(Last updated December 28, 2003)
< Ray@Copson.org >
Sad news of the death of Ron Brookes has reached the Chronicle. Ron, 69, died at his home in Coventry on December 10, 2003. Ron took great pleasure in his genealogiocal researches, and he was helped and supported in this work by his wife, Jane Grimmett Brookes. Ron was an authority on Copsons and Coventry history, and he helped several Chronicle readers with their own researches. Like the Chronicle editor, Ron was a descendant of Thomas Copson and Ann Wiberly of Foleshill. Their son and Ron's great-grandfather, William Henry Copson, came to the United States with his brother, also Thomas, but William Henry returned to England. For more detail on Ron's family history, see "Letter from Coventry" in the October 1986 edition of the Chronicle. Ron's funeral was held at St. Thomas' Church on December 19, and he was buried in St. Paul's Cemetary. Press clippings are on their way from Coventry, and the Chronicle hopes to publish more information in celebration of Ron's life in a future edition.
Here's a great new photo of Ray and Gena Copson of New Zealand setting out for a walk on the South Island. Ray continues to do great work in helping Copsons worldwide find their roots. However, he asks that those making queries bear in mind that he often has to do a great deal of photocopying, purchase birth and death certificates, and incur other expenses. Please offer to cover these costs if you can -- it will cost far less than employing a professional genealogist. When Ray makes a discovery for you, please acknowledge it to him and write a little note to the Chronicle. Ray is at Ray.Copson@clear.net.nz
The Chronicle received an email from Chris Copson of Shropshire looking for roots information, and Ray of New Zealand made some initial progress in Shropshire Copson research. However, Chris' email has gone dead. Please check in, Chris, and send us some background on Shropshire itself.
News from Michael Copson (mscopson@ev1.net). Like Dave Copson (click above on New Copson Articles for 2002), Michael has been a force in European music. Just as Michael does, the Chronicle would like to know more about the Pennsylvania Copsons, and it would be great if Michael could tell Chronicle readers more about his conversation with Bruce Copson of Belfast, Maine.
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Hello Ray,
My name is Michael Salvatore Copson, lived in Italy for 27 years, now living in Texas stationed at Lackland Air Force Base. You may remember my father Richard Darrell Copson, retired Navy. He was a subscriber to your hard copy of the Copson Chronicle. I've had a chance to read the Chronicles and really developed a strong interest to find out more about the Copson's. Remembering such personalities such as Bruce Copson from Belfast Maine, the one who started boxing there I believe, (I had a chance to talk to him in the early 90's), interesting because my father was also a boxer...There are not many Copson's out there and in one way or another I'm sure that we are all related, this is my curiosity, who are we and where do we come from. Ray, my grandparents (father's side, my mother is from Sorrento, Italy, Carmelina Guida)were Donald Francis Copson and Margaret Rebecca Copson from New Castle, PA (my brother and sister have the same names). Most of my life in Italy was spent as a military dependent, I had many different jobs and my devotion was music, I have recorded several songs that were hits in Europe in the 80's and was on same TV shows with bands such as Simply Red. Ray I will send you more detailed information at a later date, maybe a biography
of myself so you can pick and choose as you wish to post on your marvelous webpage, and by the way, compliments! It is a product of true devotion and passion to the Copson name, I hope to hear from you soon, take care and say
hello to all the Copsons! I will check back soon,
Ciao
Mike
Bernard and Fay Robins of Trans la Foret, France, would like to get in touch with Paul Geoffrey Copson, the London school teacher who contacted the Chronicle in 2000. (See http://www.copson.org/news00.htm.)
They are looking for a photo of Paul's uncle, Geoffrey Copson, for the roll of honor of the 7th Batallion Parachute Regiment. Readers will remember that Geoffrey was killed at Normandy during the D-Day invasion. Bernard and Fay can be contacted at robins.at.trans@wanadoo.fr. Meanwhile, the Chronicle would like to hear more from Paul or other readers about Geoffrey. Readers may view a photo of Geoffrey's grave at Ranville, France, by visiting www.genuki.org.uk/big/paras/ . "They shall not grow old...," Laurence Binyon.
This just in from Kay, who seems to be in South Kent, U.K.
"May I introduce myself?? My Name is Kay Marie Collins, nee Copson. I have got the information about your web-site from my daughter-in-law, and really wanted to get in touch with you. I am the youngest daughter of William Ronald Copson and Margaret Gaffney, born 28th May 1948. My grandparents were Arthur Harold Copson and Kate Florence Widdison. My Father was born in 1912, and was one of 5 children.
