The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1907-04-23
WILLIAM 9. uOKER DEAD.
Darlington Loses One of Her Best
Citizens-In War, IN Peace and
in Private Life His Career
Was One of Honor.


Darlington, April 20.-Hon. Will
liam c. ColIer died at his residence
here at about o'clock this morning.
For some time he has been in fail
ing health and his death was not un-
expected.
Born in 1888, he had not reached
the allotted space of human life,
but in the years that were given uu-
to him, he rendered such service to
his state and to his country as can
only be given by true hearted, pat
riotic manhood.
Capt. Coker was a South Carolina
college honor graduate, class Of 1859,
and enlisted April 18th, 1861, as a
private in Company r, Eighth South
Carolina infantry, commanded by
Capt. w. II. Evans; served as ser
geant until March. 1862, rccnlisted
and came home with his captain to
recruit the ranks so sadly thinned
by war. These were soon again fill
cd. The new company mustered in
as Company M, Eighth S. G. l., and
Sergeant w. C. Coker was elected
first lieutenant. At the battle of
Sharpsburg Capt. 7. N. Howle, COM
manding, was killed and Lieut.. Cox
er was promoted to the captaincy,
serving until the battle of Gettys-
burg, where he was wounded and cap
Mred, and taken to Johnson's island
where he was kept as prisoner of
war until March, 1864. From john
sons island he was taken to Fort
Delaware, thence to Richmond and
parolcd in February, 1863.
Capt. Coker and his command
fought calamity at First Manassas.
Williamsburg. Malvern Hill. Chan
ccllorsvillc, Maryland Heights,
Sharpsbur@ and Gettysburg. At
Malvern Hill he was cscvcrly wound
ed. He served with courage and dis
tinction throughout his long period
of active service.
Capt. Cokcr's Private Life.
Returnin" to private life, Capt.
Coker was successful business man,
dealing with large affairs. He was
once president of the Bank of Dar-
lineton, for several years president
!, and treasurer of the Darlington Man.
Il ufacturing company and at the time
= Of his death he was vice president of
the Bank of Darlington.
Capt. Col1cr had no desire whatever
) for political prcferment. but it can
SShe truly stated that his fellow citi-
8Ssns who knew his sterling worth,
hiss stainless integrity and his unas-
sumed ability literally made him
state senator from his native county.
Il He served three successive terms
y and voluntarily resigned his office.
He took an active interest in mat
ters educational and at the time Of
is death was chairman of the board
Z sol. rustees of the Darlington city
&f3ischools and president of The Darling
ton. Agriculture society.
Capt. Coker was married twice,
first in January, 1869, to Miss Mary
E. .McIver: his second marriage be-
ing in 1885 to Miss Lavinia McIver.
= From the first marriage were born
Y seven children: Prof. e. C. Colyer Of
!, Winthrop college; R. e. Coker, now
SSin Peru holding a position with the
,&yUTnited States government as a spc-
Rialist; Frank w. ColScr. post gra-
latc course at Columbia university:
Ian M. Coller, now in charge Of
brming and mercantile interests of
5 father at Society Hill. His wife
=. Nd three dauohtcrs, Miss Mary,
ss Sarah and Miss Lavinia, with
sons mentioned survive him.
: ;apt. Coker was a brother Of Mai
r.. Coker of Hartsville, Mr. F.. TT.
Eer, and his several surviving sis
at Society hill.
A Loss to South Carolina.
lhe death Of this honored and use
Scitizen is loss to his county and
is state. Capt. Coker was singu-
retiring and modest and was be-
and respected by all. He was a
Ihtful student, careful reader
ais intellect, strong and flexible,
lelicnte in its finish, with fine
by attainments.
IS given but few men to serve
1. I ~