Jimmy Cooper

 

James's father Richard died in 1895.

 

However, James and his brothers did not appear to have been as upstanding as maybe they should have been.

 

Hereford Times - 6th May 1899

THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC AT KNIGHTON

Another Contested Case

At the Knighton Police Court - before Mr C. C. Rogers (chairman), Sir R D Green-Price, Mr Edward Oldbury and Mr W. Weyman

Accused

Charles Cooper, Broad Street, Butcher (30)

Frank Cooper, Drapers Assistant (23)

James Cooper, Broad Street, Insurance Agent (28)

Arthur Wozencroft, Kinsley-Terrace, Baker (28)

Harry Turbeville, Norton Street, Tailor

Charles Watkins, Market Street, Grocer's Assistant (22)

Josiah Beaumont, Norton Street, Hairdresser (22)

Charged by P C Lane

 

Charge:

Disorderly behaviour in Russell-lane, Knighton, on Good Friday night, March 31st.

 

Mr James Corner, barrister instructed by Mr Fred L Green, appeared for the defendants, who pleaded not guilty.

 

Mr Corner, at the outset, said that he represented the whole of the defendants, and that if it was in accordance with the wish of the Bench, he would take the batch together - a suggestion which their worships agreed to.

      

Mr Corner explained that one of the defendants, Frank Cooper, was a drapers’ apprentice in London, and would not appear.

 

P C Lane was called, and stated that about 10 minutes past 10 on the night of 31st March he was on duty at the top of the town, when he heard a noise in Russell-lane, and on going there he saw the seven defendants all together. There was a lamp on the corner near by, and James Cooper said, "Let’s put the light out." and was holding up his stick to try and reach it. They were singing all kinds of songs, but he did not know of the songs in particular. He produced a written specimen of the language which he alleged was made use of by Watkins and Turbeville. Witness told them they would be reported, and then proceded down the street, but the singing was continued, and Charles Cooper shouted out, "More reporting again!" The defendant had been cautioned on 24th December last for a similar offence.

Sergeant Hopton: Has anyone complained to you about their conduct?

Mr Corner: No, no, we can not have that. (To the witness): Now, in regard to the 24th December, you say you cautioned these defendants for a similar offence. Will you tell the Bench that they were all together on that occasion, including the defendant Turbeville.

Witness: That is the only one that was absent.

Mr Corner: On the night in question, that is the 31st March, you say you heard a noise?

Witness: Yes.

Mr Corner: Where were you at the time?

Witness: By Mr Allcock's stores, and the defendants were outside the Old Wine Vaults, singing all kinds of songs, shouting and swearing. I did not notice what they were singing in particular.

The Chairman: They were singing comic pieces, and the witness went to them and spoke to Charles Cooper, telling him that they would be reported for the noise caused by singing and shouting, and for the language used in their discourse to each other (as written down on the paper)

Witness: I told him I should report all seven. They were all singing, but I only spoke to Charles Cooper. I had not seen them before that night. I was not watching but merely going my rounds.

Mr Corner: There was a crowd of people outside at the time, perhaps 25 or 30.

Witness: They were all out from the Wine Vaults.

Mr Corner: I suggest to you that you did not say a word.

Witness: I did, and to the best of my belief they were all singing. He knew each of the defendants, and did not get their names from anyone. He wrote them down in his book at the time. This was all recollected, what he had written down.

 

Mr Corner, addressing the Bench, said he did not know whether or not he should take up their time, as he considered there was little or nothing for him to answer. He was of the opinion that it was a mistake to bring up matters so small and trifling, as they were not of the standard one would suppose harassed people in anyway. He observed that not one single person other than the officer had raised the complaint of the conduct of the defendants, but he did not wish to speak unkindly regarding the policeman, as no doubt he had done what he considered his duty. The instructions he (Mr Corner) had received were, no doubt, to be relied upon, and what he should bring before them would show that instead of bringing the case to court, it would have been better if a little more discretion and consideration had been used. On the night in question there had been a concert of sacred song at one of the places of worship, and some of the defendants had been there and had taken part in it, while others had been at church at a service there, followed by a practice from 8 to 9 o'clock.

