(Last updated December 27, 2004)
< Ray@Copson.org >
Be sure to visit the website of Copson Descendent Clare Brookes at
If you're in England, call Clare immediately to reserve a Beetle limousine for your upcoming wedding, graduation, party, or other event. If you're anywhere else, scroll down to Hall of Fame -- Recent Photos for a happy look at contemporary life in our old countrie.
Valerie-Anne and Stuart Halkett would like to hear from you at halkettstu@aol.com. James (1908 approx.-1962) was Valerie-Anne's father and served with the Desert Rats during World War II before settling in Plymouth, England. He married Esther Woolridge and they had many children, including Rose, Betty, Joyce, Christine, Anne, Shirley, and William. Valerie-Anne and Stu have some old family photographs they would be happy to share.
Paul Copson, son of Paul Copson of Quincy, Massachusetts, is wearing his Copson pride on his sleeve, sort of. Will this become a trend among the clan?
Ray Copson of New Zealand is continuing his in-depth genealogical researches. Recently, he has been working on the children of William Copson, christened at Mancetter, Warwickshire in 1805, and married to Ann Holmes in 1827 at . Wulfram's church in Grantham, Lincolnshire. William was the son of another William and Lucy Ensor, married in Mancetter in 1800. The children of William and Ann included Joseph Holmes, John, Lucy, William, Mary Ann, Emma Jemima, and Lucretia. Lucretia married Robert Kettle in 1859, giving rise to a whole race of Kettles. Ray can give you all the details -- contact him at ray.copson@clear.net.nz (and be sure to include the nz). Ray would like to re-establish contact with Peter Freeman on the subject of Ambrose Tarry Copson.
And Ray remains willing and able to help you with your own Copson researches. He has a great wealth of information at his command. Check the Copson family album for recent photo of Ray, son Mark, and Gena on the happy occasion of Mark's graduation.
Ian and Pat Townsend visited Washington in late September 2004 to check in with the Chronicle and visit their son Jeff, who was on an internship at the Congressional Research Service. Ian and Jeff are descendants of Conetty Rose Copson -- more on Ian and Conetty can be found below. With editor Ray Copson, Ian, Pat, and Jeff visited the Reston (Virginia) Farmers' Market; chatted with Ray's wife, Donna, who was staffing a John Kerry for President table; and attended a Fall festival at the Washington National Cathedral, where Pat took this photo. From the left -- Ray, Ian, and Jeff.
Visit www.lesliefoster.com to view a wonderful collection of tropical paintings by one of the Copson artists often featured in the Chronicle.
Jim Copson (jim_l_copson@huntsman.com ) has sent in the sad news of the death of his aunt, Muriel, one of the first Chronicle correspondents. Muriel, aged 97, passed away on September 25 at Lima Estates, Middletown Township, Pennsylvania. Born in Coventry, England, Muriel emigrated to the United States with her parents, the late Ernest and Hattie Copson, in 1910, and settled in Marcus Hook. She worked as an executive secretary for 46 years before retiring in 1971. She sang in the choir at Ascension Church in Claymont, Delaware. According to her death notice, "Miss Copson was a kind, generous, and loving person to family and friends. She studied piano and organ, becoming accomplished in both. Her main interest was classical and religious music, and she was well known as a church organist, pianist, and soloist singing at church weddings and for friends. She also enjoyed concerts in Philadelphia. In her younger years, she traveled extensively, taking several trips to the British Isles, especially to England and Wales, having numerous relatives in both countries. She was an avid reader."
Muriel is survived by a brother, Ernest Copson of Arden, Delaware; a sister, Margaret White of Aston, Pennsylvania; a sister-in-law, Nellie Copson, who cared for her; six nephews, and cousins in England. Her brother David died in 2002.
