Blaengarw Cooper Milkmen

A Memory of Blaengarw.

I am a retired police officer who has been studying the family history of both my family and that of my wife, Jenifer Cooper. I am trying to trace relatives of the family and hope that someone may just know something of the names below.

My father in law is Cyril Cooper born 1922 in Herne Bay Kent, the youngest of three boys. His brothers and father were all born in East Ham and Poplar, London respectively. Due to the family moving from London to Herne Bay just before he was born he, consequently, has little or no knowledge of any other members of his family.

His father was Percival Cooper born 1879 and he was one of nine children. My reason for contacting you revolves around a brother of Percival, Albert James Cooper born 1872 in Poplar who married Elizabeth Smithen in 1893 in St Pauls Church, Bow Common, London. Records from the 1901 census show that Albert and his family were living in West Ham, London but by 1911 they had moved and were living in 69 King Edward Street, Blaengarw, Bridgend where he was employed as a milk vendor. Albert had 7 children that I know of :

Albert Ernest William Cooper born 1894 in Clerkenwell, London who worked in the mines in and around Blaengarw and who married Clara Ethel Hartley on December 20 1919 in the parish church of Garw Valley. I know of two sons, Albert born 1921 and Horace born 1923 both in Bridgend Registration District.

Horace Sandford Cooper born 1894 in Poplar, London but died in 1901

Reginald Cooper born 1898 in Poplar, London. Reginald was a witness at brother Albert’s wedding in 1919

Walter Cooper born 1903 in Plaistow, London

May Queen Cooper born 1905 in Forest Gate, London

Cyril Cooper born 1907 in Forest Gate, London who married Florence Morris in 1933 in Bridgend Registry Office. Cyril was also a milk vendor like his father and at the time of his marriage was living at 85 The Avenue, Pontycymer, Mid Glamorgan. I know of two sons, John born 1933 and Alun M born 1938, again both in Bridgend Registration District.

Percival George Cooper born 1911 in Blaengarw who married Winifred Hussey in Bethel English Baptist Church, Merthyr Road, Whitchurch in 1937. Percival was also a milk salesman and at the time of his marriage was living at Tyn-y-Pwll Farm, Whitchurch. Winfred was the daughter of Charles Hussey, a stonemason.

If anyone has any knowledge that would help I would be very pleased if you could get in touch with me

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