       The Wine Vaults in Russell-lane was the headquarters of the Town Football Club, and on this particular night there were a good number of persons inside, but no disturbance took place, and at the appointed time all left. Outside, some of the crowd gave a rendering of that beautiful song "The Holy City," and Mr James, whom he would call, would tell them that it was rendered in a suitable and proper manner by the singers. Mr James, he believed, was thoroughly proficient in music. After quotations of the bye-laws, Mr Corner said some of the people came from chapel and some from church, and all together there was a crowd of about 25 or 30 persons; and some individuals, who were drunk, came by at the time and made use of abusive language, but they were not summoned. He maintained that there was no disorderly conduct on the part of the defendants, but on the other hand that the noise made by them was caused by the rendering of the "The Holy City" in a reverential manner. The Bench were asked to convict on the evidence of a simple policeman, without a complaint from any other individual, but he would ask them not to make a set of criminals of these young people, who had no desire to misbehave themselves in any way, and yet they were held up in a very discreditable manner.

       Harry Turbeville, one of the defendants, said that on 31st March he was at the Wesleyan Chapel from half-past four till 9.30 assisting at a tea meeting and sacred concert. After having chapel he went home, and afterwards to the Wine Vaults for a quarter of an hour. There were about 30 persons in the house. When they came out they started to sing "The Holy City," about 12 or 15 persons joining in, and he considered there was no fault to find with the manner in which it was rendered. He did not sing himself, neither did Mr Wozencroft or Beaumont. Lane passed by at the time, but said nothing. When he saw the officer a few minutes afterwards he was standing underneath the lamp by Mr Oldbury's shop with his notebook in his hand. He (defendant) did not hear any bad language, but he supposed there was some made use of by Bufton, who was not at court today. Defendant, on being shown the language he was alleged to have made use of, said it was a deliberate lie on the part of the person who wrote it.

 

Sergeant Hopton: Was Charles Cooper drunk at the time?

 

Witness: No, he was not.

 

Arthur Wozencroft, another defendant, said he was at a service at the church from 6.30 till 8 o'clock, and afterwards attended a choir practice of an hour’s duration, and then left for home, where he had his supper, and afterwards went to Mr James's, Wine Vaults. The place was full of people when he entered. He has two "beers," and then came away. Outside there were about 9 or 10 singing "The Holy City," but he stood and talked to Turbeville. There was nothing else rendered in addition to "The Holy City, " and when it was over Lane came down and didn't say anything to either of them. He (defendant) did no harm or anything else except by being there. There was bad language used on the occasion by Bufton, but he was not summoned.

 

Sir Richard Green-Price: You have been cautioned before?

 

Defendant: No, not at all.

 

Each of the other defendants gave evidence more or less corroborative of the foregoing.

 

Mr W James, landlord of the Old Wine Vaults, said his house was not the headquarters of the Football Club, but rather a favourite resort. He remembered some young people singing "The Holy City" outside his house and considered they rendered it in an efficient manner. He heard no bad language used, nor anything but the song.

 

Their Worships retired, and after a brief consultation returned, and the Chairman, addressing the defendants, said they would be let off this time, and they ought to consider themselves very lucky by escaping with a severe reprimand. The Bench were fully aware that there were a lot of young men going about town trying to "holt the police" by kicking up rows, etc, but he would advise them to find some other outlet for any kind of disturbance of this sort in the future, or they would no escape so lightly. If the summonses had been taken out under bye-law No.2, they would have no alternative than to impose a fine, as it was for the use and protection of the inhabitants that the bye-laws had been framed. In future, should any inhabitant make a complaint regarding the defendants' behaviour and conduct in the public streets, the Bench would protect them and the offenders would not escape. Further, they wished to mention that the policeman had done his duty in bringing the case forward, to stop this rowdyism in the streets of the town. As regard the song, it was not the proper time of night, and especially in the streets on a Good Friday, to be singing it. If the defendants came there again on a similar charge, and complaint was preferred against them by any inhabitant, the Bench would deal with them very severely indeed.

 

In September 1902 James was signed up by the London Welsh F.C., an English football team that were formed as early as 1891.

