Henry Cox COLYER [11438]

   Cause of his death was suicide by rat poison.

  General Notes:

Henry was one of the early M.A. graduates from Sydney University.

He was then articled to Robert Johnson Lawyer of 165 Pitt Street, in June 1866 at the end of this he placed an advertisement that he was intending to be admitted as an attorney. He gave his address as No. 152 Victoria Street Darlinghurst. He was admitted in July 1866.

He was active in Protestant Church affairs in Sydney

HORNSBY LAND COMPANY, Limited.
Capital, £20,000. In 200 shares of £100 each.
Directors :
Neil Harper, Esq., J.P., Adderton (chairman). Thomas O'Nell, Esq., Fairmount, Ed. Atkins, Esq., Jun., Mount Ermington,
Herbert Coates, Esq., contractor Parramatta Sydney, Andrew M. Momsen, Esq.,
Bankers :
A. J. S. Bank, Granville,
Solioitor:
H. C. Colyer, Esq.
Secretary:
John Thorpe, Parramatta.
The Company having purchased 420 acres of splendid land at Hornsby, close to Hornsby Junction of the Homebush and Waratah railway line, are now subdividing the property into elligible and desirable blocks for orchards and building sites.
Ref: Trove, Sydney Morning Herald Sat 4 Sep 1886.

Chambers to Let. Henry C Colyer, 71 Elizabeth St
Ref: The Sydney Morning Herald 25 Jun 1887

Legal - wanted thoroughly competent CLERK, good knowledge of the practice of common law and equity indispensible. Apply by letter only enclosing copies of testamonials, stating salary. H.C. Colyer 71 Elizabeth St
Ref: Trove. Sydney Morning Herald 22 Aug 1888.

Henry gave a guinea to the NSW Institution for the Deaf Dumb and Blind.
Ref: Trove - Sydney Morning Herald 1 Oct 1888

In December 1888, Henry & Eliza took a holiday to Melbourne arriving December 31 on the R.M.S.S. 'Orient'. They were accompanied by an unnamed "niece" according to the 'Argus' Melbourne, Tuesday 1 January 1889 p.7 article.
The 'Argus' Saturday 19 January 1889, p.9 notes their returning to Sydney by Express, as they passed through Albury.
This time there is the name of a "Miss F. Hall" on the passenger list immediately before the Colyer names. It is probably safe to conclude that the "niece" would have been Florence M G Hall b.1869, d/o Henry's sister Mary Cox Colyer who m. Henry Hall in 1866.
Ref: Calia Chevalier 2015

Trust Money to lend on Mortgage of approved freehold property.
H C Colyer 71 Elizabeth St.
Ref: Trove. Sydney Morning Herald 2 Feb 1889

These Trove search's into the final unhappy end of Henry Cox Colyer's life and career were carried out by C Chevalier 2015.

INQUESTS.
SUICIDE OF A SOLICITOR.
A magisterial inquiry was hold by Mr W T. Pinhey, J P , at Manly, yesterday morning, relative to the death of Mr Henry Cox Colyer, a solicitor, who was found dead at his summer residence, at Manly, on the previous day Moreton John Godden Colyer, the son of the deceased, stated that he resided at No. 355, Liverpool street, and identified the body as that of his father, who was a solicitor, 47 years of age, his father had a summer residence known as Brightside, in Wood-street, Manly, and there was some " rough on rats " there for destroying vermin, he last saw his father alive at breakfast on Tuesday, the deceased left the house shortly afterwards, and as he had not returned by the following morning witness went down to the house at Manly to see if he had gone there, the door of the house was shut, and witness opened it and went in, followed by Miss von Blenheim; the deceased was found lying dead on the floor of one of the bedrooms, witness informed the police, and Sergeant Hamish Mackintosh examined the place, on the table in the hall they found a box of "rough on rats" and a tumbler containing some powder. Dr Watkins deposed to having made a post-mortem examination, all the organs were in a fairly healthy condition, with the exception of the heart, which showed signs of fatty degeneration, in the stomach was found some sediment similar to the preparation known as "rough on rats," he was of opinion that the deceased died from the effects of some inrritant poison, probably arsenic, he had received a letter from Dr. Foreman stating that the deceased had been terribly overworked and worried, and that he was not in a sound state of mind. Mr Minter, the deceased's clerk, testified that he had acted very strangely for some time past, witness attributed this to long-continued illness on the part of the deceased's wife, who had been an invalid for the past 19 years, and to overwork. The Rev. Canon Moreton said that he had known the deceased intimately tor the last 30 years, and during that period his conduct had been most exemplary, he was, however, given to overwork, and it was his custom to take his papers home when leaving the office, and work till early hours. His Worship found that death was due to an irritant poison known as "rough on rats," which was self-administered.
Ref: Trove The Sydney Morning Herald Friday 15 March 1889

