Hope Charity, known as Kate! I'd be grateful of any info on any of the above and any Aussie links."
Readers may contact Su at fsm@faith31.freeserve.co.uk, but please keep the Chronicle informed.
Helen Copson, eldest daughter of Alan Copson of Stanford le-Hope, UK, has checked in. She is studying at Hertfordshire University and reports that there is another Copson in the student directory. She's checking into it.
The Chronicle has also heard from Paul Copson, nephew of Sylvia Copson, researcher of Worcester Copsons. Paul, who was born in Worcester in 1967 himself, reminds us that "that there is quite a density of Copsons in that area with a history stretching back a couple of hundred years around Worcester and the village of Kempsey just outside it." Paul is the second son of Roy Copson, born in Worcester in 1939, who was in turn the eldest son of Charles "Jack" Copson, who was born in Worcester in 1901 and lived until 1995! Paul is at copsonc@home.com.
Nick Hollingworth has a new email address: nickb2@bigpond.com.
Sean Copson ( skcopson@lineone.net ) of Leicester, England, and editor Ray Copson have been corresponding about a possible Copson reunion.
Here's a draft program:
Thursday evening, reception at the parish hall of Sean's church in Leicester; gala Copson dinner.
Friday, lecture by a professor from the University of Leicester or Warwick University on social conditions in the Midlands in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and why some Copsons might have left while others remained. Presentations by Copson researchers on their findings. Pub lunch.
Saturday. Tour of Copson historical sites -- and other sites -- around Leicester.
Sunday. Attend church at St. Laurence (Anglican) or Salem Baptist, Foleshill; tour of Copson and other sites around Coventry.
Questions for readers: Should we attempt this in 2002 or 2003? What time of year would be best? How should we amend the proposed program? Your comments awaited.
John Copson writes in June: "Very interested in the suggestion of a reunion. Would like to hear more as and when but think I would certainly like to be included." Let's have some other contributions on this subject!
HI
My name is Jack Copson. I live near Rotherham in South Yorkshire (UK). I am13 and I found this site on the internet at school
Cool!!!!!
JACK
Many years ago (was it 1976?), Ray Copson and family were visiting London and spent a pleasant afternoon walking and talking with Alan Copson and his family. Alan [ Alcopson@tesco.net ] is now a Health and Safety Consultant based in Stanford-le-Hope, England, and has just gotten in touch. Here's some news:
"Since our meeting I have often intended to do some more genealogical research into our clan but of course finding the time has been the problem. My great grandfather Copson was a china painter at the Royal Worcester Pottery and I have just come across Helen Hartley's article on the Copson Home Page about her ancestors' connection with Worcester and there well be some kind of link here. I must contact her and dig out what I know of my family tree.
I am also sending a copy of this E-mail to my father and brother who live in Norfolk. I have mentioned the existence of the Copson Genealogy Website to them in the past and have been meaning to contact you for some time when I had done some further research or had some more definitive information.
However for the moment I feel I should just raise the flag again and worry about further research later. Maybe Helen has done it already!"
My name is Karen Scott [ KARENLITTLECAPER@aol.com ]. I live in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire (UK), and I have been researching my tree for around 15 years, concentrating on my father's side, so I have now decided to give my mother's side a try! Well, to cut a long story short, my great grandmother was Leah OWEN, sister to HARRIET ELIZABETH OWEN who married FREDERICK COPSON born in Nottingham in 1864, his father was Samuel. I have been looking through the various info on your website and I have found a link, I think the person in question was Don Bird. Frederick married Harriet in New York on 9 Th. March 1892 Harriet Died on 16 Th. Mar 1942 in SCRANTON PA. I would like to hear from anyone who is related to them as I know very little about the OWEN family.
(It's been many years since the Chronicle heard from Don Bird. He was a great resource. Can anyone put us back in touch?)
John Copson [ john_copson@lineone.net ] has been moving house, but his research has continued and he's back on line. He writes:
"During my 'in limbo' existence in the temporary accommodation I had a concerted effort looking for my William Copsons in the North Warwickshire area between 1750 and 1800. Drew a complete blank as none found seem to be the one I'm after. Have taken a lot of notes and all this is waiting to be put on the computer in a form of data base which I hope will prove useful."
Helen Hartley at helen.hartley@blueyonder.co.uk has sent in some new Copson history from Worcester, England. The many names of historic Copsons she has researched may be important for Copsons in England, the United States, and elsewhere. And it's great to know about all the new Copsons as well. Can readers help Helen identify some of the missing relatives she is seeking?
Copson Family History
My great great grandfather John William Copson was born in Worcester England around 1846. (Not sure where he was born). He must have moved to Shropshire, because he married a lady (Julia, I don't know her maiden name yet) who was born in Wellington Shropshire (now Telford Shropshire) around 1864.
Their first child was born in Wellington: Mary Ann Copson 1866, followed by Annie Copson 1868, and Walter William Copson 1870. This is from the 1871 census.
