DFHG Francis Cupiss

Francis Cupiss (1798-1888)

“The Constitution Balls”

This is the brief four part story of a chemist, printer, veterinary surgeon and business man who had connections to Diss and lived there for much of his life. If anyone has any further information about any of the characters in this story and is willing to share it with us please get in contact through the Diss Family History Group.

Anyone who can add information to this please contact Betty Morley (b.morley@btinternet.com) or Nigel Peacock (np781@btinternet.com). A booklet containing the above and some information about Francis’s family, transcripts of newspaper cuttings and references is available for download here.

Thanks are due to John from Cupiss Letter Press for information about Francis and for permission to include some of his illustrations in this article.

This is where it all began .....

CUPISS CONSTITUTION BALLS

In cases of Swelled Legs, Grease, Cracked Heels, Coughs, Colds, Broken Wind, Staring Coat, Influenza, Fattening, Conditioning, Loss of Appetite, Hidebound, Hove or Blown, Epidemic, Distemper, Scouring, Disordered Liver, Rot in Sheep, etc., etc., and in Scouring in CALVES and LAMBS are almost infallible.

They restore the healthy Functions of the Digestive Organs, and fortify and strengthen the constitution, give tone and vigour to the whole system, and prevent the injurious results of over exertion or improper feeding. Bullocks fatten much faster by occasionally having a Ball, and their frequent use. Young animals grow to a larger size and come to earlier perfection with the same quantity of food.

Prepared upwards of 50 years by the late

FRANCIS CUPISS, M.R.C.V.S.
Diss, Norfolk.
Author of the Prize Essay on the
“Diseases of the Liver of the Horse.”

Sold by all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors in Packets at 1/9 and 3/6 each. 6 Small Packets 10/-, 6 Large Packets 20/-. 12 Large Packets 38/-; or direct from FRANCIS CUPISS, Ltd., The Wilderness, Diss, Norfolk, on receipt of amount.

Select section:

Part 1 - The Man

Francis Cupiss c. 1859

Exploring the Census returns for our man, found that he was born in London in 30th Apr 1798 , possibly in a place called Bishopsgate, but certainly in a part of London. Looking further it was found that Francis Cupiss was baptised on 17th May 1798 , with parents Philip and Fanny, in St. Ethelburga Church, Bishopsgate, London.

Very little was then found until a marriage between Francis and an Elizabeth Biddell. A licence was granted by the Archdeaconry of Sudbury , “279 - Francis Cupiss, of Diss, s. m. [single male], & Elizh Biddell, of Bradfield St. George, s. w. [single woman], at same. 2nd Aug., 1826.”, with a marriage at Bradfield St. George on 3rd Aug 1826 . Elizabeth was born in Cockfield in Suffolk on 9 Mar 1799 and baptised there on 23 May 1799 . Her parents were given as William and Elizabeth (neé Chickall).

The Census in 1841 shows Francis living at Mere Street Diss, aged 43, occupation virtually unreadable, possibly something like chemist, living with his wife Elizabeth (42) and their children Thomas (11), William (10), Emily (9) and Catherine (5). Francis’s age coincides with his date of birth. The Electoral Roll for 1846 has Francis living in Mere Street, his qualification to vote is his ownership of a freehold house and land.

Still in Mere Street at the time of the 1851 Census, Francis, aged 52, a chemist and druggist, is living with his wife Elizabeth (52), children Elizabeth (22, a daily governess) and Catherine (14, a scholar), Frederick HARPEN (20, an apprentice), and servants Eliza ADAM (25, a housemaid), Elizabeth SARE (22, a cook) and Eve DOWNING (61, a washer woman). The 1856 Electoral Roll has Francis, again, living in Mere Street, with qualification to vote being the ownership of a freehold house and land.

At the time of the 1861 Census, Francis is aged 62, a chemist and veterinary surgeon, living with wife Elizabeth (62), children Elizabeth (32), Amelia (31, a governess), Thomas (30, a chemist and druggist) and Catherine (24), and servants Mary Ann RIVETT (20, a cook) and Ellis CATCHPOLE (19, a house servant). Again the Electoral Roll, this time for 1866, has Francis living in Mere Street, with his qualification to vote still being the ownership of a freehold house and land.

Details from the 1871 Census shows Francis is a widow, aged 72, a chemist, printer and veterinary surgeon, living with daughters Elizabeth (43), Emily (38) and Catherine (35), and servants Eliza GOTTS (19, housemaid) and Hannah U HUGGINS (20, cook). Francis now known to be a widow led to finding the death of Elizabeth on 6th August 1866 and her burial in Diss on 11th August.

