The Day School was started in 1850, the year of Denis Creighton Neary’s appointment as Curate in Charge, with a view to building up the new parish of South Ossett. It was held in a long room previously used as a weaving chamber in what were called Fawcett’s Buildings on Middle Common, when there were only footpaths where Station Road now is, Sowood Lane and Horbury Lane being little more than occupation roads and Manor Road was the one main road from Ossett to Horbury.
New Church Schools were erected in 1856–7 and opened 15th April 1857, close by the church. A pair of small cottages occupying part of the site was converted into a Schoolmaster’s House and it was to this house that Mr Joseph Cox came as Master in 1858, Miss A. Ainley (known to many later as Mrs Ben Priestley) at the same time taking charge of the infants then in the north end of the big room.
Joseph Cox, the second Mayor of Ossett from 1896 – 1897, when he visited Buckingham Palace on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
Many people think that the Church of South Ossett was financed by the State – this was not so. The Ecclesiastical Committee, from which the Vicar got his stipend was only appointed by Parliament to secure the best administration of Church funds in public investment, had much the appearance of a State Department, whilst the Government Grants based on the average attendance of scholars did help to finance the school the same grants were made to others e.g. the Wesleyan School in Wesley Street, Ossett.
Joseph COX was born circa 1833 and baptised 4th Nov 1833 in Holme-upon-Spalding Moor, Yorkshire; the son of John COX, an agricultural labourer and Jane BILLINGHAM, who were married in Holme on Spalding 10th February 1829. In the 1851 census Joseph was aged 17, living with his parents, his occupation being given as a ‘scholar’! This suggests that he may have been studying whilst working, (possibly a correspondence course or even as a Pupil Teacher), but this would have not earned much, if any, money to contribute to the family of an agricultural worker. Perhaps we will never know the answer to this but he was evidently very clever and gained his qualifications to be a teacher.
Joseph, aged 24, married Sarah ANELAY, born circa 1834 and baptised 11th January 1835 in Eastrington between July & September 1857 (registered in Howden).Sarah’s family were also agricultural labourers, and in the 1851 census she is described as a servant. Joseph evidently gained sufficient teaching experience during the next 10 years to be offered the post of Headmaster of South Ossett Christ Church School in 1859; Sarah was also installed as Schoolmistress. Perhaps she was taught by Joseph? She was an experienced needlewoman, possibly learning this skill when she worked as a servant.
Sarah COX must have been an exceptional working mother as over the next 20 yrs she produced 13 children! They were: Annie, 1858; Frederick 1859; Eleanor 1860; Lizzie 1862; Bertram 1863; Emily 1864; Mary Jane 1866; Gertrude 1868; Ernest George 1869; Harry Anelay 1872; Florence Edith 1873; Catherine Maud 1874 and Sydney 1877.This was in addition to teaching needlework in the school. How she coped with the demands of a mother, especially nursing the children through the usual childhood illnesses prevalent at that time, such as Scarletina (Rubella) Chicken Pox, Small Pox and Measles, it is hard to imagine.
In 1864 the three youngest children were very ill; two of the children died in the space of 8 days. Bertram was buried on Oct 12th aged 16 months and Lizzie on Oct 20th aged 30 months. Amazingly baby Emily aged 3 months survived. As a working mother for a time, I cannot begin to imagine how difficult and stressful this must have been!
1881 Census Joseph Cox and family living on Manor Road, Ossett
Joseph and Sarah’s daughters Annie, Emily, Mary Jane, Gertrude and Catherine Maud all followed in their parents’ footsteps and became teachers. Two of his sons Sidney and Ernest were ironmongers. His son Harry Anelay COX was a clerk but later became a Rag Merchant with large premises in Dewsbury.Mary Jane married Samuel Norman PICKARD on 17 Oct 1893 in South Ossett Christ Church and Harry Anelay COX was later known to have lived in Highfield Cottage in 1907 (former home of the author) when it was owned by Alfred Hinchliffe PICKARD. He later purchased Sowood House from Lois Pickard.
