Hi Jack
Just come across your reply. From my research Phoebe was born in 1842 and is the daughter of Thomas COPE and Jane nee DAVIES. The 1851 Census shows them at No 11 Court, 1 House, Lombard Street, Birmingham. Children were Patience Jane (15); Thomas Peter (12); Phoebe (9); Maria (3); Hellen (6) and Alice (5 mths). Also there was Jane's mother Patience DAVIES (65)born Cowburne (sic), Gloucestershire. Thomas (45) was born in Bishampton, Worcestershire and Jane (35) was born in Kineton, Worcestershire. The two eldest children were born in Bishampton and the others in Aston, Warwickshire, now part of Birmingham. Thomas is a Cordwainer. In 1861 the family were living in High Street Birmingham. Jane looks to have died in the intervening 10 years and Phoebe, Ellen, Maria and Alice are still at home with Phoebe shown as being born born in Bishampton this time. What I an interested in is that there is no mention of a Sarah. Do you have a date of birth for her? Are the above Census details right for your family? The FreeBMD site does show a Sarah Elizabeth registered in the Aston RD in the September 1/4 1855. There is also a Sarah Ann registered in the Birmingham RD in the June 1852 1/4. Are either of these your great grandmother. I have checked the 1871 as well and have found Thomas still living in the High Street but all the children have left home and he has a couple who are lodgers. Thomas died in 1877.

Phoebe married Henry Baynes/Baines on the 19th May 1861 at St Phillip's Church, Birmingham. She died in 1917 in Abbey Place, Balsall Heath.

Does any of the above information fit in with what you know about your family? I would be interested, especially as I can't find Sarah on any of the information. Of course I could have an entirely wrong mother and father for Phoebe.

If you would prefer you can contact me on paulcooper53@yahoo.com.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Paul