William J Buckley
Source: Lesley Pattinson
William Buckley was born in Merriwa in 1897 (NSW BDM 4760/1897). His parents were William and Harriet Buckley. He enlisted to fight in WWI in May 1915 (see military record).
William married Eva Clarence Stott in 1920 (NSW BDM 4018/1920) in Lithgow. She was the daughter of John and Sarah Ann Stott of Gulgong (NSW BDM 26443/1885). They had one daughter:
- Joan Olive Buckley - born 1921, Coolah (NSW BDM 9645/1921); married Percival Robert Arnold Isbester in 1943 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 22632/1943)
William died suddenly on 17 January 1945 at the age of 47 (NSW BDM 2461/1945). He was buried in Gulgong.
NEWS ITEMS
1915 - A HUGE RECRUIT.
Mr. W. J. Buckley, jun., Gulgong, has enlisted for the front. He is only 18 years of age, and is 6ft. 7in. high. When at the recruiting office in Sydney he attracted much attention. He was forced to stoop in order to enter the room.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Jun 1915 Page 19
1916 - LOCAL BREVITIES
Until a few weeks ago Trooper W. Buckley, of Gulgong, had the honor of being the tallest soldier who had enlisted in the whole of the Commonwealth, but, some days ago, he had to hand the honor over to a certain Trooper A. E. Kingnickle, of Aramac (which is a little township in Queensland). Trooper Kingnickle stands 6ft. 11in. in his socks, and yet is only 21 years of age. Evidently they breed the big 'uns in the northern State.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 13 Apr 1916 Page 29
1917 - SOLDIER 6ft. 8in
Six feet eight inches is the height of Private W. J. Buckley, of Gulgong, N.S.W., .who is serving in France. He also went through the Gallipoli campaign. His age is 20 years.
Six feet eight inches is the height of Private W. J. Buckley, of Gulgong, N.S.W., .who is serving in France. He also went through the Gallipoli campaign. His age is 20 years.
1945 - Deaths - Mr. W. J. Buckley, Jun.
The town of Gulgong received a shock on Monday morning, January 8, when it was reported that Mr. William James Buckley, jun., had died suddenly. Only a few minutes before he was seen by many up the street doing his usual visits to the business places. On returning home he was shaving in his bathroom when he suddenly collapsed and passed away.
Born at Merriwa, deceased was 47 years of age. He was the son of Mr. W. J. Buckley, of Mudgee, and the late Mrs. Buckley. He was, until about 12 months ago, employed on the staff of the local railway. Deceased was a returned soldier of the 1914-18 war, in which he served for 4½ years. He had not enjoyed good health since, and was pensioned off from the railway for 12 months to see if his health would improve. Upon the death of Mr. W. A. Saunders, Uarbry mail contrator some six months ago Mr. Buckley took over the duties, which he faithfully carried out until his death.
Mr. Buckley was of a quiet disposition, and believed in doing unto others as he would have them do unto him. He had endeared himself to all who knew him on his mail run. He leaves a sorrowing widow and one daughter (Mrs. Bob Isbester, of Gulgong) and three brothers (Bruce, of Lithgow, Hubert, A.I.F. Allan, A.I.F.) and three sisters (Mrs. Mulholland, Mudgee, Mrs. Latham, Sydney, Mrs. Atkinson, Bylong Valley).
The funeral took place on the following Tuesday morning to the Church of England portion of the Gulgong Cemetery, Rev. Canon Powell, of Mudgee, officiating, in the absence of Rev. Howard Ellis. Mr. D. Whale carried out the funeral arrangements. Our sympathy is extended.
