#6037, William BOXER

William was named after his brother who died as a 3-year old. Like his other two brothers William joined the Royal navy, but most of his time was as a Coastguard officer, known as the 'Preventive Service, to which he transferred in 1817. Although seen as a comfortable life and attractive to officers without a ship, it could be very dangerous and several officers were murdered. William moved house a good deal to fit in with his work. At first he served on the south coast of England, where his duties included smuggling prevention, but then was posted to Ireland. He married twice and his children by his first wife, Ann, were born in England. The first 2 by his second wife, Frances, were born in Dover and the other 4 in County Donegal, the north-west of Ireland.

He rose to the rank of Commander (Coastguard) and was appointed Inspecting Commander at Dunfanaghy, in Donegal. Ireland was never a popular posting as the locals regarded them as the enemy, interfering with life and daily activities (such as illicit stills). Very few local men were prepared to do the job, so officers such as William had to be sent from England.

A member of the Boxer family
2011.