On the 1881 census Julia has died because John William has been married to a Rose Hannah, born in Wellington, Shropshire, and has two children: first Harriet born in 1880 and Richard Henry Copson (my great grandfather), born in 1881. I have not been able to find the death of Julia yet.
On the 1891 census, John William Copson and Rose Hannah (I don't know her maiden name either) have more children: Ivy Copson born 1882, Thomas Copson born 1883, James Copson born 1885, Prudence Copson born 1887, and Amy Copson born 1890.
Richard Henry Copson married Sarah Maria Wood in 1900 and had 9 children. My grandfather Richard Wesley Copson was born in 1902.
Richard Wesley married Sarah Jane Guy in 1932 and had 7 children. 5th eldest was my mother Brenda Millicent Copson born 1936.
Brenda Millicent Copson married John William Reginald Jones and had 2 children Beverley Marie Jones born 1960 and Helen Jones born 1963 (Me).
Further generations:
Richard Wesley's eldest son Richard John Wesley Copson had 4 sons John Wesley Copson, Phillip Copson, Roy Copson and Christopher Copson.
John Wesley Copson
had 2 sons: Richard Neil Copson and Jason Copson.Richard Neil Copson
has 2 children 1 boy Ryan Matthew Copson born 1995 and 1 girl Sian Copson born 1999.Jason Copson has 1 boy Jack Copson born 1993.
Out of the four boys born to my grandfather only 2 sons where married and had children. Peter Copson had 3 children: 2 girls and 1 boy Graham Copson born 1968.
Sadly all my uncles and one of my aunts have died, leaving 1 aunt and my mother.
Other generations from my grandfathers brothers and sisters I don't know much about; but I do know that there are some still alive.
John Copson, researcher on William Copsons has checked in. Here is his new email address. john_copson@lineone.net
Recently, the Chronicle had an email, evidently from South Africa, from Linda Furman, seeking information about a Rotherham, England relative killed at the Somme. Unfortunately, the message was corrupted in some way and set off virus alarms. Linda -- could you send your inquiry again, and from a different computer?
Ray,
While searching the net my son came across your web site, and as a members of the Copson family we were intrigued to find a 1st cousin of mine, Michael Copson from Cheltenham, England.
His father was W.H. Copson (cricketer). My mother and his father were brother and sister. When I last saw Michael (1950), he would have been 6 or 7 years old. He did not know that I existed, so it was a lovely surprise when I contacted him.
We now keep in touch and exchange some old photos of the family, and I also put him in touch with two other cousins.
If it wasn't for your web page, we might have never met -- and he would not have known that I existed.
Thanking you.
Joan Mary Cosford
e-mail albert.cosford1@ntlworld.com
Heather DePaolo of Amesbury, Massachusetts (depaolo@amesbury.net), has located and purchased a copy of The History and Romance of Elastic Webbing from a Connecticut dealer in used books about industry. Heather is researching her ancestor William F. Copson, who is discussed at length in History and Romance. Like so many other Copsons, William F. was engaged in elastic webbing in the late 19th century. In Lowell, Massachusetts, Heather visited the Center for Lowell History, finding extensive information on William and other family members, including some she hadn't known of before. In addition, she was able to identify the various locations where William had lived and worked. Heather would love to hear from Paul Copson of Quincy, Massachusetts, and from John Copson, who is working on Williams. John and Paul -- your email addresses seem to have expired.
The Copson Home Page was thrilled to hear from Pam and Ted Copson ( copson@btinternet.com ) of Warwick, England. Pam and Ted were pioneers in applying information technology to Copson research. Pam, who at last report was working at the Warwick museum, writes:
"You met Ted on your visit to Warwick a decade or so ago. Just thought I would drop a line to say hallo and I like the website. And here's a nice little Copson story for you....
One Saturday, having been involved in a seminar at work, I went off straight after to a friend's housewarming party on the NW side of Coventry (intending to change into my gladrags when I arrived). But that part of Coventry is more confusing than I thought it would be. I drove round and round, vainly asking various pedestrians for the road, by name. No luck, until I met a couple of little girls out on their roller skates. 'I don't know, but I'll ask my Nan', said one, and skated up to the aforesaid Nan's front door. I followed. Nan gave me the answer. As we went back down the garden path, little girl looked at my namebadge from the seminar and said 'Is your name Pam Copson' - I said yes - 'So's mine, said the youngster'! How's that for a coincidence, even in Coventry?"
Carole Eales ( carole.eales@btnternet.com ) of Rotherham, South Yorkshire, continues to unearth interesting information about Copsons and Rollasons and their inter-connections. Carole is putting together a book on Rollasons, and writes that "So many folk in Foleshill were related by marriage, cousins marrying cousins, etc., that it has been quite an interesting occupation putting them all together." Some of these folk were Copsons!
