Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John William Copson, a shoe trade riveter and a watch and clock repairer, born 1868 in Sutton in the Elms, Leics., and his wife Florence Copson (nee Pears), born 1866 in Great Dalby, Leics. John Harry was born in 1896 in Sutton in the Elms, Leics., his siblings were, Francis W., born 1890 and Maggie, born 1892, the latter two siblings were born in Primethorpe, Leics., Gladys Mary, born 1894, Minnie, born 1895, Florence Annie, born 1899 and Alfred, born 1901, the latter four siblings were all born in Sutton in the Elms, Leics., also residing with the family was his paternal aunt, Sarah M. Copson, a monthly nurse, born 1841 in Great Glen, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at Main Road, Broughton Astley, Sutton in the Elms, Leics. In April 1911 John was employed as a newsboy and gardener’s help and was residing in the family home at Broughton Astley, Leics., together with his parents and siblings, Maggie, a post office assistant, Gladys a dressmaker improver, Minnie, a mother’s help, Florence, a schoolgirl, Alfred, a schoolboy and Lily, a schoolgirl, born 1904 in Sutton in the Elms, Leics.