Dad died in 1981 and my memories of what I was told as a child is very dim. I have an elder sister, Anniss Margaret, and a cousin Alexandra who was the daughter of Gordon Harry, known as Tony. Any information that you can provide would be more than welcome!! ...and if we are related.....GREAT!!!
I could go on with all sorts of silly snippets of vague memory, but I won't....at the moment. I hope to hear from you very soon.
With kindest regards
Kay"
Later, upon perusing a 1986 edition of the Chronicle, Kay found mention of cousins Michael and Terry. The Chronicle has endeavored to put Michael and Kay in touch and is anxiously awaiting news.
Many Copsons and Copson relatives have been checking in. Here are some of their messages --
From Veronica (Ronnie Copson)
"You don't know me from Adam but I'm another Copson by marriage. You are in touch with my Brother in Law John Copson and his wife Pat. I'm the wife of Paul, John's younger brother. Just thought I'd get in touch and let you know we exist. We are in Crosby, Liverpool and have kept an eye on the Copson site since John told us about it a while back. Hope to hear from you sometime."
Later, Ronnie wrote that she spends more time than she would like gardening in Liverpool, though as a redhead the lack of sun is probably a good thing. Ronnie has discovered another UK Paul Copson, a former lighthouse keeper and now an art dealer. The Chronicle, which knows of still a third Paul Copson in Boston, USA, will endeavor to contact this new Paul. Ronnie is at roncopson@yahoo.co.uk
Ian Townsend of Warwick, UK has also been writing the Chronicle. He is descended from Thomas Copson, the 19th century chimney sweep, and has been discovering all sorts of Copson ties thanks to Keith Copson, also of Warwick. Like editor Ray Copson, Ian has a number of ties with Africa. Here are some more details from Ian, who is at ian_g_townsend@hotmail.com
"Thomas Copson, Chimney Sweep, born 1843 was my great-grandfather. The information I have indicates my great-grandmother's name was Emma, but I do not know her maiden name. Their daughter Conetty Rose (born 1886) married my grandfather Mark Townsend. I understand Mark lived initially at the Copson home at 5 Friars Street and became a chimney sweep. He later moved just down the hill to 42 Crompton Street. My father, Frederick Arthur Townsend (born 1910) continued the trade until well into his 60s. He moved to Stratford Road after marrying, and lived in Warwick until his death in 1987. I left Warwick in 1972, lived in Africa for 10 years, and now live in North Buckinghamshire. If you can help me with any further information on the Copson family I should be very grateful."
Copsons are all too used to being called Thompson. Now we are being bowdlerized as Thomas! This just in from Marjorie Copson of Reston, Virginia.
"In the British version of this British book, Going Gently, by David Nobbs, the lead character is named Kate Copson. In the American version her name is Kate Thomas. I find it unacceptable that American publishers find "Thomas" more acceptable than "Copson" and I plan to protest at Random House. All interested parties are welcome to join.
British version:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0099414651/ref=sr_aps_books_1_1/026-4427476-6582063
American version:
Comments welcome to Ray@copson.org
Who is Nellie E. Copson, who designed this cover for the January-February, 1966 edition of Leathercraft Magazine? It seems we had a strain of American artists of the Old West. If anyone reading this can offer enlightenment, it would be most appreciated. A copy of the magazine was recently on sale at Ebay.
John and Pat Copson, formerly of Cambridge, England, and now retired in Shrewsbury (or Shrowsbury, some say), visited Washington, D.C. in late May 2003. They were on an extended bus tour that began in Dallas and took them to San Antonio, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge, before coming on to Williamsburg, Virginia and Washington. In Washington, they were met by editor Ray Copson and his wife, Donna, who took them on a brief tour of the National Cathedral and its garden and then to dinner. Over the next two days, John and Pat toured Washington's museums and Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home, before returning to England.
Over dinner, the ladies professed to see no family resemblance between John and Ray, but since John was born in Foleshill and had various Williams in his background, a relationship seems very possible. John is trying to straighten out the Williams back in the early 19th century to determine just how his ancestry lies, but is finding the church records none too clear. Ray South is giving him all the help he can.
John told the story of his childhood in Coventry during the war. He and his family were spending nights outside the town, which was fortunate because one night, a bomb blew out the back off their house. Many family records and photos were destroyed in the explosion, and this has complicated John's search for his roots.
Editor Ray Copson in his favorite role
Ringers Pam and Ted Copson -- but which ones are they? Second row, right, I believe. This photo was taken at the Church of All Saints, Sherbourne, Warwickshire, England.