Suicide of a Solicitor.
Mr. W. T. Pinhey, J.P., held a magisterial inquiry last week concerning the death of Mr. Henry Cox Colyer, who committed suicide on the previous day, at his residence, " Brightside," Wood street, Manly. Moreton John Godden Colyer, residing at 335, Liverpool street, identified the body as that of his father, aged 47 years, and a native of Sydney. He was a solicitor, practising in Elizabeth-street. Deceased resided with his wife and family in (355) Liverpool street, and their summer residence was at Manly. Deceased had been very despondent of late. A box of " Rough on Eats " was kept in their Manly residence, for the purpose of destroying rats. On Tuesday morning deceased left his home, but did not return that night, and on Wednesday morning witness proceeded to Manly to see if deceased were there. On arrival at the house he found the door shut, and on opening it he went inside and found his father lying dead on the floor of one of the bedrooms. His coat was off and his vest unbuttoned. Witness at once communicated with the police, and Sergeant McIntosh returned to the house, and subsequently found a box of " Rough on Rats " and a tumbler containing some powder similar to that compound on a table in the hall. Dr. Watkin made a post mortem examination, and found that all the deceased's organs were in a healthy state with the exception of the heart, which showed signs of fatty degeneration. Among the contents of the stomach was a sediment similar to that contained in the tumbler. In the doctor's opinion death was due to some irritant poison, probably "Rough on Rats." Death had taken place some hours previously. Mr. Winter, managing clerk for deceased, stated that deceased had been somewhat absent minded of late, and appeared greatly depressed in spirits. When asked a question he would meet it with a vacant stare, and say "What" Witness attributed this to the long-continued illness of his wife. Canon Moreton stated that he had been acquainted with the deceased and his family during the past thirty years, when his conduct had been most exemplary. Deceased had complained of overwork, and often remarked that he would break down if he did not have a rest. Witness remonstrated with him for his continued over exertion, and told him that it was injuring his brain and nervous system. A letter was produced which had been written to Dr. Watkin by Dr. Foreman, in which it was stated that deceased had been very strange in his mind for some time past, and that he was not responsible for his actions. Mr. Pinhey found that the deceased suicided by taking "Rough on Rats" poison.
Ref: Trove Australian Town and Country Journal Sydney, Saturday 23 March 1889.