Joseph Cox retired from his position as Headmaster of the school (sometimes affectionately referred to by ex pupils as ‘Cox’s College’) on 10th November 1899 after almost 40 yrs dedicated service. He helped out again in 1900 and acted as a School Manager for the next 6 yrs. He died on 17th and was buried on 21st September 1906. His wife Sarah survived him by only 8 months and was buried on the 6th May 1907. They lived on Storrs Hill Rd., Ossett and their burial services took place at Holy Trinity Church. They were both aged 72 yrs. Two very remarkable people!
Information from the South Ossett School Log Books, published in the Ossett Observer in 1986), posted on the ‘OLD OSSETT’ website by Joe HONEY, Gt. Grandchild of Joseph Cox.
The following information has been collated by Debbie Hawke-Wareham
Children of south Ossett school headmaster Joseph Cox (1833-1906) and Sarah ANELAY (1834-1907) 6 august 1857 in Wilton
- Charles (1857–1859) died in infancy
- Annie (1859–1938) m1883 Nettleton (1850-1925) 3 children, div 1896
- Frederic (1860–?)
- Eleanor (1860–1935) spinster
- Lizzie (1862–1864) died in infancy from scarlet fever
- Bertram (1863–1864) died in infancy from scarlet fever
- Emily (1864–1932) m1898 Wright no children
- Mary Jane (1866–1950) m1893 Pickard (1867-1944) 3 children
- Gertrude (1867–1930) m 1893 Giggle (1873-1922) no children
- Ernest George (1869–1939) m1901 Andrew (1873-?) 2 children
- Harry Anelay (1871–1942) m1901 Moys(1876-1942) 4children
- Florence Edith (1872–1924)m 1899 Fawcett (1874-1940) 3 children
- Catherine Maude (1874–1950) spinster
- Sidney (1877–1937)m1909 Nettleton (1882-1964) 4 children
Unfortunately neither Joseph Cox (1833-1906) nor his wife Sarah (1834-1907) lived to be enumerated in the 1911 census when an accurate number of children born and died would have been recorded, however by careful searching local records I have located 14 children for the couple:
•1-Their first son Charles Cox was born either late in December 1857 or early January 1858 in Eastrington, Yorkshire and baptised in the local church on 10 Jan 1858.( FHL Film Number:#991066) his parents had married on 6 Aug 1857. Baby Charles lived a very short life and was buried on 29 Jul 1859 aged just 1 year 7 months in Christ Church, South Ossett. This gives an indication of the year that the couple moved to Ossett as early 1859.
•2-Their first daughter Annie Cox was born in 1859 in Eastrington, Yorkshire, soon after the family moved to Ossett where they were enumerated at Giggle Hill, Ossett Cum Gawthrope in 1861. Father was already a school master as was her mother and a servant looked after the three children. The family were enumerated in Little Horton Bradford in 1871 where they had just moved the 7 children and domestic servant. Annie and her siblings were attending school. The family added a son to their brood before returning to Ossett cum Gawthorpe to be enumerated at Manor Road in 1881 with 10 children, Annie by now was a certified teacher at Public Eleven Plus School. Annie married Peter Augustus Nettleton aged 23 cloth manufacturer, son of Oliver Netteleton on 22 Nov 1883 in Ossett witnessed by her father Joseph Cox and Charlotte Neary. Their son Frank Nettleton was born 6 June 1884 and baptised 24 August 1884; he died aged 2 and was buried 8 May 1886 in ChristChurch South Ossett. Their daughter Edith Nettleton b:18 March 1887 (Edith Nettleton married Thomas Philips 1910, Q3 in Penzance, Cornwall. She died aged 74 in 1961). Their daughter Marion was born 24 November 1889 and privately baptised 9 January 1890 at ChristChurch South Ossett. Marion died in infancy aged 2 months and was buried 27 January 1890 Christ Church, South Ossett. In 1891 the couple and their daughter Edith lived at Intake Lane in Ossett. Annie filed for divorce in September 1895. Final Decree on 27 July 1896 for adultery coupled with cruelty claiming £5p/wk alimony for their daughter Edith. Peter was granted weekly access under the supervision of a third party. In 1901 Annie Nettleton 42 was living on own means with daughter Edith 14 at Station Road, Ossett. Edith married Thomas Philips in 1910, Annie was living with them and their baby son in Cornwall in 1911. Her estranged husband Peter Augustus Nettleton (aka Henry Newton) died on 20 October 1925 in Falmouth, Cornwall leaving effects worth £4337 5s to daughter Edith Philips (wife of Thomas Philips). Annie died in 1938. She left her daughter Edith Philips (wife of Thomas Philips) £10 2s 2d in Probate.