Derek Copson writes from England,
Dear Ray and fellow Copsons worldwide
I regret that ideas for a get-together this year will have to be put to one side, at least for the time being. A bout of illness plus pressure of work have meant that I have not been able to do any prelininary work on the
project. In addition I have only received three expressions of interest. These things take months to organise, especially if they are not to go down the financial pan, so perhaps we will try again in 2004, unless someone else
would like to take it over.
Regards to all
Derek Copson
derekcopson@aol.com
The Chronicle thanks Derek for his efforts. It would help if the world situation would settle down as well. The reunion will occur one day, even if we can only bring together a small band of Copson stalwarts!
Visit the Sarasota County Arts Council to learn about the paintings of Leslie Copson Foster. Her tropical paintings could brighten many a northern Copson home. Click on Artists Registry and search on Foster.
Many thanks to Richard Grimmett, a Marylander of Warwickshire origins, for calling the attention of the Chronicle to the Family Records website created by the British government: http://www.familyrecords.gov.uk/
The Chronicle looks forward to hearing reports from readers who explore their roots there.
Dick quickly found his way to the 1901 British census, and discovered a Raymond Copson, age 19, living in Foleshill in the civil parish of Coventry. This early Raymond worked at the Turner Motor Factory. Naturally, Chronicle editor Raymond Copson would love to learn more of this early Raymond, and about the Turner Motor Factory.
Update. Added in the November 11 update. Ray South has found that a Raymond of Foleshill died in 1924. Moreover, there have been a number of other Raymonds in the area: Raymond of Coventry, died 1917 at age 2; Raymond of Coventry born June 1927 to Albert and Florence M; Raymond of West Bromwich, born March 1929 to John and Nellie; Raymond of Daventry (Northamptonshire?), born in 1932 to Ambrose J. and Sarah J.; and Raymond of Leicester, born December 1948 to George R. and Averill R. Then of course, there is Ray himself, born in Wigston Magna, Leicestershire, January 27, 1929. Ray is at Ray.Copson@clear.net.nz . To think, editor Ray Copson of Virginia and his father, Raymond Leslie, used to think they were unique!
Here's a message from Dean Evans, a Copson friend living in Cornwall, UK.
"When I was a lad, living at 8 Mason Road, Little Heath, Foleshill, my best friend was a lad named Reggie Copson. I think that he moved away before I was 11 and I have no more knowledge of him. This would have been in the early 1950s"
Who can put Dean in touch with Reggie? Please keep the Chronicle informed.
Dean is at Dean_evans@lineone.net
Sue Elias has been making great progress in her researches on Copsons in Worcestershire, UK. Here's what she writes.
"At long last I have managed to make some progress on the leads you gave me in November. I now have a copy of my grandmother Rose's birth certificate (in fact, she was christened Rosannah) which shows that she was born on 5th
August,1875, to John and Susannah Copson (nee GOULD), in the parish of Astley, Worcestershire. The birth was registered by her mother, who signed with a mark.
"As you guessed, John and Susannah were both widowed when they married each other (I have also obtained their marriage certificate). The copy of the certificate is of very poor quality, and I cannot make out the exact date of
the marriage, nor the place of residence for them both at the time of the marriage. The details which are clear are as follows.
"The marriage took place in 1875, at St Peter's Church, Worcester. John is noted as a widower. His occupation is shown as labourer. He was aged 43. His father is shown as John Copson, also a labourer. Susannah is shown as
Susannah BUNCE, widow, aged 41, and her father is entered as William GOULD, deceased, also a labourer. Witnesses to the marriage were Joseph and Mary Hubbard. John signed the register with a mark.
"I have also obtained copies of various census and IGI entries which give more details of these Copsons. All the details I now have so far are in the attached Word file, in case you are interested. (The Chronicle will forward this file, upon request.) You will see that I now have plenty to go on. I will keep you informed as and when I make further
progress. Should you (or anyone visiting the Copson website) want copies of the various certificates, etc. I have, I will be pleased to send copies through the ordinary mail.
Thanks so much for your help.
Very best wishes,
Sue Elias in Birmingham, England."
Inveterate websurfer Marjorie Copson has made some interesting discoveries at ebay.
Drawings by Amy Copson can be seen at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20144&item=932467733
for as long as ebay keeps them posted.
Earlier, Marjorie found some fascinating World War II political cartoons by Arthur Copson of California. Could this be Arthur Paul Copson who died in 1951 and is buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma, San Diego, California?
These Copsons are new to the Chronicle, and the editor would love to have more information on them. Your emails are awaited.