The Late Henry Cox Colyer.
HIS ESTATE IN BANKRUPTCY
MRS. COLYER'S EVIDENCE.
Shortly after the sensational death of the late Henry. Cox Colyer, some months ago, it will be remembered that the executors under his will threw the estate into the Bankruptcy Court for administration. In accordance with the proceedings of the court, summonses were served on a number of persons to attend for examination as witnesses, before his Honour Judge Deffell. Mr. B. E. Wise appeared to examine on behalf of the official assignee, and Mr. Gordon watched the case on behalf of the executrix. Mrs. Colyer, executrix in the estate, said that after her husband's death certain books and papers were taken to her house, but afterward removed by Mr. Minter, a clerk to Mr. Roberts. Mr. Lloyd had not applied for any books or papers that had been refused him by witness, nor had she instructed Mr. Roberts not to hand over books or papers. Witness caused an advertisement to be inserted in the newspapers saying that arrangements had been made for the business to be carried on by Mr. E. G. C. Roberts. The books were only sent to witness's house for examination. On July 1, 1889, or thereabouts, she drew certain money (L96 9s 3d) from the City Bank, but it was not all in one cheque. That was when she had the account transferred to her name. Some of the money went for funeral expenses, and the remainder was now being used by her for household purposes. She did not know, and had not taken steps to find out, that there was money to her husband's credit in the Starr Bowkett Building Society. A meeting of the creditors was held, at which the witness was represented by Mr Dean. She did not see or know anything about any report that was made to the creditors, and no one had told her there was L83 10s to the credit of her husband in the building society mentioned. She claimed to be the owner of estates at Moss Vale, Manly, and Parramatta, and also of furniture in a house at Manly. The Manly property was purchased by witness's own money, and the deeds were now with the bank as security for an overdraft , of L200. The property cost L725, which she had saved up, partially out of housekeeping money and partly from money given to her in 1873. She had been allowed L6 per week for housekeeping. She bought the Manly property in May, 1887, and recognised her husband's writing on the "butt" of a cheque dated May 11, for L672 14s. That was in relation to the Manly property, and she had previously given her husband a cheque for that amount on her own banking account. She had not been through her husband's pass book.
Mr. Wise : I may state your Honor that I have here Mr. Colyer's bank book, and there is no entry of a cheque for the amount having been paid in. Mrs. Colyer, continuing, said she would hand over any of her own books if advised to do so, by her solicitor, Mr. Dean. Mr. Gordon undertook to let Mr. Lloyd, the official assignee, see any books he might re quire. Mrs. Colyer, resuming, said some of the furniture at Manly was the property of Mr. Colyer's sister, which had been removed from Parramatta. Mr. Colyer did not buy the furniture for her ; but of late years he had kept one or two for her children. In 1885 she (witness) had a 'ballot' on the Starr Bowkett Society for L200 and drew L69 from the Savings Bank. The money was paid into her banking account and appeared in her bank-book in the entry L267. Her husband did not supply her with that money. Mr. Colyer probably collected the money for her. She knew the handwriting of her husband on the butt of a cheque dated April 15, 1885, which had been drawn in favor of herself for L167. She had been living at Darlinghurst for the past twelve years, and had received the L6 per week for house keeping all that time. They did not live in considerable style at Darlinghurst. The Moss Vale property was bought from Dr. Forbes for about L500, and she obtained the money by drawing L189, which she had in another Starr Bowkett Society, and by mortgaging the Manly property for very nearly the balance. Joseph Foreman deposed that he sold the Moss Vale property to Mrs. Colyer, and was paid by Mr. Colyer; but he could not say by whose cheque. Richard G. C. Roberts, solicitor, said he made arrangements to carry on Mr. Colyer's business for the benefit of the estate. He produced the agreement. The only alteration made after that and before the sequestration was that the business was to be carried on in his own name. He had handed over all the books which he did not consider disclosed private transactions of clients with Mr. Colyer. Other books than those were given to Mr. Dean. The examinations then terminated.
Ref: Trove Evening News Sydney Thursday 29 August 1889

THE COLYER SUICIDE,
Facts have transpired which give the suicidal act of Mr Colyer a diffirent color than was at first attached to it, 'namely domestic troubles. It is stated one case of mortgage lays Mr Colyor open to imputations or work similar to that alleged against Mr
M'Culloch, solicitor, who cannot he found.
Ref: Trove - Singleton Argus Saturday 23 March 1889

THE MAITLAND MERCURY AND HUNTER RIVER GENERAL ADVERTISER SATURDAY 16 MARCH 1889, p.5
SPECIAL TELEGRAMS.
FRIDAY EVENING, RECEIVED 7.15.
[Extract from a general article.]
Some very ugly rumours are in circulation today in law circles which, if true, tend to show that financial difficulties were the cause of the suicide of H.C.Colyer. It is also reported that although a warrant for contempt of Court is out for another solicitor lately struck off the rolls, he cannot be found.