Alfred (Fred) Rollason, who was in Lowell, Massachusetts, for a time and is discussed at length in The History and Romance of Elastic Webbing, had a sister, Julia, born in Coventry in 1839. Julia married Earnest Copson of Easthampton, Massachusetts, who had Foleshill roots -- giving rise to many U.S. Copsons, including the editor. Carole is looking for information on two other sisters of Alfred: Ann, born in 1835, and Charlotte, born in 1844. Did they come to the United States, like Julia, with their brother? Perhaps Copsons can throw some light on this matter.
Sean writes:
Since my last message on the Copson Coat of Arms subject I, visited the Leicestershire Records Office at Wigston and found this advert pasted onto the back of an old photograph.
"PHOTOGRAPHER
PORTRAITS J.A.COPSON
Respectfully announces to the inhabitants of Leicester and its vicinity that he will commence taking the above description of Likenesses.
15 HENSHAW STREET
These truly Life-Like Pictures are now so universally known and admired for their beauty and faithfulness of expression that praise from myself is unnecessary whilst on the other hand their cheapness places them within the reach of all classes J.A.C. after practising with, and receiving instructions from the best English and American Artists feels confident that they will give satisfaction to all who may favor him with their commands - they are particularly recommended to be obtained by friends of persons about to leave their native place. 15 HENSHAW STREET.
LIKENESSES from 1s and UPWARDS and a Satisfactory one Guaranteed MINIATURES TAKEN IN BROOCHES, LOCKETS, &C. Ladies are informed that Dark Silks and Satins are the best for Dresses or Figured Materials are also good provided they be not too light, For Gentlemen, Black, Figured, Check, Plaid, or other Fancy Vests and Neckerchiefs are preferable to white. For Children, Plaid, Striped, Red or Figured Dresses. Hair in Ringlets enhances the effect. OPEN FROM 9a.m. TO 6p.m."
I have a book "Leicester Portrait Photographers before 1900" which contains over a hundred names and JAC isn't amongst them. The author, when he published the book in 1988, wrote that the list was provisional and asked to be advised of any additional names but unfortunately he has since died. I checked several trade directories between 1851 and 1900 and found no mention of J.A.Copson nor did I find him at 15 Henshaw Street in the 1871 Census. I haven't had time to check the census for each of the years 1851, 1861, 1881 or 1891. census. I'll let you know if I manage to find out any more on JAC.
[Editor Ray Copson wonders...could JA have emigrated to the United States or elsewhere? Copsons worldwide, please inform. Sean notes that JA spells "favour" as "favor," in the American way, and JA also states that he has received instruction from American artists. Could this mean that he had already been to the United States?]
Coat of Arms. While at Wigston, I took the opportunity to see what information they had on Coats of Arms. After consulting "A General Armory of England, Scotland and Ireland" by John Burke Esq., author of the Peerage and Baronatage, History of the commoners etc., and John Bernard Burke Esq., of the Middle Temple, Barrister at Law, I have come to the conclusion that my previous message is in error concerning the position of the 'stump of the tree' et al in relation to the escutcheon. In this book the description, which includes the abbreviation 'ppr' meaning proper, reads as follows:
"COPSON. Or, chief two keys, wards downward, and in base a double locked
padlock az.
Crest: The stump of a tree couped at both ends lying fesseways ppr. shooting forth a branch spreading to the dexter and sinister vert. ensigned with a fleur de lys or.
Here it is described as a crest as indeed it is in Fairbairns 'Book of Crests etc.' and that the stump is lying 'fesseways' that is horizontally. Sorry about the error but I'm learning too! I'm also sorry that I omitted to congratulate Leslie on his splendid drawing."
You wanted to know more about the GRO (General Register Office) index. All records of births, marriages and deaths registered in England and Wales since 1st July 1837 are kept by the GRO. You cannot at the moment see the actual registers but you do have access to the indexes of the events. When you find the right entry in the index, you can then purchase an actual certificate to get further information. More information can be got from: www.ons.gov.uk/regist.htm For information on Blaby Parish I suggest you visit www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/LEI/Blaby.html#ChurchRecords
Attention researchers in Leicester and Coventry: Susan Catalano of Greenwich, Connecticut (SCATAL134@aol.com) -- descendant of Mary Ann Copson -- is looking for information on the Ashley family. Mary Ann married Albert Ashley, who had worked in Leicester and Coventry before coming to the United States. Here's more information from Susan:
"My great grandfather Albert Ashley lived in Leicester and Coventry. His first 4 children were born in Leicester and the 3 youngest, including my grandfather, were born in Coventry. I don't know exactly where he would have
worked, though. Probably close by. Albert's father's name was Enoch and his eldest son was Enoch. According to the 1900 Bridgeport census, Albert immigrated in 1890 and the rest of the family came in 1892, including a niece
Theresa and later in 1898, a nephew William. I have not been able to figure out which of Albert's brothers is their father."
Copson genealogists should be able to throw some light on this problem!