As a result of looking at the 1881 Census with Francis again married to an Elizabeth, it prompted the search for a further marriage. This was found between Francis and an Elizabeth Frost dated 4th Dec 1871, registered in Blything District in Suffolk. Elizabeth was a widow upon marriage, her maiden name currently unknown. Elizabeth’s birth was 19th Jul 1823 in Bath, Somerset, so some 25 years younger than Francis.

(The Census for 1851 showed Elizabeth as a widow, aged 27, a schoolmistress living in Monkton Farleigh, Wiltshire. She was a governess (47), a boarder in the household of Edward J Alvis (31, Rector of Diss, magistrate and landowner) and his family and servants according to the 1871 Census.)

By 1876 Francis, and presumably his new wife Elizabeth, had moved to Victoria Road in Diss, shown on the Electoral Roll, with voting qualification by the ownership of a freehold house and land on The Wilderness.

By 1881, according to the Census. Francis is aged 82, a retired chemist, living with his wife Elizabeth (57) and servants Frances GRIMWOOD (19, cook and domestic) and Ann PULFORD (18, housemaid). Their address was now given as Church Street, Diss. (The Wilderness is just off Church Street so may correspond to the address in the 1876 Electoral Roll.)

Francis died in Diss on 11th Jan 1888, registered in Depwade District, and was buried St. Mary’s Diss Cemetery on 14th January.

Two reports from the Ipswich Journal detailed the burial, emphasising just how well-liked Francis was in the town and the considerable regard for him as a businessman.

Elizabeth was still living at The Wilderness, Church Street, Diss at the time of the 1891 Census, a widow, aged 67, with an occupation of printer. With her was her stepdaughter Catherine (49, living on her own means) and servants Christina SCHOFIELD (24, cook domestic) and Edith COTTON (19, housemaid domestic). The Electoral Roll for 1896, Elizabeth is living in The Wilderness, Church Street, Diss, with her qualification to vote being the ownership of a house.

Church Street, Diss was where Elizabeth was living at the time of the 1901 Census, a widow, aged 77, with no occupation. Staying with her was a visitor Annie C SNOW (single, aged 24, a governess) along with 2 live-in servants Kate NEWSON (27, cook domestic) and Annie NORMAN (25, housemaid domestic). The Electoral Roll for 1903, has Elizabeth still living in The Wilderness, with her qualification to vote being the ownership of a house.

Elizabeth died on 3rd May 1904, registered in Depwade Division. She was buried in Diss Cemetery on 7th May 1904.

Part 2 - His Family

The parents of Francis Cupiss were Philip and Fanny (nee Statham) who married on 14 Jun 1788 in Barton Blount, Derbyshire.

From Census returns and parish baptism records these are Francis Cupiss’s known children:

Francis Philip – b. c.1827, bap. 3 Aug 1827 (sometimes referred to as Frances Philip)

Francis Philip Cupiss became a Mason. His ‘joining’ on 23rd Feb 1859, ‘passing’ on 23rd Mar, and ‘raising’ on 18th May. He is listed in the United Grand Lodge of England Freemason Membership Registers as living in Grimsby, a surgeon. For Francis, there are many other records relating to his education and medical career - an interesting person in his own right with links to general medical practice, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital and Grimsby!

Perhaps worthy of note is the entry for Francis Philip in the London and Provincial Medical Directory of 1865 , “CUPISS, FRANCIS PHILIP, Great Grimsby, Lincolnsh. M.R.C.S. Eng. 1851; L.M. 1852; L.S.A. 1850; (St. Barthol.); Hon. Asst. Surg. 2nd Lincolnsh. V. Artill.; Surg. Gt. Northern and Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnsh. Railway cos.; Grimsby Docks, and Grimsby Borough Police; Med. Ref. several Insur. Cos., formerly Res. Acc. St. Barthol. Hosp.” – quite a list of responsibilities!

Elizabeth Fanny – b. c.1828, bap. 18 Aug 1828 (Diss), m. 17 Jul 1871 (Henry John CASE, Diss, 1831-1902), d. 5 Jan 1926

In 1841 according to the Census, Elizabeth then 12 years old, was at school in Palgrave, in what appears to be a small school for young ladies. Also there was her sister Amelia.

Henry John Case was a farmer in Thorndon, Suffolk and in 1881 was living on Hill Farm, Thorndon All Saints, with Elizabeth and 2 servants. By the 1891 Census Henry had retired and, with Elizabeth, was living at Chester Place, St Giles Road, Norwich, and were both still there in 1901.