•3-Frederick Cox was born (possibly) born in Giggle Hill, Ossett in 1859 and baptised on Christmas day 1859 at Christ Church, South Ossett. The family were enumerated in Little Horton Bradford in 1871 where they had just moved the 7 children and a domestic servant. Frederick and his siblings were attending school. In 1881 Frederick Cox 21 was enumerated at 47 Haymarket, London the home of Irvine Hazlett 51 retired Colonel RA and his 3 children as one of 3 servants, all Chemists Assistants..
Two Frederick Cox’s are suggested as disabled from or died in WW1, research show neither to be ours, however unable at this time to discover what Frederick did after Chemist assistant.
•4-Eleanor Cox was born in Giggle Hill, Ossett on 28 December 1860 and like all her siblings was baptised at Christ Church Ossett on 27 January 1861 and was enumerated for the first time at Giggle Hill with the family in 1861 aged just 3 months. The family were enumerated in Little Horton Bradford in 1871 where they had just moved the 7 children and a domestic servant. Eleanor and her siblings were attending school. The family added a son to their brood before returning to Ossett cum Gawthorpe to be enumerated at Manor Road in 1881 with 10 children. Eleanor aged 20 has no occupation listed. Eleanor never married and continued to live with her parents as a mothers help in Ossett until they died in 1906 and 1907. In 1911 Eleanor was living with her sister Maud. Eleanor died in 1935 and is buried with her sister and parents in Holy Trinity grave yard with the headstone inscription
“In loving memory of Joseph Cox JP an ex Mayor of this town and for 49 years headmaster of South Ossett Church school and
Also of Sarah wife of the above named born 7 December 1834 died 3 May 1907
Also of Eleanor daughter of the above born 28 December 1860 died 28 January 1935
Also of Catherine Maude daughter of the above born 21 November 1874 died 26 May 1950”
Eleanor left her sister Catherine Maud Cox £175 8s 11d in probate.
•5- Lizzie Cox was born 4 Feb 1862 and baptised in ChristChurch, Ossett on 23 March 1862. Lizzie lived only 2 ½ years and died during the out break of scarlet fever in South Ossett, she was buried on 20 October 1864 in ChristChurch, South Ossett.
•6- Bertram Cox was born on 16 June 1863 and baptised on 26 July 1863 in Christ Church, South Ossett. Bertram lived only 1 1/3 years and died during the out break of scarlet fever in South Ossett,. He was buried on 12 October 1864 at Christ Church, South Ossett just days before his sister Lizzie who was buried 20 October in the same graveyard.
•7-Emily Cox was born 9 July 1864 and baptised at Christ Church, South Ossett on 28 August 1864. The family were enumerated in Little Horton Bradford in 1871 where they had just moved the 7 children and a domestic servant. Emily and her siblings were attending school. The family added a son to their brood before returning to Ossett cum Gawthorpe to be enumerated at Manor Road in 1881 with 10 children; Emily by then a pupil teacher, progressing to assistant school mistress by 1891. On 9 August 1898 Emily 34 married after banns Samuel Wright 34 school master son of George Wright. In 1901 the couple were living in Penge Surrey, Emily not showing an occupation. The couple never had children. In 1911 Emily Wright 46 was in Mowbray Nursing Home, 51 Cintra Park, Upper Norwood for an Operation – under matron Elizabeth Hamilton 53, while her husband James Wright 47 was home alone at 27 Stodart Rd, Penge. A quick glance at 1921 census finds Emily Wright living with her sister Mary Jane Pickard née Cox and family in Ossett. By this time Emily was probably a widow though no confirmable date of death was identified for James Wright between 1911 and 1921. Emily Wright of 61 Sowood Avenue, Ossett widow died on 15 December 1932 leaving probate to brother Harry Anelay Cox and Charles Herbert Cox, rag importers and merchants, of £2,066 17s 11d.