THE SUICIDE OF ME. H. C. COLYER, SOLICITOR. During the last few days, owing to the revelations with respect to Mr. Lawyer McCulloch, there has been much talk respecting Mr. H. C. Colyer, solicitor, who suicided a few days ago at Manly. The occurrence was ascribed to severe domestic troubles, and regret was expressed in the press and by people generally at the loss of so reputable and distinguished a member of the legal profession. But facts which have recently transpired give the suicidal act a different color. The case of a mortgage lays Collyer open to the imputation of work similar to that alleged against A. H. McColloch. Some thousands of pounds are involved, and it is feared investigations will show heavy losses to innocent people. A gentleman prominent in the legal profession, whose firm is doing a large and important business, expressed the opinion this morning that steps should be taken to make solicitors give a heavy bond as a security to the public. The gentleman referred to says these recent revelations create great mistrust in the public mind, and greatly impair the business of upright men in the profession.
Ref: Trove Evening News Sydney, Friday 22 March 1889

SYDNEY, FRIDAY, 3.34 p.m.
Circumstances have transpired, according to a statement of the Evening News, which connect the late H. C. Colyer, solicitor, with work in regard to certain mortgages similar to that alleged against A. H. McCulloch. Some thousand pounds are involved, and it is feared that investigation will show heavy losses to innocent people.
Ref: Goulburn Evening Penny Post Saturday 23 March 1889.

The Late Mr Colyer.
MEETING OF CREDITORS.
A meeting of creditors of the late Mr. Colyer, who committed suicide some short time ago, was held on Tuesday afternoon in the offices of Colyer and Roberts, 71, Elizabeth-street, Mr. Bird in the chair. The following approximate statement of assets and liabilities was placed before the meeting :-
Liabilities - Trust and other moneys.
Wager to Holmes ... 100
Miss Woods ... 650
Mrs. Wilson ... 1224
Mrs. Burbury ... 500
Evans ... 1000
Newman to Shore ... 150
Stade to Clarke ... 60
Miss Tester ... 36
Davis... 92
M'Cabe ... 175
Walker ... 500
Bellingham ... 20
Tait ... 1150
Hibbetts ... 242
Elder (deceased) ... 850
Dr. Hurst ... 2500
Mrs. Hordern ... 2000
Tradesmen's accounts ... 300
Carter ... 38
Mrs. Cross ... 337
Total liabilities ... 12,524
ASSETS.
Darlinghurst property, mortgaged for L5000, valued only at ... 2500
Household furniture ... 400
Office furniture ... 20
Inglebum Park Estate ... 80
Book debts Schedule A... 1000
Book debts Schedule B... 700
Book debts Schedule C... 400
Credit at City Bank... 99
Total assets ... ... .L5199
It was stated, however, that the book debts were almost worthless, therefore the assets must be reduced by that amount ... 2100
Leaving net assets ... L3099
Besides these assets Mrs. Coliyer offers to give up the following properties :
Moss Vale, valued at ... L600
Manly Beach ... 900
Parramatta ... 150
Making a total of ... L4749
In answer to questions, it was stated that the manner in which the moneys received had been expended could not be traced in any way. After some lengthy desultory discussion, the following motion proposed by Mr. Phillips, and seconded by Mr. Peate (Peate and Harcourt), was carried unanimously : "That Mr. S. W. Dowling be appointed to investigate the whole of the estate, and to bring up a report thereon to a meeting of creditors, to be held this day fortnight ; the cost of the investtgation to be a first charge on the
money in hand."
The meeting then adjourned.
Ref: Trove - Evening News Sydney Friday 3 May 1889 pg 6