Amelia – b. 28 June 1829 (Diss), bap . 20 Jul 1829 (Diss), d . 18 Oct 1864, bur . 25 Oct 1864 (Diss)

In 1841, Amelia was at school in Palgrave with her sister Elizabeth. She became a governess to the children of Alfred Stead, Rector of Ovingdean, Sussex, as shown on the 1851 Census. Still listed as a governess, Amelia was living back in Diss with her parents in 1861.

Thomas – b . 5 Sep 1830, bap . 23 Sept 1830 (Diss), m . 2 Oct 1861 (Rose PARVIN, Melton Mowbray), m . 13th Nov 1881 (Mary Ann WINSALL, Lambeth London) , d . c.1911

William – b. c.1831, bap. 16 Dec 1931, m. c.1875 (Sarah Elizabeth BLEAY), d. 4th Apr 1914 (Liverpool)

Liverpool Echo, 9th April 1914

Emily – b. c.1833, bap . 21 May 1833 (Diss)

Very little can be found about Emily – on-going research …..

Catherine - b . 8 Sep 1836, bap . 16 Sep 1836 (Diss), m . 12 Sep 1895 (Horace WOLTON, Diss), d . 30 May 1931

National Probate Calendar - 1931

Part 3 - In Business

From the records available, Francis had at differing times been the given occupations of chemist, printer and veterinary surgeon. To date no premises have been found where he had a chemist’s shop; maybe this was conducted from his home in Mere Street. No doubt his chemist knowledge went a long way to bring about the formulation of “Cupiss’s Constitution Balls”, probably what he is best known for.

Advertising poster

As a chemist Francis was knowledgeable about many drugs and “potions”. His wife Elizabeth suffered from ‘great delicacy of the chest’. He was recorded as endorsing “Roper's Royal Bath Plasters”.

Francis’s involvement in the printing business, “Francis Cupiss found that he needed to wrap and pack his products, as well as advertise them, so he decided to incorporate a printing section into the business in 1830.” Many of the printing jobs were undertaken on ‘antique’ presses.

The Columbian Press

The Wharfedale Press

The business is about to close, another trade lost to history. Much greater information can be found at http://www.franciscupiss.co.uk/ .

Francis was a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, joining on 11th May 1822. His work on, and production of, his “Cupiss’s Constitution Balls”, made from “Roots, Herbs and Minerals from various parts of the world”, is probably what he is best known for along with his “Ewe’s Friend” and in a book he wrote called “Essay on the Diseases of the Liver of the Horse”.

Cupiss trade stand

Cupiss trade stand (c. 1910)

Newspapers all over the British Isles carried reviews and adverts for them. He was seen at many Trade and Country shows.

Francis, possibly eager to retain the trade name of his Constitution Balls, saw a bull named “Sir Cupiss Ball” winning prizes at an agricultural show so he wrote to the bull’s owner. This exchange gave rise to a newspaper report.

The bull was listed in the “Ayton’s Herd Book of Hereford Cattle”, Volume 6, T. Duckham, 1865, shown above.

Besides these businesses, Francis was involved with financial services. He was the treasurer of the Diss Provident Society, an association of people who pay regular dues or other sums in return for old-age pensions, sickness benefits, etc., and also an agent for the Eastern Counties Permanent Benefit Building Society, which after several mergers it became part of the Britannia Group which is now part of The Co-operative Banking Group).

There is no doubt that Francis was a character; innovative, inventive, helpful. He was an interesting person to research, a side-line from another enquiry!

Part 4 - In The Newspapers

There were a great many references in newspapers to the Francis whilst living in Diss. The Bury and Norwich Post, The Diss Express and other papers often had articles with reference to him. Some are:

The Ipswich Journal, 13 Mar 1852, page 4

IMPORTANT TO
Proprietors of Horses and Neat Cattle.
AT this Season of the Year, when the changes of the atmosphere render it more productive of Disease, not only In Horses, but also in Neat Cattle, it is of the greatest importance to know of a remedy that may he used with safety and of never-failing efficacy.
CUPISS’S CONSTUTITION BALLS
most eminently possess the power of Cure, and by putting the System Into good health, prevent most of the common diseases to which Horses and Neat Cattle are subject.
PREPARED ONLY BY
FRANCIS CUPISS, M.R.C.V.S., DISS;
And Sold by all Chemists and Patent Medicine Vendors, in Packets of Six Balls, at 3s.6d. each Packet, with proper Directions and a Pamphlet of Testimonials from many Gentlemen who have used the Balls in various Complaints.
Any Gentleman using the Balls may consult the Proprietor gratuitously, either personally, or by letter, post-paid.

