William Coghill

William Coghill (c. 1784-1860) was a pioneer pastoralist and squatter of the Port Phillip District in 1838.

William Coghill was born in Scotland, probably in ,. At his wedding in Wick, Scotland in 1812 his occupation was listed as shoemaker. He continued as a shoemaker until his departure for New South Wales. William arrived in New South Wales on board the Mangles in 1824, captained by his brother John. In January 1838, William and two of his sons traveled from the Monaro Plains, New South Wales, to the Port Phillip District with John Stuart Hepburn and 2000 sheep. By April 1838, the Coghills had established a run at Glendaruel near present day Clunes. By mid 1840 William was back on his property in NSW, leaving his sons in charge on the Glendaruel pastoral lease, which was split into two leases. The second was Glendonald station on Coghills Creek. William later moved to the Moonee Moonee Ponds Creek near Tullamarine.

In 1846 William Coghill formed the Immigration Society with others including A.M Campbell and G.C Curlewis to encourage labourers to the area. William Coghill, his wife and younger children lived on the Cumberland Estate on the south of Gellibrand Hill from about 1845 and became prominent in local affairs, including the establishment of the first Scottish Presbyterian church in the district. William's Sons David and George established their own pastoral properties nearby.

He died on 19 July 1860 (aged 76).