Mark Copson of Cape Town: www.newbalance.co.za/FitSite/NBSA-AboutUs-Team1.htm
The Tom Copson Band. "An outstanding young Cambridge singer songwriter of emotively melodic pop rock." www.thebandagency.com/uksites/cambridgeshire/TomCopson.htm
Paul Copson, whose father Cedric (Sid) lives in Hollyhall, West Midlands, grew up by the sea in Dungeness, Kent, England. At 18, he became a lighthouse keeper, though whether at Dungeness Light he doesn't say. Today, Paul splits his time between India and Nantuckett, Massachusetts, where he has an art gallery. He also advises the Elton John AIDS Foundation on fundraising proposals involving art exhibitions. Paul, who has sons Thomas (12) and Henry (10), is at sealight21@hotmail.com.
Ray Copson of New Zealand tore a leg muscle in a January fall, earning a free ride to the hospital in the rescue helicopter. While recovering, kept up his researches, answering a series of inquiries from Copsons around the world -- despite a computer crash that temporarily cost him his archives. As of July 13, 2004, Ray reports that he has taken his longest walk to date, and he has been seen by librarian Prinia Riordan bent over his work at the Family History Centre.
Ray has been working with Ian Townsend (see below), who is descended from Thomas, the chimney sweep of Warwick (b. 1843). He has also been helping John Copson and Elaine Colbourne (colbourne@tinyworld.co.uk), both descended from James Copson, a hatter in Grantham, Lincolnshire. (A Google search suggests that Margaret Thatcher was born in Grantham. Could she be a relative?) Elaine's ancestor Lucretia Copson (see below), was the daughter of William Copson of Grantham, son of James. Elaine believes that William was a hatter too, but to date, Ray's researches indicate his occupation as clerk.
Ray has also been looking into the ancestry of Peter Freeman, who is descended from Ambrose Tarry Copson and Elizabeth (or Esther) Woolmer, married at Cosby, Leicestershire, on October 28, 1816. Ray is in this line of Copsons and anticipates an early result.
(updated July 2004)
Ian Townsend, formerly of Warwick, UK, and now living in North Buckinghamshire, has sent in a fascinating genealogy including many Copson names of interest to readers, including Thomas Copson the chimney sweep and Conetty Rose Copson. Ian sent this family tree in PDF, and so far the Chronicle staff is stymied in efforts to post it at this website. If you would like a copy, or can offer advice, please contact the Chronicle. Ian is in contact with Keith Clarke, Edward Copson, George Cassell, and others who are helping him make connections.
Ian, meanwhile, continues to travel the world in connection with his work. His daughter was married at a grand family event in July 2004, and his son, Jeff, is going to the United States for an internship in international relations with editor Ray Copson North. Jeff has recently completed an MA in international security studies at the University of Birmingham, and has a keen interest in Africa, where he spent much of his childhood.
Thanks to Sue Shenton (keatss@tiscali.co.uk) for this informative message.
"I came across your site because I'm researching a friend's family. He knows his grandmother was a Copson from Spratton in Northamptonshire, is pretty sure her name was Lily and we know she married Fred Reader, possibly in Leicester, around the beginning of the 20th. century. I've found a Lily Copson, daughter of Joseph (Shoemaker) and Mary Ann Copson, born 1878 at Spratton (1881 Census). From there I found a marriage for Joseph Copson and Mary Ann Richardson in 1876 registered at Brixworth, the right Registration District for Spratton, so I think I am on the right track. I wonder if any of you have ancestors in this area? There are lots of Copsons in Northamptonshire and anyone with shoe workers in their family might find it worthwhile.
Two separate points now.
Firstly, with reference to Margaret Copson Baker's article in 2001 "Finding J.W., A Local Hero", I think the place is Cosby, not Crosby which is in Merseyside. Cosby, Leicestershire, has a stream running through the village which floods in winter. It was forded across the main street, and I can imagine that children loved to play there; there are wild ducks which have made it their home and heavy traffic often comes to a halt to allow them to waddle across the road!