 

The Herefordshire Senior Cup Final was played at Knighton on 12th March 1898.

The Knighton players were:-

Goal keeper - Green

Backs - Davies and Marston

Half-Backs - Nunn, Edwards and R Turner

Forwards - Abley, J Cooper, Coleman, Overton and Brogan

 

James's mother Caroline Ann Cooper passed away in 1907 on 3rd October.

 

Caroline's Probate names James as one of her executors. He is described as a 'refreshment house keeper'

 

Evening Express - 6th January 1908

LOCAL WILL - MRS. CAROLINE COOPER, KNIGHTON

Mrs. Caroline Anne Cooper, of Knighton, Radnorshire, who died on October 3, left estate of the gross value of £925, with net personally £ 235, and probate of her will has been granted to her son Mr James Edward Cooper, of  Knighton, refreshment-house-keeper, and Mr. William Alfred Roberts, of Knighton, iron-monger.

 

On 24th February 1910 James (39) married Lucy Mary Parton (30) in St. Edwards Church.

 

Lucy was the daughter of Thomas Capsey & Martha Parton who had been the proprietors of the Central Wales Railway Hotel, Station Road.

 

Evening Express - 2nd April 1910

JIMMY COOPER. Knighton, is a first-class footballer of 22 years experience. He played inside right for the Hereford team when they won the Bristol league. Copper played for Knighton when they won the Knighton Cup three years in succession and the Mid-Wales League in seasons 1901-2, 1902-3, and 1903-4. He is a centre forward, and one of the most popular players in central Wales.

 

Besides playing for the Knighton club James and his wife ran a bakery and restaurant at 17 Broad Street.

 

The following article is of an unfortunate occurrence at the restaurant

 

Hereford Times -16th July 1910

CHOKED AT SUPPER

SAD DEATH AT KNIGHTON

​

While partaking on supper on Thursday night, at Cooper's refreshment rooms, Knighton, Charles Price, of Milebrook, came by his death as the result of a piece of meat becoming fast in his windpipe. All possible was done to release the obstruction, and medical aid was summoned immeadeatly, but Price expired on the floor of the house in a course of a few minutes. On the following day an inquest was held by Mr F L Green, coroner, and a jury of whom Mr Tudge was the foreman.

            Mr J Cooper, owner of the refreshment rooms in Broad Street, said Price came to his place and asked for something to eat. He gave him a plate of meat, and went to cut him some bread. Whilst doing that he heard him gasping, and he went straight to him. Deceased motioned to him, as if he wishful to be knocked on the back. He did this several times, and also pushed his finger down his throat. This had no impressions, and he went to the doctor ask someone to fetch the doctor. The doctor came in a few minutes. He lived about twenty minutes.

            The Coroner: - What meat was it you got for him?

            Witness: Beef. - Only one small bit he had.

            Dr. Griffiths said he put his fingers in his mouth but was unable to get the piece of meat out of his throat. He made an opening in the windpipe through which he breathed a few times. He never rallied, and died very soon afterwards. He died from suffocation.

            Deceased with Mr. Still, and was a blacksmith by trade.

            The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

           The funeral was on Saturday at Stowe, near Knighton. The deceased and his parents had lived for many years at Milebrook. He was the youngest son and unmarried.

​

Charles price was born in 1868 to parents Henry and Mary Anne Price (nee Parsons) he was aged 42 years old at death.

 

The Brecon Radnor Express - 26th March 1914

KNIGHTON CHARITY CUP. Builth Wells v Church Stretton Church Stretton visited Builth Wells in the semi-final competition for the Knighton Charity Cup on Saturday. The takings at the gate were not sufficient to defray the expenses of the match. The ground was in good condition, and spectators were treated to some good football. The visiting team was evenly balanced, and their combination was clever. Mr J. Cooper (Knighton) refereed.

 

In April 1915 James was appointed to the management committee for Knighton Bowling Club.

