Major Tosland of Bedfordshire

[Skelleyville]

Hi
From an old family photo Album of the Cooper Cooper Family of Toddington in Bedfordshire. It says this is Major Tosland, but nothing else.
Can someone age this photo for me (possibly between 1860 and 1880)
I would also like to know if someone can identify the uniform for me.
Thanks
Wendy

[Lady Di]

My first thought was that they both look American 

Then I found that the tenants/residents of the Cowper Cooper estate were reported to be into dressing up for theatricals. The text says your picture is "Major Tosland again with Mr Green
which must have been entertainment theatricals"

http://www.slimshader.co.uk/CooperCooperPhotos.pdf

Tosland was reported to be the Bailiff.

Dare I guess the era was 1870's - but could be a long way off the mark.

The uniforms could be any date if they were using them for dress-ups!

[Skelleyville]

Thanks for that.
I will look into it a bit more.
I'm unsure as the background in this photo is not at the Manor, where the other photos were taken. Also there is a photo of a lady, man and boy with the same background, they do not appear to be in the theatrics, and at this time they were living in Portsea, not at the manor in Toddington.

I found a record of a Captain G Tosland in the Bedfordshire Militia 1859, but I don't think this uniform/costume is from there.

Unsure if the assumption this photo  was also in theatrical dress up is correct.

[Treetotal]

You might want to post your photo here for and ID of the uniforms.


https://www.rootschat.com/forum/armed-forces/

Carol

[Skelleyville]

Thanks, I will give it a go

[tonepad]

The men are wearing Rifles Officer's Whistle & Chains:

https://www.coldstreammilitaryantiques.com/en-GB/import---accoutrements/rifles-officer-s-whistle-chains/prod_20137#.YkFueOfMLIU

One has a Crossed Rifles marksman badge.

The other man appears to have a number in the braiding on the sleeve, perhaps 29.


Tony

[Skelleyville]

Thanks Tony, it's the little details that will solve the mystery one day.
I have no idea what I'm looking at but will learn some more about those items.
There is mention that a Cooper Cooper family member was in Bedford Light Infantry Militia in 1855. I am guessing this photo was taken circa 1860.
Thanks again.
Wendy

[cuffie81]

I think your chap is Major George Toseland. There's numerous newspaper references to him, over many years, and many which include members of the Cooper Cooper family, and often Major Cooper Cooper.

George Toseland died in 1883 and one of the items about his death has some details of his service (see attached). Various details have also been added to his FindAGrave memorial (oddly, there's no mention of his wife, Elizabeth, who died in 1904 and was reported to have been buried with her husband).

Find a Grave Memorial
MAJ George Toseland (1819-1883)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/155095115/george-toseland


Leighton Buzzard Observer and Linslade Gazette
02 Oct 1883
page 8
Toddington
[see attached]

[Skelleyville]

That's awesome.
Thanks so much for that!
I am guessing the photos were taken in 1860, this information would fit in that timeline.
It makes sense if he was involved with Major Cooper Cooper, that he would be at the Manor when the photos were taken.