My second point concerns the Copson crest. I have not found a Copson entitled to bear arms, but there was an Anne Copson, born pre.1783, who married Henry Hickman, 8th. Earl of Plymouth; Also an Anne Copson, widow of (Thomas?) (C) Astle, daughter and co-heir of Thomas Copson of Sutton Cheyney, Leicestershire, who married Robert Peake of Burrough-on-the-Hill, Leicestershire in 1781. The 2nd. Viscount Ingleby of Snilesworth, Yorks. traces his descent through him. (Burkes Peerage)
With regard to the meaning of the symbols, many are puns on the name, place, etc., and I would suggest that the sprig or branch might be a play on Copson - "copse"- a small wood or stand of trees. The keys and lock could refer to the reason or position of the person granted arms. If genuine these arms will be known by Burkes Peerage. Hope this helps."
Ray Copson of New Zealand has worked out a genealogy for a whole line of Copsons. His findings include the names of many of the Copsons who have been discussed in these pages, clarifying the links among them. Indeed, Ray has found that the editor's great grandfather Thomas (b. 1847, Exhall/Foleshill) had a sister Hannah -- and we know from Ellen Wibberley that Hannah preceded Thomas in migrating to New England in the United States. Many thanks, Ray and Ellen.
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Hello Folks. For ease of working on this project I printed it out to 15 pages and list my observations in the order of the pages in the hope of avoiding a confusion of Copsons
My page1 Death Thomas 1882 Dec Quarter Foleshill 6B page296 age as 75yrs
Death Ann 7th Nov 1878 " " Unreadable 70 Registered on 9th
My page 3 Hannah Born before Registration " 1831
Married William Clay 28 Dec 1852 Foleshill page 523
My page 4 Eliza Born before registration " 1834
Married James Furnival " 12 March 1860 page 556
Died 1874 age 40 " unable to read page
David Born 1837Sept Quarter " page 270
Married Hannah Orton 8Sept 1861 " page 434
My page 5 Children of David / Hannah
Menotti Charles Frederick Born Stoke on Trent Staffordshire but registered
at Foleshill Warwickshire 1862 Dec page 375
he Married Mary A (unknown) " 1881 Dec 692
See end notes re children
Selina H is probably the listing I have Deciphered as Sophia Annie 1867 March 431
but the Census 1871 giving Selina Annie is correct as I have a Marriage
for 1903June at Coventry 6D page1051 in that name
William Henry born 1871March Quarter page 145 could have married also at Coventry
1899June Page 1027 OR 1890 Sept Foleshill 706
My page 6 Rose Hannah born 1873 June Quarter Foleshill page 451 either married as Hannah
1893June Foleshill 701 OR as Rose Hannah 1908 June at Stockport Cheshire8Apage5
Lavina Ellen born 1875Sept Foleshill 473 married 1907 March Coventry 6D page783
Emily Gertrude born 1897 June Quarter Foleshill page 512 as me baffled no further
trace under either Emily or Gertrude neither Marriage or Death
Ernest David born 1879Dec Quarter Foleshill page 491 I have only one of that ilk
and he Married in the Sept quarter of 1905 page 813 Pontypridd (Wales)
My page 8 Children of William Henry Copson / Sarah Harding
Joseph birth 1864 June Quarter Foleshill page 403 no further trace marriage or death
Oliver and Sarah likewise
Hannah born 1873 Dec 454 however Married Josiah Buckingham (son of George)
at St Paul's on the 22nd February 1896 page 510
Charlotte was registered in 1880 March Quarter Foleshill 504 as Clara Charlotte
and under that name married at Coventry 1902 June Quarter page 857
My page 9 Notes for John Coolidge should I think read " working as a Colliery Banksman "
On to page 12 and the last for my comments
I do not have the birth of Raymond (son of Menotti Charles Fredrick) among my birth records and must look for alternate spelling of Copson. Interesting enough I have a possible connection
1903Dec Coventry #44 by name Hazel May . Now I also have a Marriage of a Raymond James Copson in
1902 Dec Coventry #1101 and the birth of a Reginald Menotti Copson 1904 Dec Coventry 568
Last but not least I do Hope these small details fill a few spaces and am always glad to receive
as well as send so best wishes to all researchers of Copsons and associates
mailto:ray.copson@clear.net.nz
Meanwhile, Ray in New Zealand believes he may have found Copsons on the North Island who are related to the Copsons living around Scranton, Pennsylvania in the USA. Wouldn't this be an exciting connection to make? Many years ago, Don Bird wrote the Chronicle with definitive information on this Copson clan. Do any of our readers know Don's whereabouts? And can someone from the Scranton Copsons get in touch with Ray? Please keep the Chronicle informed of developments.
