Looking for the family of William James Foley. Born on 17 August 1857 in Cork, Ireland. Father – Michael Foley enlisted in Madras Artillery in 1839 and died in Malaya (now Malaysia) on 2 April 1877.
Micheal’s brother, James was Manager of City of Cork, Steam Packet Company office in Ireland. Died in April 1875.

Spouses name not known.

Hi,
I am Alan J. Foley. My great grand father is William James Foley who was from Cork, Ireland. I was told that he came here to Malaysia with the British Army. He then was the first Chief Police officer before he retired and died in Penang.

I also was told that William James Foley was related (I think his brother) to a Foley who worked in the Fire-Station in Cork.

I am the fourth descendant. My dad was named after him.
- William James Foley (Born In Ireland)
- Alfred James Foley (Born In Malaya
- William James Foley (My Dad - Born In Malaya)
- Alan Jude Foley (Me - Born In Malaya)

My husband's mother was a Maureen Foley born March 1922 in Quenstown Co Cork. Believe her mother was Josephine and her father Patrick and he came to the UK to help out the coastguard in WW2. That is all I know so any help at all would be wonderful.

Hello Alan
You're in luck. I have been looking into the archives of the Penang Gazette and found a one page write-up on William James Foley, retired chief inspector of police in the Federated Malay States. My grandmother, Matilda Foley, was his daughter, one of 20 children! WJ Foley died in 1936. I remember vaguely a grand uncle Alfred. WJ Foley had a son, Michael Foley, who died in the Dardanelles in 1916. I can send you more details, if you wish. Benny

Hi Benny,
I think I have seen that article clipping before. Anyways, please do e-mail me at ajfoley@inbox.com.

Thanks.
Alan