•8-Mary Jane Cox was born on 27 March 1866 and baptised like all her siblings at Christ Church, South Ossett on 22 April 1866. The family were enumerated in Little Horton, Bradford in 1871 where they had just moved the 7 children and a domestic servant. Mary Jane aged 5 and her older siblings were attending school. The family added a son to their brood before returning to Ossett cum Gawthorpe to be enumerated at Manor Road in 1881 with 10 children. Mary Jane by then a pupil teacher like her sister. By 1891 she had progressed to an assistant school mistress and was still living at home with the family. Mary Jane Cox 27 married after banns Samuel Norman Pickard 25 (1867–1944) chemist son of Alfred Hinchcliffe Pickard witnessed by Joseph Leaf and Florence Edith Cox at the same church in South Ossett. In 1901 Mary Jane and her husband Samuel, a self employed chemist and optician had moved to Station Road in Ossett with their two daughters: Mary Harriet 6 and Sara Lilian 3. By 1911, still at Station Road, Samuel (chemist and druggist employer ) and Mary Jane had completed their family of 3 daughters adding Kathleen Gertrude in 1906. A quick glance at the 1921 census finds the Pickards and their two youngest daughters living in Ossett with Mary Jane’s widowed sister Emily living with them. At the start of the war the daughters had left home and the couple now in their 70s were living at 3 Canton Villas, Bridlington. Samuel was still working as a pharmacist and they had taken in a lodger. Samuel Norman Pickard of The Knoll, West Wells Rd, Ossett died on 2 November 1944, leaving probate to Mary Jane Pickard his widow and William Crowther Chartered Accountant effects of £4662 17s 1d. Mary Jane Pickard of 3 Canton Villas Flamborough Road, Bridlington widow died on 20 October 1950 leaving probate to all 3 daughter; Mary Harriet Cropper widow, Sarah Lilian Crowther (wife of William Crowther) and Kathleen Gertrude Rigg (Wife of George Baines Rigg) effects £4,099 7s 10d.
•9-Gertrude Cox was born on 14 April 1867 and baptised like all her siblings at Christ Church, South Ossett on 14 June 1867. The family were enumerated in Little Horton, Bradford in 1871 where they had just moved the 7 children and a domestic servant. Gertrude was aged 3. The family added a son to their brood before returning to Ossett cum Gawthorpe to be enumerated at Manor Road in 1881 with 10 children, Gertrude aged 13 was not listed with any occupation however by 1891 Gertrude aged 23 had also become a school mistress like her sisters with whom she was also still living at home. On 29 July 1893 William Hainsworth Giggal 21 book keeper son of Thomas Giggle (deceased) married after banns Gertrude Cox 25, daughter of Joseph Cox, in the presence of Joseph Cox, Ernest Cox and Lizzie Nettleton. Gertrude and William never had any children, instead they travelled a lot; on 9 June 1909 they departed Liverpool on board SS Haverford arriving in Philadelphia on 20 June 1909. In 1911 they were back at 52 Manor Road, Ossett where William Hainsworth Giggle 38 was employed as an insurance cashier and Gertrude 43 had no occupation. On 14 October 1920 the couple departed Liverpool returning to Canada on board ” Corsican” arriving 24 October 1920. In 1916 and 1921 they were enumerated resident in Saskatchewan, Canada. William Hainsworth Giggle of Queen Street, Horbury died on 13 February 1922 at Pinchin Creek, Alberta, Canada and left probate to Gertrude Giggle his widow effects of £1167 15s 6d. Gertrude Giggal widow of 41 McCourt St, Sydney NSW died on 17 November 1930 and is buried at Woronora Memorial Park PLOT-Ang 2B 0541. She left probate administration with will to brother Harry Anelay Cox merchant Attorney of Catherine Maude Cox spinster effects £10 10s 7d.
