James Cooper

He was born in Tower Hamlets, London  c.1803.  Note:  a number of his children’s marriage certificates record his name as James Ashley Cooper.

He married Emily Jones (born in Gosport, Hants.) on 28 May 1820 at Southwark Christ Church in Blackfriars.  He was a Tailor by trade. Whilst living in London before moving to Newbury they had three children:

-        Helen Matilda born on 21/8/1822 and baptised on 9/10/1822 at Saint George in the East, Tower Hamlets: residence Dean Street, Soho.

-        Emily Maria born on 1/1/1826 and baptised on 30/1/1827 at St. Leonard’s, Shoreditch: family now living in Thomas Street, Southwark.

-        James Robert born on 15 December 1829 and  baptised 25/1/1830 at St. Leonard’s, Shoreditch:  same residence.

Soon after the family moved to Newbury and before the 1841 census four more children were born in Newbury : Eliza Victoria in 1832; John in 1835; Augusta Elizabeth in 1837 and Louisa Lucy in 1840.

His name appears in the 1839 Robson’s Directory under the heading of Tailors and he is working at Simmon’s Yard, Northbrook Street. Another son, Theophilus, was born in 1844.   He was elected a scholar to the school of Mr. John Kendrick.  Tragically on 16  November 1857 he fell accidently into the River Kennet and drowned. An inquest took place – refer his record for transcription of inquest.  Theophilus was buried in the Cemetery on 21 November.

James continued his work until his wife’s death from apoplexy on 19 October 1867.  She was buried in the Cemetery on 23 October.  The following year he was chosen by the trustees of the Kimber’s Charity to occupy a vacant almshouse at No.12 Kimber’s, Cheap Street.

His health broke down and on Sunday 13 June 1875 he was found dead having committed suicide at the age of 71 years.   An inquest was held the following day  and the jury returned a verdict that “the deceased committed suicide whilst in a state of unsound mind.”  He was buried in the Cemetery on 16 June.

No Mrs. P. Code

Sources:  Select Births and Christenings 1538-1975; Surrey Marriages (Parish Register Transcripts) and Pallot’s Marriage Index;  Church of England Marriages & Banns 1754-1931;  Church of England Baptisms 1813-1915 regarding their 3 children born in London;  1839 Robson’s Directory; 1842 Pigot’s Directory;  1848 Kelly’s Directory;  1851/61/71 census; Death Index 2Q 1875.

Sources:as above