An Undertaker's Porcelain Occupational Shaving Mug Belonging to William Collier

Late 19th/Early 20th Century

bearing the name William J. Collier in gilt lettering, and depicting a gentleman driving a horse-drawn hearse.
underside unmarked.
Height 3 1/2 inches.

together with a printed advertisement for W. J. Collier & Sons, Undertakers and Embalmers in Port Jervis, New York. The Colliers are also listed as the proprietors of Delaware House, providing coaching, carting, and freighting services.

According to the genealogical record, William Joseph Collier (1854-1935) was born on July 1, 1854, in Port Jervis, New York to Irish immigrants Thomas and Margaret Collier. U.S. Federal Census records from the early twentieth century indicate that he worked first as a liveryman but had established his own undertaking business by 1920. He and his wife, Barbara Anne, had three children together, including sons Fred and Thomas, presumably his business partners.