Mary Ellen Coop was born in Manchester in 1853 and was the daughter of Josiah Coop (1822) and Nancy Bromilow. In 1861 she was living in Blast Lane, Sheffield. In 1871 she was living at 166 Saville Street East in the Brightside Bierlow area of Sheffield and working as a dressmaker. She married draper Job Keay in late 1873. In 1891 and 1901 she was living at 58 Jamaica Street in Brightside Bierlow.

Sources
• 1. Marriage Registers. Coop, Mary Ellen & Keay, Job. Dec. 1873. 9c. 703. Sheffield. • 2. 1871 Census. 166 Saville Street East, Brightside Bierlow, Sheffield. Mary E. Coop. Daughter. Age 18. Dress Maker. Born Manchester. • 3. 1891 Census. 58 Jamacia [sic] St, Brightside Bierlow, Sheffield. May Key [sic]. Wife. Age 38. Born Manchester. • 4. 1861 Census. Blast Lane, Sheffield. Mary E. Coop. Daughter. Age 8. Born Lancaster [sic]. • 5. 1901 Census. 58 Jamaica St, Brightside Bierlow, Sheffield. Mary E. Keay. Wife. Age 48. Born Manchester.