William Colbert, 51 or 47, was a United States citizen married to Helena Colbert (née Sherlock). William and Helena lived at 4 West 18th Street, New York City, New York, United States. Both William and Helena were lost in the Lusitania sinking. William’s body was #195 recovered. Helena’s body was either never recovered or never identified.
From The New York Times, Friday, 4 June 1915, page 11: (death notice) “…husband of the late Helena Colbert. Funeral to be at his residence 361 West 18th Street, Saturday, June 5 at 9:45 A.M., St. Francis Xavier’s Church, West 16th Street. Interment Calvary.”
William and Helena were originally from Ireland and became American citizens through naturalization. William had been employed for over five years by an insurance company as an agent. His earnings of 1910 to 1914, both inclusive, averaged $1,141.16 per year. At the time of his resignation to go abroad he was “receiving a weekly salary of approximately $22.59”. He resigned on 26 April 1915, to return to Ireland, as Helen had inherited property there.
William was survived by his mother and by three brothers and two sisters. One of the sisters was married. The mother was then about 66 years of age and resided with her three other sons and unmarried daughter, the youngest of whom was 25 years of age. William and Helena lived separately from them, as did also his married sister. The mother died on or about October 10, 1921.
William F. Colbert bequeathed his entire estate to his wife or, if she should not survive him, then to his wife’s brother and sister, David J. and Mary J. Sherlock, to each one-half.
Related pages
William and Helena Colbert at the Mixed Claims Commission
Contributors
Judith Tavares
References
Mixed Claims Commission, Docket No. 2561, page 537.
New York Times, Friday, 4 June 1915, page 11.
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