William James Coley 1849 -1891

William James Coley was the first born child of James and Rebecca Coley. He was born in Auckland, New Zealand on 10^th September 1849. He was registered by his maternal grandmother Mary Washington (former name Massey) on the 8^th October 1849. His name appears as Colely on his birth certificate (this has been misspelt) William was christened on 2^nd December 1849 at Saint Pauls Church, Auckland. William moved with his family to Otago in the South Island of New Zealand when he was about 10 years old, the family lived there for about five or six years, their next move was to Wellington, William would have been about 16 years old by then. He would have been helping his father in the family carting business, the Coley family's final move was to Foxton in about 1875 when he was about 26 years old. Eight years later William married Elizabeth Jane Williams on 9^th June 1883 at the Foxton Registrar’s Office, he was 33 years old and Elizabeth was 19 years old. Their witnesses were William Henry Williams (Elizabeth’s father or brother) and Amelia Kilkolly. Elizabeth Jane was known by her second name Jane. William had been living and working at Carnavon (old name for Himitangi a farming area near Foxton). Jane joined him there after their marriage. They lived at Carnavon until William's death in 1891 at the age of 41 years. William like his father worked as a Carter in and around the Foxton area he also was a Stockman and Shearer.

William and Jane had seven children the first child born was my grandfather William Edward, born 16^th February 1884, then came Robert James, born 22^nd March 1885 but died as a infant on 15^th January 1887,he had suffered from convulsions. Charles Henry was the next born on the 6^th March 1886, then Jane had two daughters Sarah Jane born 6 April 1887 and Alice Rebecca born 6 November 1888, on the 20^th November 1890 James Nicholas was born but died nine months later on the 4^th August 1891, from having Bronchitis - this was three months after his father was killed (story follows) lastly came Robert Theophilus born 29^th April 1891.

On the 19^th of May 1891 William was tragically killed while he was driving stock on the Barbar's farm at Himitangi, near Foxton, he was 41years old. Although the paper states he was 42 years old he had not yet had his birthday for that year.

The Manawatu Herald states on the 19^th May 1891

A serious Accident

We much regret to have to record the serious accident that befell Mr. William Coley yesterday. It appears that he was stock driving on the Himitangi run the property of the Messrs Barber's and was running a cow alongside his horse, when the cow suddenly fell and upset the horse throwing Coley on his head and the horse on top of him. A lad working on the run saw him and brought young Mr Barber up and as Coley was found to be insensible they sent in a message for a conveyance to take him to his father's house in tow; and also telegraphed for Dr. MacIntyre to come down. The sufferer passed the night in a state of unconsciousness, and still is so, and no doctor seems able to get down till the train arrives to-night. Great sympathy is expressed both towards the patient and his wife and young family.

Dr. MacIntyre would have travelled from Palmerston North as he had to come by train. Palmerston North would have been about 45mins to 60 mins travel time. William never regained consciousness and it has been said that William's neck was broken. When Dr. MacIntyre arrived he pronounced William beyond professional care. William died about 9pm the next day. William left a wife and seven small children the eldest being seven and the youngest 20 months old. William had wisely insured his life for 200 pounds. William James Coley's funeral was on Thursday 21^st May 1891: The Rev Mr. Jones conducted the service at All Saints Church, Foxton. William is buried in the Foxton cemetery grave number 126. This grave is unmarked but is alongside his wife Elizabeth Jane (E. J. Sullivan, who remarried in later years)

Written by Verna Coley

Copyright 2005

Revised May 2008

Revised Jan 2014

Accuracy is strived for but not guaranteed.

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