WILLIAM RILEY

William Riley was born in West Maitland 1844 and died around 1904. His death date is an approximation taken from his wife’s death notice. [Unable to find a death certificate or burial place.]

William's stated profession varies. The birth certificates for daughters Elizabeth and Annie record William as a shepherd. For Ivy, he is recorded as a labourer.

William married Eliza Jane Harvey (1856-1935) in 1881 in the district of Wellington (NSW BDM 6057/1881). 

Eliza Jane Harvey's birth certificate (NSW BDM 5879/1856) states:

Born: 8 May 1856 at "Oakfield" (Wellington?)

Father's name: Thomas Davis Harvey - from Birmingham, a farmer aged 43

Mothers Name: Elizabeth (formerly Mason) from London, aged 24

Parents married: St James Church Sydney, 1850

Previous Children: Mary Elizabeth (5); Teressa Martha (2); William James (deceased)

Registered at Mudgee, 4 July 1856

Source: Jeanette Riley

 William and Eliza's  children included:

1. John 1883-1943, never married (In BDM his name is misspelt as John Riely)

2. William Henry between 1884-1887 unable to find birth or death notice but was still alive in 1943 when brother John died (see news item below). Married Edith Maude Stott (1883-1969) in 1918 in Gulgong.

• Daughter, Jean 1919-1926

In 1923 Edith’s divorce proceedings were denied but given a judicial separation. There were several newspaper reports. Edith’s evidence points to a violent husband.

3. Elizabeth (Lizzie) 1886-1968, wed Charles Riley in 1906 at Gunnedah (NSW BDM 1408/1906). They had 5 children.

4. Rosetta Lockwood 1888-1972; married Albert William Harrison in 1911 at Coonamble (NSW BDM 5211/1911). They had 8 children.

5. Annie Priscilla 1890-1982 partner to Thomas Edward Barber (no marriage). Annie had 11 children, 8 with Thomas.

6. Ivy M, born 1897

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NEWS ITEMS

1935 - OBITUARY: MRS. ELIZA JANE RILEY.

The death took place at the Wellington District Hospital this morning of a well-known resident of the district in the person of Mrs. Eliza Jane Riley, at the age of 79 years. The deceased had resided with her son at Bodangora for the past 31 years. About five days ago she fell and fractured her leg, and she was admitted to the Wellington Hospital, where she received every care and attention. However, pneumonia supervened, and she passed away quietly this morning. The late Mrs. Riley was a native of Mudgee, and resided for a number of years at Gulgong, eventually coming to Bodangora 31 years ago. During her long residence in the district, she made staunch friends. Her husband predeceased her 32 years ago. A grown-up family survive her, sons being Messrs William (Granville) and John (Bodangora). The daughters are Mrs. Riley (Munga, Queensland), Mrs. Harris (Granville), and Mrs. T. Barber (Wellington). The remains were encased in a polished maple casket silver mounted, and will he interred in the Church of England portion of the Wellington cemetery at 11 o'clock -to-morrow morning, the cortege leaving C. J. Shakespeare and Sons funeral parlour at that hour. The Rev. Keith D. Norman will officiate and C. J. Shakespeare and Sons will conduct the funeral arrangements.
Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954), Monday 8 April 1935, page 2

1943 - OBITUARY - MR. JOHN RILEY

The death took place at the Wellington District Hospital on Saturday morning last of a well-known district resident in the person of Mr. John Riley, at the age of 60 years, his death being caused as a result of an accident the previous day. It appears he was up an old dry tree cutting limbs for firewood when he fell. He was seen by a motorist who was passing, whom he hailed. He was immediately taken to the Wellington District Hospital, where it was found that he had sustained a fractured spleen, and despite every care and attention he passed away.

The deceased was a single man who had lived at Bodangora for a great number of years, and was held in the highest respect by a large circle of friends, who were grieved to hear of his untimely end. He was a native of Gulgong. He is survived by the following sisters: Elizabeth (Mrs. C. Riley, Queensland), Rosie (Mrs. Harrison, Wentworthville) and Annie (Mrs. T. E. Barber, Wellington). Also one brother, William, of Granville. 

The remains were encased in a polished maple casket and were laid to rest in the Church of England portion of the Wellington cemetery yesterday, the services at the graveside being conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon K. D. Norman. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs C. J. Shakespeare and Sons.

Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954) Mon 15 Feb 1943 Page 5

The death of Eliza Harvey’s father, Thomas D Harvey, occurred in Mudgee in 1858. (NSW BDM 4494/1858). Eliza was aged around 2 years.

A New Zealand newspaper carried the story from Australia's Sydney Morning Herald. [Full text at link]
Source: COLONIST, ISSUE 62, 25 MAY 1858, PAGE 4

Perhaps Eliza’s mother remarried. Very difficult for a woman with a number of children to survive alone.
Source: Research provided by descendant, Kaye Kloiser