 

The Brecon Radnor Express - 4th January 1917

"Boxing" Day at Knighton. SUPPORT FOR WORTHY OBJECT. Boxing Day at Knighton was devoted to praise-worthy object as a football match and concert, the proceeds of which were in aid of the Local Red Cross and Wounded Railwaymen's Funds. The football match took place on Bryn-y-castle grounds, in the afternoon, a team selected from the Knighton Football Club playing against a team of railway men. The latter played for a short time with only nine men, but an appeal from the referee (Mr Jim Cooper) induced a couple of volunteers to fill the gaps. The ground was not in good condition, owing to the frost, but, notwithstanding the difficulties, there was some good play on both sides. The match, which resulted in a victory for Knighton of seven goals to one, was well attended.

 

James died on 15th June 1939, aged 67 and was buried on 19th June in Knighton Cemetery.

 

Administration

James Edward Cooper of 17 Broad-street, Knighton, Radnorshire, died 15th June 1939. Administration Gloucester 25th July to Lucy Mary Cooper, widow.

Effects: £933 0s 8d

 

Lucy died January 1953 aged 71 and was buried on 26th January in Knighton Cemetery.

 

Probate

Lucy Mary Cooper of 17 Broad-street, Knighton, Radnorshire, widow, died 22nd January 1953 at Copthorne Hospital, Shrewsbury. Probate, London, 9th April to Mary Cadwallader (wife of John Cadwallader) and Thomas Cooper, telephonist.

Effects: £1074 8s 2d

 

If you would like more information on Knighton Football Club then visit The Official Knighton Football Club site

 

What follows are the earliest recorded information that I have discovered about Knighton Football Club.

 

As was reported in the South Wales Daily News dated 19th December 1883 The Knighton Football Club contested their first mach under Association Rules on Saturday 15th December 1883. The game was played against Bishops Castle at Craven Arms. Bishops Castle won the kick off. The game ended in a 1-0 score to Knighton. The winning goal being scored by G. Ostins.

The Knighton team players were :-

 

Goal keeper - J. W. Davies

Backs - J. M. James and W. James (captain)

Half-Backs - J. Bufton and A. Owen

Forwards, Right Wing - G. Ostins and T. H. Williams

Forwards, Left Wing - A Elsmore and C. Salmon

Centre Forwards - J. Hatfield and T. Gough.

Umpires, George Green and W. P. Campbell.

The winning goal was scored by G. Ostins.

 

J. W. (John) Davies (25) Auctioneers Clerk (Broad Street) born Knighton

J. M. James

W. James (captain)

J. (John Lewis) Bufton (18) Accountants Clerk (Grove Villas) born Knighton

A. (Arthur) Owen (19) Ironmongers Apprentice (Broad Street) born Knighton

G. (George) Ostin (23) General Solicitors Clerk (Grove Villas) born Brierley Hill

T. H. Williams

A. (Albert T) Elsmore (17) Plumber (Russell Lane) born Wolverhampton

C. (Charles) Salmon (27) Draper (Broad Street) born Brierley Hill

J. (John) Hatfield (19) General Solicitors Clerk (Broad Street) born Knighton

T. Gough.

 

South Wales Daily News - 2nd December 1884

SOUTH SHROPSHIRE CUP TIE - HEREFORD V. KNIGHTON.- This match, under Association rules, was played at Knighton on Saturday afternoon. The ground was covered with snow. The Hereford men seemed very strong, but the Knighton team scored a victory by 4 goals to 3. An objection was afterwards made to one of the Knighton players. The visitors won the toss, and Knighton kicked off. They commenced with very fast play, and in seven minutes Elsmore had scored the first gaol. After this the game seemed pretty even, but the visitors were not to be denied, and before half time Groom scored goal number one for them. On resuming play, the visitors had the best of it, Aston scoring goal number two, and Lewis number three in quick succession. This put the Knighton men on their mettle, and pulling themselves together, Hatfield added another goal for the home team. Shortly after W. Smith, with a fine shot from centre, sent the leather through once more for Knighton, making the game even. Amid much excitement and cheering, after a grand bit of passing, Owens scored another goal for the home team. The rest of the game was of a give-and-take character until time was called. The play of Bailey (Hereford) and A. Norgrove (Knighton) was exceedingly good. Referee, J. E. Hyslop (Church Stretton.)