Family background
Joseph Douglas Couling was born on 26 October 1855 at Richmond, NSW, the son of Cuthbert Couling and Sarah Douglass. He married Ellen Duffell (1858-1914) on 19 October 1881 at Sydney, and they had one son. Couling died at Windsor, NSW, on 14 September 1937, aged 81 years; he was buried at the Presbyterian Cemetery Richmond. He left a Will and his estate and assets were assessed at £660. Couling lived at 89 Renwick Street, Alexandria.
Occupation & interests
Joseph Couling was a contractor. He was a typical local alderman of his time – male, middle class, self-employed and conservative in outlook.
Local government service
Joseph Douglas Couling was an alderman on Alexandria Council for two terms, representing the West Ward: 1904-07 and 1911-12.
References
‘Advertising’, Evening News, 1 February 1904, p. 8, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/112785762