Charles Cooper (buried 1934)

Charles was born in Worthing and baptised at Broadwater on 11 Sep. His parents Richard and Elizabeth lived in Prospect Place where Richard was an ostler (stableman). Elizabeth brought in a little money by taking in laundry. Richard's mother lived with them and earned a few pence as a charwoman. In 1865 Elizabeth died at the age of 38. Richard married again in 1870. His new wife was Mary Baynes. By 1871 the family were living in Surrey Street above the stables. It was a large family of Richard, Mary, Richard junior, his wife Sarah, four other children, two step children and one new baby. In 1879, Charles joined the army in Brighton. He was described as 5' 8" tall with grey eyes and light brown hair. His occupation was given as a footman. In 1881 he was sent to serve in India. In 1886 he left the army and found work in Marylebone as a butler to a barrister. In 1891 Charles married Mary Hephzibah White at Broadwater. Mary came from Uckfield where her father was a master smith. She worked as a housemaid in Brighton before she met Charles. The couple lived at 17 Milton Street. Charles worked as a waiter and a jobbing gardener. Their first child Mercy Elizabeth was born in 1892 and baptised at Christ Church. Sadly, she died the following year and is buried here. The couple had a son Charles William in 1896. To supplement their income the family took in lodgers. In 1915 Charles joined 2nd Battalion Royal Defence Corps part of the National Reserve. He was discharged in 1918 as physically unfit and received a pension of six shillings per week. Mary died in 1927 and Charles moved to 21 Milton Street. He died in 1934 leaving no will. Charles' parents Richard and Mary are also buried here.