Thomas Cotter was the son of William Cotter. His mother may have been Sarah Callaghan. He was born in Aughnacloy on 21st August 1885. He was one of at least eight children, five surviving, all born in the Aughnacloy area. By 1910 he was living in Belfast and working as a driller. Sapper Thomas Cotter served with the ‘M Company’ of the Royal Engineers. He died in Belfast on 29th January 1918.
Further Information
Thomas Cotter was the son of William Cotter.
The CWGC record his mother as Mary Jane. However, research of the GRONI records implies his mother’s name was Sarah.
William Cotter and Sarah Callaghan were married on 21st April 1876 in the district of Dungannon (GRONI Ref: M/1876/T1/2556/2/146)
The CWGC defines his birthplace as Aughnacloy, County Tyrone. Ireland’s Memorial Records Book records his birthplace as Armagh. The 1901 census records his birthplace as Belfast.
GRONI records a Thomas Cotter born in Aughnacloy on 21st August 1885. He was one of at least eight children, five surviving, all born in the Aughnacloy area.
Estimated family: William Cotter, Sarah / Mary Jane Cotter, Mary Cotter (born 20th February 1877), William Cotter (born 2nd October 1879), Susan Cotter (born 23rd October 1881, died 5th November 1881), Susan Cotter (born 23rd December 1882, died 16th February 1883), Unnamed son (born 31st January 1884, died 8th February 1884), Thomas Cotter (born 21st August 1885), James Cotter (born 11th September 1888), Susan Cotter (born 22nd May 1891).
The Belfast Street Directory of 1910 records Thomas as living at 58 Mervue Street, Belfast. His occupation is given as “driller”.
The 1911 census shows he was living with his uncle and aunt, the Bennetts, at 58 Mervue Street, Belfast.
Thomas enlisted in Barrow-in-Furness in England. He was living in Belfast.
Sapper Thomas Cotter served with the ‘M Company’ of the Royal Engineers. He arrived in the Balkans on 25th July 1915.
Sapper Thomas Cotter died ‘at home’ on 29th January 1918. He was aged 32.
GRONI also record his death as 29th January (Ref D/1918/43/1007/7/217).
In his will, he left all to his wife, Mrs Anne Cotter, who was living at 32 Lawther Place, Belfast in 1915.
Last Will and Testament of Sapper Thomas Cotter dated 21st July 1915:
In the event of my death, I give the whole of my property and effects to my wife Mrs Anne Cotter, 32 Lawther Place, Belfast, Ireland. 41667 Sapper T Cotter, 66 Field Company, Royal Engineers, 10th Division.
Sapper T Cotter is buried in Carnmoney Cemetery, Newtownabbey, County Antrim
The CWGC record Sapper Thomas Cotter as the son of William and Mary Jane Cotter. He is also recorded as the husband of Mary Ann Cotter of 37 Upper Mervue Street, Belfast. He is listed as having been born in Aughnacloy, County Tyrone.
