Joseph Cooper
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Joseph Cooper was born in 1879 at Colsterworth the son of Jerry a farm labourer and Frances Cooper née Thorpe of Flawford, Plumtree later of 10, Midland Cottages, West Bridgford, Nottingham. Jerry was born in 1852 at Colsterworth, Frances in 1854 at Wilsford, Lincolnshire. Married 13/8/1876 at Colsterworth, they had ten children, 6 surviving infancy - George b.1878, Joseph b.1879, John William b.1880, Alice b.1882, Lucy b.1889, and William Cooper b.1891 On the 1911 census the family were living at Flawford, Plumtree Nottinghamshire and were shown as Jerry a farm labourer, his wife Frances and children John William, a brickyard carter and William a farm labourer. Joseph married Edith Spooner (born 6th May 1882) on 3rd October 1901 at St Saviour’s Church, Nottingham. He was the father of Lilian Edith Cooper born 16th August 1906 who was an adopted niece. In 1911, they lived at 38, Greyfriar Gate along with Joe’s grandfather Charles Cooper a widower. With effect from 15/4/1918, Edith received a weekly pension of 18/9d.
Joseph Cooper attested on 1st December 1915 under Lord Derby's Scheme. He was posted to the reserves and mobilised on 30th May 1916 and was posted to the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was posted to the 265th Siege battery on 7th October 1916 and landed in France on 1st March 1917. He died from a gunshot wound to the thigh on 3rd October 1917 at the 8th Casualty Clearing Station in France and is buried in Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery.
Effects returned to his widow were: photos, post cards, razor in case, tooth brush, housewife, 3 handkerchiefs, woollen muffler, disc, letters, pipe, cigarette case, fob pouch, card case, 2x1d stamps and 5x1/2 stamps, registered envelope, pencil, 2 pocket knives,diary, watch chain, ring, key, 4 shoulder buttons, 10 buttons, roasary, belt, certificate. Nottingham Evening Post, Deaths 9/10/1917: 'Cooper. Gunner Joe Cooper, RGA, the dearly loved husband of Edith Cooper, 38, Greyfriar Gate who died of wounds received in action October 3rd 1917. We mourn him in silence, we make no outward show, for hearts that morn sincerely and Joe. From wife, daughter Lily, father, mother, sisters and brothers.' Nottingham Evening Post, In Memoriam 3/10/1918: 'Cooper. Died of wounds October 3rd 1917. Gunner Joe Cooper of 38, Greyfriar Gate. In God's keeping. From loving wife Lily and mother in law.' Joe's brother John William Cooper enlisted at West Bridgford whilst living at Plumtree. He was killed in action serving with King's Own Scottish Borderers on 8th November 1917 and is buried at Bedford House Cemetery, Enclosure 4 4 E 10