The Bury and Norwich Post, Wed., 14 Feb 1855, page 1

TO FLOCK-MASTERS.
F. CUPISS
RESPECTFULLY calls the attention of Flock-Masters to his
EWE'S FRIEND,
For preventing Straining and Draining in Sheep after Lambing, which so often proves fatal.
One dose will frequently prevent it coming on, and two or three doses will cure almost any case, however severe, if taken in time.
CUPISS'S EWE'S FRIEND was first introduced amongst his private friends, who found it so valuable a Medicine, that he is induced to make it generally known; and he doubts not but a fair trial will convince the public of its great utility.
The Ewe's Friend is prepared only by F. Cupiss, Chemist, Diss, Proprietor of the Constitution Horse Balls, and sold in packets, from Is. to 5. each, with proper directions.
Also GANGRENE OILS, a safe and efficacious remedy for Sheep at the time of Lambing, and an excellent application for fresh wounds in horses, and every Kind of Cattle.
The above preparations may be procured of Messrs. Barclay and Sons, 95, Farringdon-street, and of all the Wholesale Patent Medicine Venders in London, and Chemists in the Country.

Bury and Norwich Post, 31st Dec 1867, page 2

At the DUBLIN AGRICULTURAL SHOW of 1867,the celebrated Bull, named "SIR CUPISS BALL" obtained the FIRST PRIZE. Mr. CUPISS, of Diss, Norfolk, thinking the name might have reference to his world-famed CONSTITUTION BALLS, wrote to the Proprietor of the Animal, asking him the question, and was gratified by receiving in reply the following flattering testimonial:-
Miltown House, Clonmellon, September 21th, 1867.
Sir, I found your note here on my return from the Continent, on Saturday evening last. With respect to my bull " Sir Cupiss Ball," that name was given to him owing to your medicines having, in my opinion, saved his life. I bought him, looking very badly, with his dam, at the monthly sale, and on his arrival at my place, he was in a most delicate state; it was then discovered that his dam didn't give him one-tenth of the milk required to keep him in health, and we could not get him to take any other milk, and he would only use the smallest quantity of roots, no cake. A friend of mine then advised me to try your Balls, making four parts of one at first, and increasing gradually until he was able to take an entire one. In a short time his appetite improved, and soon he became able to use as much cake and roots as was necessary; from this period he throve apace, and I never had an animal easier to keep in condition. I exhibited him four times, and he obtained six 1st prizes (that is, four 1st as best of his class, and two 1st as best Hereford Bull shown). I am bound in gratitude to give you any information you require in reference to " Sir Cupiss Ball."
Feeling grateful for the benefit received,
I am, your obedient servant,-
To Mr. Cupiss, Diss, Norfolk. P. J. KEARNEY.
The Constitution Balls are prepared by the Proprietor,
FRANCIS CUPISS, MR.V.C.S.,
Author of the Prize Essay on the Diseases of the Liver of the Horse.
Sold by all chemists and medicine vendors, in packets with directions, at 1s. 9d. and 3s. 6d. each; or seven large packets for One Guinea or seven small for Half-a Guinea.
Any gentleman using the Balls may consult the Proprietor gratuitously, either personally or by letter, post paid.

Besides these businesses, Francis was involved with financial servicing. He was the treasurer of the Diss Provident Society, an association of people who pay regular dues or other sums in return for old-age pensions, sickness benefits, etc., and also an agent for the Eastern Counties Permanent Benefit Building Society.

The Bury and Norwich Post, Sat., 10 Mar 1868, Page 2

MONEY
£50 TO £5000 Advanced on Freehold, Copy hold, or Leasehold Property ; repayable by monthly installments extending over 7, 10, or I3 years, at the option of the borrower, full particulars of Mr. J.PEARCE, Manager of the EASTERN COUNTIES PERMANENT BENEFIT BUILDING SOCIETY, 2, Prince's-street, Ipswich; or of Mr. Fras. Arnold, Debenham; Mr. H. W. Collins, Woodbridge; Mr. Fras. Cupiss, Diss; Mr. V. Frewer, Bury St. Edmund's; Mr. R. A. King, Beccles; Mr. Robt. Lambert, Framlingham; Mr. W. W. Scrivener, Hadleigh; Mr. Henry Payne, Stowmarket.

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