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 my father's 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.

"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