Charles James Covernton M.R.C.S. L.R.C.P
Surgeon of Knighton
CHARLES JAMES COVERNTON. was born on 14th October 1832 at Chapel House, Wargrave, Berkshire. He was the son of James Junior and Elizabeth Covernton (nee Craggs) Charles was baptised on 28th April 1833 in Warfield.
The Covernton family emigrated to Canada, in June 1836. Charles was educated first at the Grammar School in Simcoe, County of Norfolk, and later at Upper Canada College, where he took high honours. He commenced the study of medicine with his uncle. Dr. C. W. Covernton, in 1848; in 1850, entered the medical branch of Trinity College, and passed the Medical Board in May 1853. He returned to Simcoe and took charge of his uncle's practice during his four months' absence in England. Later in 1853 Charles returned to England, where, shortly after, he obtained the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons, and later became a Licentiate of the College of Physicians of Edinburgh. He was offered an appointment in the navy, but preferred another offer for the West India Mail Service, in which he was engaged for several years. At the time of the Crimean War, he became Surgeon on the Peninsular and Oriental Line of steamers. During that time the steamer was chartered by the Government as a troop-ship, and he had extended opportunities of witnessing the long engagements of our forces in the Crimea. He was also with the Guards when they entered Sebastopol. He was in India during the Mutiny, and towards the close was the surgeon of the troop-ship that conveyed Lord Elgin to China.
In 1857 he was doctor on the P & O SS Ava
S.S. AVA
He married a lady whose acquaintance he made on ship-board returning from India.
In 1858 Jane Heath was asked by her sister, Mary Sophia Hall, to act as escort to the latter's eldest child, Edward Allicock Hall, on a sea voyage which he had been recommended to take for his health. It was on this voyage that she met Charles James who was ship's doctor on the vessel.
Morning Post 13 July 1859
COVERNTON - HEATH - On the 7th inst. at St. Margaret's Church, Manchester, by the Rev. O.P. Pigot, Curate of Haigh, Charles James Covernton Esq, of Southampton, Eldest son of James Covernton Esq., of Victoria, West Canada, to Jane, youngest daughter of the late Thomas Heath, Esq., of Bonhams, Hants.
After their marriage on 7th July 1859, they lived for a time at Gosport, near Southampton, where their eldest child Bessie Mary Edith was born on 30th April 1860.
Charles continued to go to sea for a time, but in 1860 Jane heard from her brother-in-law, Isaac Hall, of the possibilities of a medical practice at Knighton. This was reported to be worth £460 a year with a population of 2000 and he eventually acquired it.
After taking up residence in Knighton, Charles and Jane added a further 6 children to their family.
Emily Jane Stuart, born 22nd December 1861, Alms House Street
Constance Gargrave, born 29th January 1864, Alms House Street, baptised 20th March 1864 , St. Edwards, Knighton
Charles Ashton, born 12th October 1865, Alms House Street, baptised 12 Nov 1865, St. Edwards, Knighton
Minnie Francis, born 1st July 1867, Alms House Street, baptised 05 Aug 1867, St. Edwards, Knighton
Percy Heath, born 5th December 1869, Alms House Street, baptised 30 Jan 1870, St. Edwards, Knighton
Clement Edward, born 6 Sep 1871, Alms House Street,, baptised 12 Oct 1871 St. Marys, Upper Moss Lane, Hulme, Manchester
Alms House Street became Wylcwm Street in the early 1880's when new Alms houses were built in Church Street.
Sadly, his wife, Jane died aged 40 on 20th October 1871. She was buried in Knighton church yard on 25th October 1871
Merionethshire Standard - 3 November 1871
DEATH - COVERNTON - Oct. 20th, at Knighton, Mrs Covernton, the wife of Mr C J Covernton, Surgeon
There are 2 windows in the alcove behind the font in St Edwards Church. One is dedicated to Jane.Covernton.
The other is dedicated to Elizabeth Covernton. who died in 1849
Elizabeth was Charles' mother who died: 28 Aug 1849 at Charlotteville, Ontario aged 44.
Cardiff Times, 17 July 1880
A CHILD B0DY FOUND AT KNIGHTON. Society at Knighton has been painfully affected by the discovery of a dead body in a young ladies' box. Dr. Covernton has made & post mortem, examination of the body found, in the presence of the Chief Constable and Inspector Rogers, and from the test applied to the lungs he found that the child had breathed and judging from the state of his heart, the infant must have lost a quantity of blood no doubt occasioned by want of proper attention at the time of its birth. There were no marks of violence on the body.
The practice in Knighton stayed in Charles' hands for the rest of his life. He was unanimously elected a member of County Municipal Council, which superseded the old Magistrates Court of Quarter Sessions. In his latter years he became the Chairman of the Finance Committee and District Medical Officer of Health.
Charles died on 18th April 1890,
Cardiff Times, 26 April 1890
DEATH OF DR COVERNTON, KNIGHTON. We regret to announce the sudden and unexpected death of Dr Covernton, of Knighton, which took place at his residence on Friday night at half-past 11, after only one day's illness. On Thursday afternoon the deceased gentleman went to Bucknell by the 4.6 train, returning by the 6.20 the same evening. While away on this journey he was seized with cramp in the body, and in much pain he managed to reach home. Several doctors were called, and everything was done that was possible for him. Only two members of the family were present at his death. The deceased gentleman was very popular and much respected in this town and district, and had resided in the town over 30 years, having a vary large and wide practice, and in his death the inhabitants of this town and locality have lost a true and benevolent friend. He was a Liberal in politics, and represented the Knighton Urban Sanitary District on the Radnorshire County Council, and he also held several public appointments in his profession, including that of medical officer for the urban and rural districts of Knighton, and surgeon to the Dyke Lodge of Odd fellows, a, very large and flourishing society. The news of the death cast quite a gloom over the town, and much sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement. The deceased lost his wife in 1871, and he now leaves behind four daughters and three sons, three of the former being married.
His death at the early age of 57 was probably caused by appendicitis, no operation being performed. It is estimated that at least 1000 people attended his funeral.
Charles was buried with his wife Jane in Knighton church yard on 21st April 1890
The Will 22nd May 1890
The will of Charles James Covernton late of Knighton in the County of Radnor, Surgeon, who died 18 April 1890 at Knighton was proved at the Principal Registry by Alfred Hennell Covernton the Brother and Samuel Harris both of Mansell Street in the City of London, Merchants, two of the executors. Personal Estate £2, 698 9s 2d
On the 11th November 1932 Charles Ashton, Charles and Jane's eldest son died in Crouch End, Middlesex. He was buried with his parents. Charles Ashton was aged 61 years.
Probate
Charles Ashton Covernton of 15 Cranmore Way, Muswell Hill, Middlesex, died 11 November 1932 at Hornsey Central Hospital, Crouch End, Middlesex. Probate London 16 December to Loris Covernton widow. Effects £2011 1s 8d
