Cooper Family of London, England
My Cooper's have been traced to London in the mid 19th Century. Unfortunately, I have found it very difficult to find information on my 3xgreat grandfather, Anthony - who chose not to be in the family home on the evening of the 1851 census, when his wife was very pregnant with their third child. So I am still in search of Anthony, son of James. It would also appear that he passed away prior to 1881 so, I live in hope of finding him and Fanny on either the 1861 or 1871 Census, where I may just discover his birthplace.
My direct line of descent is indicated in bold typeface.
First Generation
1. Anthony COOPER
. Son of James COOPER. Born Before 1821 3. Occupation Carpenter 3 /Gentleman's Coachman 13.Unfortunately, as Anthony has not yet been identified on any Census records, his birthplace has yet to be determined.
An extensive search of the IGI revealed only one Anthony Cooper baptism with a father named James, namely that which occurred on 6 January, 1818, at Kildwick, Yorkshire. If this is Anthony's baptism - he is the eldest of two children born to James Cooper and Sarah Shuttleworth at Kildwick. Further research is required to eliminate or claim this Anthony!
He married
Fanny YEELES, daughter of Thomas YEELES & Hannah JESTICO, 16 Oct 1842 in St. John's, Southwark, London, ENGLAND 22. Christen 12 Mar 1820 in St. Mary Magdalene Bermondsey, London, ENGLAND 6.Anthony and Fanny were married in the Parish Church of St. John, Southwark in London. Both were of full age, meaning they were over 21 years. He gave his profession as a carpenter, his father, James Cooper was a cordwainer, and her father, Thomas Yeeleas, an engineer. Fanny signed the register, while Anthony signed with his mark. Witnesses to their marriage were John and Sarah HURLEY (?).
They had at least the following children:
2 i. Elizabeth Catherine COOPER
3 ii. James Anthony COOPER
4 iii. Sarah Ann COOPER
5 iv. William Thomas COOPER
Although his wife Fanny was located on the 1851 Census, Anthony was not in the family home, and to date, has not been located. Fanny was living at 9 Haples Rents, Rotherhithe, London (LDS Reel 0174819), she was described as the head of the household, aged 31 years and born in Bermondsey. Also residing with her were her children: Catherine COOPER, daughter, 7 yrs, born Bermondsey and James COOPER, son, 2 yrs, born Newington.
It would seem most likely that both Anthony and Fanny were deceased at the time of the 1881 Census Index. They cannot be found on the National Index. Although an entry for a 62-year-old Fanny Cooper who was born in Bermondsey was found, her husband's name was Edward Cooper and he was described as a Supert of Shipping
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Second Generation
2. Elizabeth Catherine COOPER
. Daughter of Anthony COOPER & Fanny YEELEAS. Christen 11 Feb 1844 in St. John, Horselydowns, Bermondsey, London, ENGLAND 7. Known As Catherine 17.Listed on the 1851 Census at 9 Haples Rents, Rotherhithe with mother and brother as Catherine aged 7 years.
17A Catherine Clements was a witness at Sarah Cooper's marriage and it was thought possible that she might have been Sarah's married sister. Unfortunately, a search of the 1881 Census did not substantiate this, as a suitable entry could not be found. 38
3. James Anthony COOPER. Son of Anthony COOPER & Fanny YEELEAS. Christen 22 Apr 1849 in St. Mary, Rotherhithe, London, ENGLAND
7.James is listed on the 1851 Census at 9 Haples Rents, Rotherhithe with his mother and sister, he was aged 2 years.
17There are 20 James Cooper's listed on the 1881 Census aged between 29-35 who were born in London. Of these there is only one James A. Cooper who was aged 30 who gave his birthplace as Bermondsey and occupation as Cab Driver. This was a similar occupation of his father, and it would not be unreasonable for his eldest son to follow in the same career path. James was residing at 55 Kings Cross Rd, St. Pancreas with his wife, Mary A. aged 26. 38
4. Sarah Ann COOPER. Daughter of Anthony COOPER & Fanny YEELEAS. Born 18 Apr 1851 in Rotherhithe, London, ENGLAND
1. Christen 25 May 1851 in St. Marys, Rotherhithe, London, ENGLAND 6. Died 24 Jan 1933. Buried in St. Lawrence Churchyard, Morden, ENGLAND 27, 4. Religion Church Of England.Sarah was born at 84 Paradise St, Rotherhithe. She is the third of four known children to Anthony and Fanny Cooper. Her father's occupation at the time was noted as Cab Proprietor. Her mother, Fanny, was the informant and signed with her mark.
1Sarah was born three weeks after the Census of 1851 which was taken on 31 March, her mother, Fanny, her sister, Catherine and brother, James were noted.
17She married
Richard Thomas RAKE, son of George RAKE & Esther SHEARSTONE, 16 Oct 1868 in Rotherhithe, London, ENGLAND 3. Born 9 Oct 1850 in Kingston, Yeovil, Somerset, ENGLAND 1. Christen 1 Nov 1850 in Yeovil, Somerset, ENGLAND 5. Died 1889 in London, ENGLAND 22. Occupation Engineer 3. Known As Thomas.Sarah and Thomas were married at the Register Office, at the time, Thomas was described as an Engineer. Thomas's father, George was a Leather Oluser, and Sarah's father, Anthony a Gentlemen's Coachman. Both gave their residence as 10 Slippers Place, Rotherhithe. Both Thomas and Sarah signed the register. There were three witnesses to their marriage, inlcuding Sarah's father, Anthony, who signed with his mark. The other witnesses were William Dogget and Catherine Clement. It is possible that Catherine is Sarah's married sister. Whilst she was baptised Elizabeth Catherine, it is noted that she was recorded on the 1851 Census as Catherine.
3They had the following children:
6 i. Esther RAKE
7 ii. Thomas RAKE
8 iii. George Anthony RAKE
9 iv. Rose RAKE
10 v. William RAKE
11 vi. Albert RAKE
12 vii. Edward J. RAKE
13 viii. Arthur Samuel RAKE
Sarah and Thomas have been identified on the 1881 Census Index. At the time, they were residing at 48 Freeschool St, Horsleydown in the district of Southwark, St. John. Thomas and his wife, Sarah Ann were both aged 30. Thomas' occupation was given as Engineer and Brass Finisher, his birthplace Somerset. His parents, George and Esther were also identified on the Census, their birthplace given as Yeovil, Somerset. All seven of Thomas and Sarah's children at this time were born in Horsleydown, as was Sarah.
38Thomas' name on his son's marriage certificate was given as James Thomas RAKE; it was also noted that he was deceased at the time.
13His death has since been identified on the St. Catherine's House Indexes in 1889 at St. Olave (London) although the certificate has not yet been purchased.
22Sarah's death in 1933 has been noted from a memorial card in the possession of their granddaughter, June Anderson.
275. William Thomas COOPER
. Son of Anthony COOPER & Fanny YEELEAS. Christen 15 May 1853 in St. Mary, Rotherhithe, London, ENGLAND 7.There are some 43 William Coopers' listed on the 1881 Census and impossible to identify William. 38
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