Elaine Colbourne writes:
"My name is Elaine Colbourne, and l am interested in finding out more information about the Copson family, as one of them was my ggggrandmother. Her name was Lucretia Copson, of Grantham, on the Lincolnshire/Rutland/Leicestershire border in the East Midlands area of England.
She married a Robert Kettle in the Parish Church of Grantham on the 20th February 1859. and on the marriage certificate, her father William Copson, whose occupation was "Hatter".
Can you help ? grateful for any info."
Elaine can be reached at elainecolb@yahoo.co.uk. Please keep the Chronicle informed of any discoveries.
Joseph Patrick Copson (Joe) has sent in this great photo of his grandfather, James Copson, or "Jimmy Mack," as this boxer from Kensington in North Philadelphia was known. Jimmy Mack was one of three brothers who took up boxing to make a living during the Great Depression. For more on the Boxing Copsons, see the January 1986 edition of the Chronicle.
Joe's father, Joseph Hayes Copson -- son of Jimmy Mack -- died in July 2003. Joseph Patrick writes that "My grandmother, Freda Copson, is still alive and is 90 years old. She took great care of my grandpop James and my father Joseph. Jimmy Mack went blind from boxing at the age of 31, and my grandmom had to find a way to support the family. My grandparents started a wallet company, and my grandpop would sew the wallets and box them up. Freda would gather the neighborhood kids and they would peddle the wallets door to door throughout Kensington and the surrounding areas. My father Joseph and his brother James would also help in selling the wallets. My grandpop was very well known throughout Philadelphia and people would support him in purchasing his handmade wallets."
Joseph Patrick (turbo3joe@aol.com) has a son, Blake and a Daughter, Taylor Marie, and now lives in Bristol, Pennsylvania. His story is another testimony to the hardships so many Copsons faced, and to how tough they were in meeting the challenge.
Copson Chronicle Editor Ray Copson is descended from Thomas Copson and Ann Weberly, married at St. Lawrence Church, Foleshill (in Coventry, England), in 1829 (see the 1985 Chronicle volumes). Thus, he was very pleased to receive a message from Ellen Wiberley, who lives in Doylestown Township, just north of Philadelphia. Ellen (erwiberley@aol.com) is descended from Thomas Wibberley and Isabella Oldhams. It appears that Isabella was widowed and later re-married, to add to the confusion, Richard Copson at St. Lawrence in 1820.
Thomas Wiberley, son of Thomas and Isabella, came to America with his wife Ann Hartlett on November 19, 1842 on the ship Adirondac. They had six sons and a daughter, and Ellen's branch is the only one still carrying the Wiberley name. Through an uncle, Ellen is in touch with Wiberleys living in the Foleshill area today.
David (Bwpickwick@aol.com )writes from England:
"Hello Ray
I'm David Copson (16.11.1963) from Kenilworth near Coventry in the West Midlands. I now live in Edenbridge in Kent and have two sons named Edward Copson 21.08.94 and George 06.06.97. George is named after his grandad who lived in Wathen Road Warwick and my father is Ron who lives in Rouncil Lane Kenilworth.
I am most intrigued to find this site and will visit it again shortly to catch up."