My father Geoffrey has some interesting notes on, and even a few artefacts which belonged to, his maternal great-grandfather William Russum of Leeds, Yorkshire (1807-1879). In his day, William Russum was quite well known as a balloonist. As can be seen in the extract below, one of his balloon ascents, in 1831, was even deemed worthy of a mention in "Annals of Leeds". On this occasion, as the book puts it, "Mr. W. Russum ascended in his magnificent balloon" as part of the "celebrations of the coronation of their majesties king William IV and Adelaide his queen".

Other material in our possession includes an early photograph of William Russum (used as an illustration on this page); an undated "Ticket of Admission to Mr Russum's Ascent"; and an undated typescript "Chronological list of the balloon ascents of Mr. William Russum". The ascents which are listed were themselves made between 1830 and 1841.

Even these very brief notes do illustrate the type of item which can sometimes be used to add colour to a family tree. William Russum was also interesting in that his occupation varied greatly (from "Artist" to "Pawnbroker") over the course of his life - he was clearly an unusual character and perhaps ahead of his time.

Another, more poignant memento is the photograph of young George Edward Russum (1901-1918) in Merchant Navy uniform, also used on this website. Although born almost 30 years before my father, he was also a great-grandson of William Russum the balloonist. Sadly, he was drowned towards the end of World War I, when the merchant ship on which he was serving, the "Sandhurst", was torpedoed. His name appears on the Merchant Navy Memorial and my father recently took photos of this.

My grandmother, Florence Dorothy Copus, née Russum, used to refer to this George Edward Russum as "Baby George", to distinguish him from her brother who was also called George. Incidentally, my grandmother herself intensely disliked her first name of Florence and so was always known as Dorothy. This is the sort of practice which - if it does not happen to be known about in a given instance - can often cause considerable confusion when attempting to track down elusive ancestors.

George Edward Russum was just caught by the 1901 Census, appearing in Rotherham (RG 13/4393/folio 132) with his parents Edward and Frances Russum. By chance, he is shown as "Baby" Russum in this 1901 Census entry as well, simply because he was then under 1 month old - perhaps his parents had not yet decided what to call him.

The Russums are still firmly based in Yorkshire. The family firm of E. Russum & Sons Ltd. (as noted at www.russums-shop.co.uk/about.asp) was established in 1830, moving to Rotherham in 1870, and is now in its sixth generation. Now a long way from its brushmaking roots, it supplies professional kitchen equipment, chefs' clothing and the like. My father only reluctantly postponed a planned visit to the Russums in Rotherham in the Summer of 2007 due to severe flooding in the area. He looks forward to combining a future family visit with some further research locally.

"Annals of Leeds, York and the surrounding District"

Pages 380-381: 8th. September 1831.

The celebrations of the coronation of their majesties king William IV and Adelaide his queen, took place this day. At Leeds, the morning was ushered in by the ringing of bells and other demonstrations of a general holiday. About 500 Sunday school teachers of both sexes and all denominations, partook of a public breakfast in the Music hall. About ten o'clock, a procession of the mayor, aldermen, assistants, clergy, staff of the First West York militia, several orders of Odd-Fellows, and others, was formed at the Court-house, and proceeded to the parish church, where an appropriate sermon was preached by the vicar, Rev. Richard Fawcett, M.A.

About 12 o'clock, the 2nd. dragoon guards, or queen's bays, under the command of colonel Hay, the detachment of royal horse artillery, under the command of major Dynely, and the Leeds squadron of the Yorkshire hussars, commanded by captain Beckett assembled on Woodhouse moor, where they went through various evolutions in the presence of at least 20,000 persons. After the ceremonies, the officers proceeded to the Court-house, to meet the mayor, and partook of an elegant light repast which his worship had provided.

After the military had left the moor, they were succeeded by the Sunday school children, to the number of nearly 12,000, who sang the hymns appointed for the occasion, and then returned to their respective places of worship to take tea. At two o'clock, the gentlemen composing the Leeds squadron of the Yorkshire hussars, dined together at the Masonic hall, Sternes' buildings.

At four o'clock, Mr. W. Russum ascended in his magnificent balloon from the White Cloth Hall yard, to which the public were admitted free. The rejoicings were much marred by the very unfavourable weather, as at times the rain poured down in torrents. The festivities of the day were concluded by a splendid ball in the evening at the Assembly rooms. Nearly all the families of distinction in the town and neighbourhood were present.

In memory of Florence Dorothy Copus, née Russum (1893-1973)

Matthew Copus
307 Dale Street
Chatham
Kent ME4 6QR

Email: info@mcopus.co.uk
Web Site: www.mcopus.co.uk