•10- Ernest George Cox was born 19 September 1869 and baptised on 28 November 1869 at Christ Church, South Ossett. The family were enumerated in Little Horton, Bradford in 1871 where they had just moved the 7 children and a domestic servant. Ernest George was aged 1. The family added a son to their brood before returning to Ossett cum Gawthorpe to be enumerated at Manor Road in 1881 with 10 children, Ernest George aged 11 was a scholar with his siblings. In 1891 Ernest George was still living at home in Manor Road, Ossett and was employed as an ironmonger’s assistant but by 1898 he is recorded on the Electoral Roll as living at Storrs Hill Road, Ossett with a shop in Station Road which he maintained until 1901. In February 1901 Ernest George Cox 31 Ironmonger son of Joseph Cox retired schoolmaster married after banns Mary Andrew 28 daughter of Harry Andrew (deceased) Chemist, witnessed by Thomas Andrew and Sidney Cox. The couple lived at Market Place Ossett, Ernest was an Ironmonger Employer. They started their family in 1903 with the arrival of a daughter Edith Mary who was baptised in October 1902 (died in 1966). In 1906 and 1907 Ernest’s parents died and each left him and his younger brothers a lump sum in probate. Shortly after his fathers death Ernest and Mary had a son who they named after his grandfather Joseph. He was born in 29 March 1907 and baptised on 25 April 1907. In 1911 the couple and their 2 children: Edith Mary Cox 8 and Joseph Cox 4 were living at Sowood Villas, Ossett. Ernest George Cox 41 was an Ironmonger employer. The family could not be found by doing a quick search of Ossett for 1921. Ernest George Cox of “Clovelly” Dale Street, Ossett died aged 69 and was buried at Holy Trinity on 20 June 1939. His widow Mary Cox 67 was living at 36 Dale Street, Ossett with her son Joseph Cox32 and his wife Gertrude Marrin Cox 30 (née Betts) and one child. Ernest George Cox probate was not found. A date of death for his wife Mary was not found.
•11- Harry Anelay Cox (his mother’s maiden name was given as a middle name) was born on 1 June 1871 while his family were in Bradford. One month later the family had returned to Ossett and he was baptised at Christ Church, South Ossett on 2 July 1871. In 1881 Harry was living at Manor Road and was at school with his other siblings. In 1891 he was still at home with his parents and siblings was employed as a book keeper. On 1 January 1901 Harry Anelay Cox 27 married after banns Olive Moys 25 daughter of William Moys witnessed by HM Cox amongst others (very poor copy source document) and the couple set up home in Sowood Lane. He became a Rag Merchant with large premises in Dewsbury. In 1906 his father Joseph Cox died and left £987 3s 8d in probate with two of his brothers. His mother Sarah Cox nee Anelay died in 1907 and left a further £769 15s to her three sons. At this time Harry Anelay COX lived in Highfield Cottage when it was owned by Alfred Hinchliffe PICKARD. He later purchased Sowood House from Lois Pickard in 1925. By 1911 Harry was established as a Rag & Mungo Merchant dealer, with 4 children; two sons Charles Herbert and, Harold and twin daughters Mildred and Hilda Cox and a domestic servant at Storrs Hill. Their daughter Mildred died aged 31 in 1938. Her parents later joined her in plot T13 at the Manor Road grave yard. In 1939 the couple and their remaining children were still at Sowood Villa, both children being signed as ARP first aid wardens and father and son both owners of woollen rag merchants business. In 1940 on the death of his sisters widower Franklin Fawcett was left a share of effects of £390 13s 8d. Harry Anelay Cox of Sowood Villa died on 21 May 1942 and left probate to son Charles Herbert Cox rag merchant effects £19,498 4s 8d. His wife Olive died a few months later in November 1942 and is buried with her husband and daughter in Plot T13 of Christ Church graveyard (Manor Road). She left probate to their daughter Hilda Hepworth (wife of Ronald Gladstone Hepworth) effects of £3,693 16s 4d.
The death of Mr Harry Anelay Cox took place at his home, Sowood Villa, at the age of 70. (In a later issue he was reported as Henry Anelay Cox). One of 14 children of the late Mr Joseph Cox, who was headmaster of South Ossett CofE School for forty years, also a member of the town council, Mayor of the Borough and a Justice of the Peace. After completing his education in his father’s school he entered the office of Galaup and Patterson, rag merchants in Dewsbury. In 1902, or thereabouts, he set up in business with partners under the name of Firth, Dalley and Cox, rag merchants in Dewsbury – eventually becoming the senior director. He never aspired to public life, but devoted much of his spare time to the parish church at South Ossett. He was a member of the choir from a boy up until his death, a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, vice chairman of the church council and manager of the day school. For many years he regularly read the lessons at the Sunday service. He was a member of the Conservative Club and Vice President of Ossett Cricket Club. His hobbies were gardening and reading. The funeral service, held at South Ossett Parish Church, was conducted by Rev D Oxby Parker and was attended by a large gathering, which indicated the general esteem in which Mr Cox had been held. Due to illness, Mrs Cox (Olive, the daughter of ex Councillor William Moys) was unable to attend the interment at the church cemetery on Manor Road. Their son Harold Cox was also absent as he was, at that time, resident in Australia.
