Family background
William James Burleigh was born at Redfern in about 1882. His parents were Thomas and Frances Burleigh. William Burleigh was educated at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill. He married Ellen Mulligan in 1912. Although they were living separately by November 1917, they appear to have been reconciled by the time of his death in 1935. In 1930, he was living at 141 Curlewis Street, Bondi and employed as a clerk. William James Burleigh died at Bondi on 10 October 1935. He was buried at the Roman Catholic cemetery, Rookwood.
Occupation & interests
William Burleigh joined South Sydney Rugby Union Club where he soon became a renowned and popular player as the wing three-quarter. He played for NSW and kicked the winning goal in match against New Zealand. Between December 1913 and September 1917 he held the licence of the Erskineville Hotel, 102 Erskineville Road, Erskineville but was declared bankrupt in 1917. His wife and her three sisters owned the hotel. After his bankruptcy the hotel licence was transferred to James Williamson.
Local government service
William James Burleigh was an alderman on Erskineville Council in 1917, representing Middle Ward. He resigned from the council in October 1917.
References
‘Prominent Footballers’, Sydney Mail, 11 July 1906, p 121, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/163686211
‘William Burleigh’s Death’, The Referee, 17 October 1935, p 13, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/135519536
‘Death of Bill Burleigh’, Sun, 13 October 1935, p 56, http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/231178466
State Archives of NSW, Bankruptcy, No 21270, 10/23850