The Late Mr. Colyer.
Meeting of Creditors
An adjourned meeting of the creditors of the late Mr. Colyer, solicitor, was held in the offices, 71, Elizabeth-street, on Tuesday afternoon, at 4 o'clock. Mr. Dowling, who had been instructed at a previous meeting to investigate the affairs of the deceased, brought up his report, which contained charges of a very grave character against the deceased. The following lady creditors : Mesdames Tate, Hordern, and Chaperon were appointed trustees for winding up the estate, and the creditors agreed to accept a dividend of 5s in the L, which, it was stated, the estate would realise.
Ref: Trove - Evening News Sydney, Friday 17 May 1889 Page 6

The Late M. G. Colyer.
HIS ESTATE SEQUESTRATED.
DEFICIENCY NEARLY L10,000.
Among the estates sequestrated in bankruptcy this morning is that of the late H. C. Colyer,
solicitor, of Sydney. The order for sequestration has been made in the petition of Sarah. Annie
Colyer, the executrix, and the statement of affairs filed and signed by the executrix show the liabilities as L12,768, 4s 4d, of which L4500 is said to be "secured." Against this the assets are
set forth as -
Cash in the hands of Mr. G. Roberts subject to his costs,
charges, and expenses ... L164 16 11
Furniture and other property ... 456 0 0
Debts good, bad, and doubtful... 2412 4, 4,
Total... ... ... L3033 1 3
Thus leaving a deficiency of L9735 3s Id.
Mr. Lancelot T. Lloyd has been appointed the official assignee in the estate.
Ref: Trove - Evening News Sydney, Friday 5 July 1889 page 4

ESTATE of HENRY COX COLYER, (Deceased) IN BANKRUPTCY.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, at 11 a.m.
IMPORTANT and INTERESTING SALE
by PUBLIC AUCTION,
at CLINTON, No. 355, LIVERPOOL-STREET, DARLINGHURST,
BY ORDER OF THE OFFICIAL ASSIGNEE,
of the whole of the
GRAND FURNITURE and HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS, comprising CRYSTAL CUT and ENGRAVED GLASS
ELECTROPLATE SUPERIOR DINING-ROOM FURNITURE, in POLISHED MAHOGANY.
THE ELEGANT FURNITURE and APPOINTMENTS of the DRAWING-ROOM, including a magnificent UPRIGHT GRAND PIANOFORTE, by Bechstein, in handsomely-finished ebonised case. This Instrument is of the first order, and worthy the attentions
of professionals, musicians etc.
ATTRACTIVE LIBRARY FURNITURE VALUABLE BOOKS.
THE COMPLETE APPOINTMENTS of SEVERAL BEDROOMS, including a MAGNIFICENT BEDROOM SUITE, in Solid MAHOGANY,
POLISHED, consisting of 3-winged Wardrobe.Duchesse
Toilets, Towel-rail, Sec.
SPLENDID CARPETS and MATS, etc.
Ref: Trove - The Sydney Morning Herald Saturday 10 August 1889 Pg 17.

Ref: Deaths 1752/1913. NSW BDM www.bdm.nsw.gov/familyHistory/searchHistoricalRecords.htm

  Research Notes:

Birth Ref: http://trees.ancestry.co.uk/tree/25541058/person/12350284543

Henry married Sarah Annie EVANS [11437] [MRIN: 3830], daughter of George Edwards EVANS [11432] and Sarah HAMMON [11433], on 26 Jul 1866 in St James Sydney NSW Australia. (Sarah Annie EVANS [11437] was born on 1 Jul 1841 in Clerkenwell MDX, baptised on 4 Jul 1852 in St Sepulchre Holborn LND and died on 12 Dec 1912 in Manly NSW.)