Ossett Observer May 1942.
•12-Florence Edith Cox was born 20 August 1872 and baptised like all her siblings at Christ Church, South Ossett on 22 September 1872. In 1881 Florence was living in the family home at Manor Road at school with her other siblings. In 1891 she still at home with her parents and siblings. Florence was a mother’s help. On 17 October 1899 at Christ Church Franklin Fawcett 28 Draper, son of Joshua Swallow Fawcett, married after banns Florence Edith Cox witnessed by; Edwin Fawcett, Joseph Cox, CM Cox, Thomas J Fawcett and Joseph Walker. Their daughter Kathleen Mary was born in November 1900. The family moved to Harrogate where Franklin was employed as a General Draper, super salesman. The family moved back to Ossett between 1904-10. In 1911 they lived at Illingworth Street, Ossett. Franklin Fawcett was employed as a Drapers Assistant and Florence Edith was at home with three daughters: Kathleen Mary, Margaret Edith, and Florence Marion. Kathleen Mary 1900 married 1926 Tom Brooksbank Haigh 1900-1973. Margaret Edith 1903–1983 spinster, Florence Marion 1909–1985 married 1936 Leslie Handley,
Florence Edith Fawcett 52 of Newfields House, 7 Horbury Road died on 6 July 1924 and was buried on 9 July 1924 at Christ Church South Ossett (Manor Road Burial Ground) plot NG N12. She left her husband effects of £102 19s 7d in probate. Franklin Fawcett, draper, died 3 July 1940 at Staincliffe County Hospital, Dewsbury and left probate to son in law Tom Brooksbank Haigh (husband of Kathleen Mary) clerk to agricultural committee, daughter Margaret Edith Fawcett spinster and brother in law Harry Anelay Cox rag Importer effects of £390 13s 8d
•13-Catherine Maude Cox was born on 21 November 1874 and baptised like all her siblings at Christ Church, South Ossett on 27 December 1874. In 1881 Catherine Maude was living in the family home at Manor Road and was at school with her other siblings. In 1891 she was still at home with her parents and siblings. Catherine Maude was a pupil teacher like her sisters and in 1901, still at home with parents and siblings she was employed as a school mistress. Catherine Maude never married. In 1911 she was living with her spinster sister, Eleanor Cox, at Clifton Cottage, Manor Road, Ossett employed by the county Council as an Elementary Teacher (assistant). A quick search of the 1921 census did not find Catherine Maude, however in 1939 she was livng alone, a retired Elementary School Teacher, at Kaleno, Sowood Lane, Ossett. Catherine Maude died on 26 May 1950 and is buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard with her parents and sister Eleanor. Catherine Maude left effects of £1901 1s 2d to nephew Charles Herbert Cox Rag importer son of her brother Harry Anelay Cox.
•14-Sidney Cox completed the family, arriving in 1877. In 1881 Sidney 4 was living in the family home at Manor Road and was at school with his other siblings. In 1891, still at home with his parents and siblings, Sidney 14 was stil in education. By 1901, many of his siblings had left home, but he still lived at Manor Road, close to Rose Cottages,and was employed on his own account as an Ironmonger. On 29 May 1909 Sidney Cox 32 ironmonger son of Joseph Cox (d) married after banns Ellen Maria Nettleton 27 daughter of Ezra Nettleton, witnessed by Walter B Nettleton and Emily Nettleton, at Christ Church, South Ossett Their first daughter Muriel arrived in 1910, and three more children were added to the family; Dorothy 1915–1982, Margaret 1918– and Janet 1923–1992 Sidney Cox 60 of 19 Woodfield Road, Doncaster died on15 February 1937 and was buried at ChristChurch South ossett NG plot N17 (Manor Road Burial Ground). He left effects in probate to Ellen Maria Cox widow of £546 6s 5d . Ellen Maria, otherwise Helen Maria Cox, of 68A Jenkin Road, Horbury widow died on 8 July 1964 in probate left daughter Janet Audrey Cox spinster effects £625.