Here are a collection of Obituaries of Australian Staley’s over the last 100 years. We’ll add to this as we find more.
Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 – 1918), Monday 18 November 1912, page 5
Mr. David Staley, who was the founder of the firm of Staley Bros, (now Staley and Connell), the large storekeepers of Swan Hill, passed away rather suddenly at his residence at Malvern on Tuesday last. The deceased gentleman (writes our Swan Hill correspondent) had recently been suffering from pneumonia, but had slightly re-covered, and had been in the city during the day, returning to his home in the afternoon. He then reclined on a sofa, and not long afterwards succumbed to heart failure as the result of pneumonia. The sad news was received with deep regret in Swam Hill. It was the struggling and hard years of the Mallee settlement that his connection with the district covered, and he played an important part in the rise and progress of the district. On leaving Swan Hill he followed the occupation of a commercial traveller, in which line he was very successful. He leaves a widow and family to mourn their loss.
From the Inglewood Advertiser, Tues 30 November 1915, Page 2
The death took place under distressing circumstances on Saturday of Mrs Emily May Staley (nee Lambe), wife of Mr J Staley, of the Jersey Reef. The cause was shock after child birth, which proved fatal in spite of the unremitting care of her attendant, Dr. G, W. Deravin, who was assisted by Dr. A. B. McCutcheon. The deceased was only 32 years of age, and had resided in Inglewood with her husband for the past seven years. Possessing a pleasing, kindly disposition, she had a large circle of friends, who are deeply grieved at her unfortunate and untimely ending. Great sympathy is entertained towards the bereaved husband, who is left with a family of three children, the eldest being seven years of age.
The interment took place yesterday afternoon, the burial service being conducted by the Rev C. A. Grant. Mr Wilsmore carried out the mortuary arrangements, the pall-bearers being Messrs F. and W. Mason, C. Shepherd and R. McGregor.
From the Argus, 4 July, 1939, Page 2.
MR. D. G. STALEY
Mr. Daniel Gray Staley, who died early yesterday morning after an illness of 10 days, was chairman of directors of Holeproof Limited, hosiery manufacturers of Sydney road, Brunswick. He was born near Castlemaine 67 years ago. For a number of years he was engaged with his brothers in business as general merchants in the Swan Hill district. After coming to Melbourne he was for about 20 years associated with Rolfe and Company. Seventeen years ago he and his nephew (Mr. A. G. Staley) established a hosiery business in Brunswick as Staley and Staley Ltd.
The late Mr. D. G. Staley was chairman of directors and he continued to hold that position as the business grew and the title changed to Holeproof Ltd. Mr. Staley who was unmarried, had lived at the Commercial Travellers’ Club, Flinders street, since its opening.
The funeral will leave Apps’s Chapel, Fitzroy, at 9 a.m. to-day and will pass the business premises of Holeproof Limited on its way to the old Scots Church, Campbellfield, where a short service will be held. The burial will take place in the Vaughan Cemetery near Castlemaine.
Death Notices from “The Inglewood Advertiser” Wednesday Evening, July 19, 1882
DEATH OF MR. ROBERT STALEY – Once again we have to record a visit the grim King of Terrors, who has been very frequent in his visitations amongst us as of late. The last one to depart from amongst us is Mr. Robert Staley, who has been a resident fully 20 years, and who departed this life this morning, at the age of 56 years, after a long asthmatic affection. The deceased, who leaves a wife and family of several children, all however of good age, followed the avocation of a miner. The funeral procession will leave his late residence on the Maxwell’s Reef at 2 p.m. on Friday.
Death Notices from “The Inglewood Advertiser” Tuesday Morning, February 27, 1912.
The death took place on Sunday, at the Inglewood Hospital, of Mrs. Jane Staley, a very old and respected resident of the borough. The deceased lady advanced in age, being 83 years old. She had been in failing health for a considerable time and had been an inmate of the institution since the 27th. October of last year. The cause of death was senile heart failure.
The Australian Storekeeper , June 30, 1913
….Great regret was expressed throughout the trade when the death of Mr Allan Staley, manager for Rolfe & Co. became known. Born in 1867 at Yandoit, near Castlemaine, where his father had a store, Mr Staley was brought up with his four brothers. When his school days were over and he had gained some experience, he went to Telford, his brothers Andrew and David having opened stores at Wilby and Telford. They gave him the management at the latter town, while the original business at Yandoit, with a branch at Smeaton, was carried on under the style of Staley and Connell – Mrs Connell being the only sister. Some little while later Allan Staley went to Hay, New South Wales, where he carried on a bookseller and stationers business, but after two or three years he sold out to advantage and moved to Swan Hill, accepting an engagement with his two brothers in their store, and he stayed there until 1894. At the latter end of this year, he joined the staff of Messrs. Rolfe and Co. as country traveller, just prior to the death of Mr. Deary. Shortly after Mr. C. Campbell was appointed manager. Mr. Staley had been on the roads about ten years with an excellent record, when in August, 1905 , Mr. Campbell died, and he was appointed to the vacant position, which he held until his death, giving satisfaction to his employers and their numerous customers and winning goodwill from all. Mr. Staley was a comparatively young man, being only 47 years of age at the time of his death. His kindly nature and his great energy and capacity for work made him friends everywhere, and enabled him to rise from a young country storekeeper to the position of manager of one of Melbourne’s oldest and best known wholesale grocery houses. Mr. Staley was married to Miss Peacock, the daughter of Mr. Wm. Peacock, one of the partners in Messrs. Robertson and Moffat, whom he leaves with two children to mourn his death, besides his three brothers and his sister, and a host of friends among our readers….”
Annie Stagg (wife of Jonathon Staley). Probably from the Inglewood Advertiser
Annie died in 1927 and her obituary from a local paper (probably the Inglewood Advertiser) follows: “Mrs Annie Keel, wife of the late Charles Keel died suddenly at her home on the Jersey Hill on Friday, where she was living with her son, Mr W J Staley. For a few days she had been indisposed, but there was nothing to indicate her condition was serious and her demise came as a great shock to Mr Staley and other members of the family. The deceased lady, who was 65 years of age, had never previously suffered a day’s sickness having enjoyed remarkable health. She was twice married, her first husband being the late Mr Jonathan Staley. Born at Inglewood she was widely known and highly respected having lived here all her life. She was an authority on the early doings in the district and was planning a busy week during the Back to Inglewood celebration, when it was estimated 40 connections of the family would assemble. Two sons, Messrs W. J. Staley and C. Keel reside in Inglewood, and with them, and other relatives, deep sympathy is expressed. The funeral on Sunday was largely attended. Rev. R. D. Peatt carried out the Anglican service.
Mr. L. Appleby having charge of the mortuary arrangements. Messrs John , Robert, Henry and William Staley and Charles and Edward Keel (sons) acted as bearers.”