Cornelius, Joseph

Singer

Collection date: Aug 1904

Area: Somerset - Hambridge surrounds

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Joseph Cornelius of Shepton Beauchamp (1833-1911): age 71, 3 songs: Sharp published Joseph's song 'Midsummer Fair (Tom Pearce)' FT304 in Folk Songs from Somerset vol2, claiming that it preceded in time 'Widdecombe Fair' from Devon and was a better tune (!) Click vwml link above:

Joseph Cornelius was baptised 5/5/1833 at Shepton Beauchamp church, son of Joseph (labourer) & Hannah. He married Sarah England 13/8/1852 at Shepton Beauchamp church and was an agricultural labourer all his life in the same village. When Sarah died in 1890, he still had 3 children at home (incl Anna aged 17). In 1901 he was living with daughter Anna Pond, son-in-law Arthur and his two grandsons. Joseph was buried 28/1/1911 aged 77.