Murgatroyd Cooper
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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There are the names of two brothers engraved on the memorials in Worksop. They are Murgatroyd and George Cooper, the youngest sons of William Armitage and Hannah Cooper (nee Neal), The Coopers had had four children, prior to the births of Murgatroyd in 1879 and George in 1883 in Worksop, two boys born in Newcastle and two girls born in Worksop. Immediately after the birth of George, his mother died in Worksop age 39 in 1883. Initially widower, William and children resided in Gateford Road, Worksop but soon moved to Park Street, which became their long term residence. William’s lifelong trade was a stone mason, Murgatroyd became a bricklayer and George started his working life as an iron grate moulder but by 1911 was working underground in Dinnington colliery at as a horse keeper.
Corpl Murgatroyd Cooper Worksop Guardian 8 November 1918 We regret to hear that Corpl Murgatroyd Cooper, R.E., son of the late Mr Wm Cooper, Park Street, Worksop, has died of wounds in France. We hope to give further particulars next week. Corpl Murgatroyd Cooper Worksop Guardian 15 November 1918 In our last issue we briefly mentioned that Corpl Murgatroyd (Royd) Cooper, R.E., son of the late Mr Wm Cooper, Chief Inspector of Railway Construction, late of Park Street, Worksop, had died of wounds received in action. Corpl Cooper was born in Worksop, and as a lad attended the Abbey Boy’s School, and was member of the Priory Church Choir. He was a bricklayer by trade and served his time with Mr C Lerverton, builder. He was thus well known in the town where he had many friends. He enlisted at the outbreak of war and had been in France over three years, continually in the fighting line. His brother, Signaller George (Kid) Cooper, died from wounds two years ago. Corpl Cooper was 36 years of age and unmarried. His death is a great blow to his sisters, Mrs Robinson and Miss S A Cooper, who reside in London, and will have the sympathy of their many friends in Worksop. They received a telegram stating that he was dangerously ill, but could not be allowed to visit him, and later the message was followed by one announcing his death. Corpl Cooper was a devoted brother and wrote his sisters a day or two before he died. In his last letter, he said he would ‘soon be in Blighty.’ Poor fellow, it was not to be. In a letter to his sister, the Matron of No. 7 Canadian General Hospital, in which Sig. Cooper died, said he passed away on Nov 1st at 2 pm. “It will be comforting for you to know, he was well cared for by both the medical and the nursing services, and received every care and attention during his last illness. .. He will be laid to rest at the Military Cemetery, Etaples. This message carries with it our deepest sympathy to you in your great sorrow.
CWG additional information:- Son of William Armitage Cooper and Hannah Cooper, of Worksop, Notts. Research by Colin Dannatt
