Lost on the steamship Boscastle. Joseph Coates was born at Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, in 1865, son of William Coates (born Leeds), and Margaret Coates (born Bishop Auckland). The 1881 Census lists William as a labourer, living in Stockton with his wife and five children; Joseph (aged 17, Labourer), Emma (aged 14), John (aged 8, scholar), Mary (aged 4), and 6-month old Eshen.
In 1887 Joseph, now aged 22, married Amelia Osborn (also 22), and the 1891 Census shows Joseph, Amelia, their 2-year old son George William, and 1-month old daughter Matilda, living at No.92, Cumberland Street, West Hartlepool.
The 1911 Census shows the family had grown and were now living at No.17, Studley Road, West Hartlepool. Living in the house with Joseph (listed as a Ship's Stoker), and Amelia are: sons George William (aged 22, Ship's Plater's Helper, single), Arthur (aged 11), daughters Evelyn (aged 16, single), May (aged 13), and Lilly (aged 7). Also in the house are 6-month old nephew and niece Thomas and Jessie Desborough. Their daughter Matilda, recorded on the 1891 Census, no longer appears and probably died in childhood.
