Mayor 1925-1926
A member of the Liberal Party.
Born: 1859, Bombay, India.
Father: Jamasji Kavasji Badshah.
Kavas was educated at Elphinstone School before moving on to Elphinstone College, Bombay. At the Bombay University, Kavas successfully passed the first examination in Arts. In 1875, after a competitive examination, Kavas was awarded one of the two Gilchrist Educational Fund scholarships of £100 each per annum, tenable for three years, to be held at the London University by natives of India. He proceeded to England as a proud Parsee gentleman to continue his education at London University.
In 1877, he passed the Civil Service examination, standing eighth on the list with 1601 marks. At the final examination, Kavas obtained two prizes of £50 each – one for high proficiency in political economy and one for high proficiency in Bengali.
As a graduate of the London University, Kavas was one of the thirty persons from 200 candidates selected for Government service in India after a competitive examination by the Civil Service Commissioners. Kavas was 21 years old when he went to India in 1879, first serving as Magistrate, Postmaster-General of two different provinces, before becoming Deputy Director-General of the Post Office of India, in the North-Western Provinces and Oudh.
PARSEE CIVIL SERVANTS
If Bengal has contributed Civil Servants to Bombay, Bombay in her turn is sending the most distinguished of her youth to Bengal in the like capacity. Amongst the recent arrivals at Bombay from England we notice the name of Mr. Kavasjee Jamasjee Badshah, the first Parsee Civil Servant appointed to the Lower Provinces. Mr. Badshah is the second Parsee who has entered the Civil Service of India; the first was Mr. Cursetjee Rustomjee, who heads the list of the year 1876 in the North-Western Provinces, and who has been recently appointed Officiating Joint Magistrate, 2nd Grade. The example of Messrs. Rustomjee and Kavasjje Badshah will not be without its effect on the Parsee youth, and therefore Bengal had better look to her laurels. Madras Weekly Mail – Saturday, 22nd November 1879
(Kavas, far right standing.)
In November 1899, the office of the Comptroller of Post Office Accounts at Calcutta announced that it was to be decentralised, with one division at Delhi. Kavas had to make a flying visit to that station to make the necessary arrangements, and to secure the buildings near the Northbrook Hotel, owned by Mr. Skinner, as offices, and to see that all improvements were carried out. Accommodation premises for over 200 clerks and others had to be found and made ready by December. In early April 1903, Kavas took up the post of Excise and Salt Commissioner for Bengal. He had the responsibility and important duties in the task of examining and reporting on all the Excise systems in India.
Kavas retired from the Indian Civil Service in 1904. Leaving India, the end of 1904, he embarked at the Port of Calcutta to sail aboard the S.S.’Mombassa’ of the British India Steam Navigation Co. – Master G.G. Stevenson. Kavas disembarked at the Port of Plymouth. Kavas then came to reside in Ipswich, where his wife Emma Badshah and their children had been established since 1892, making their family home at ‘Lalla Rookh’ 11, St. Edmunds Road, Ipswich.
CENSUS
In 1901, Emma and her children were living in England – ‘Lalla Rookh’ 11, St. Edmunds Road, Ipswich.
Emma, 40, Living on own Means.
Cecil, 14.
Lilian, 10.
Mabel, 7.
1 nurse.
1 cook.
1 housemaid.
1911 11, St. Edmunds Road, Ipswich.
Kavas was 52 years old, a Pensioner – a retired Servant – Government of India. He was married and head of the household.
Emma, 50.
Mabel, 17.
1 cook.
1 housemaid.
On the 18th March 1885, Dacca, Bengal, India, Kavas married Emma Collington Pierson, born 17th August 1855, Calcutta, Bengal, baptised 7th October 1855, Calcutta – daughter of Richard & Emma Pierson, India.
Father: Richard Lundin Pierson, born December 1805, St. Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland – died 10th July 1856, laid to rest 11th July 1856, Fort William, Bengal, India.
Mother: Emma Collington Pierson (nee Head (1st marriage Porter)), born March 1827, Dum Dum, Bengal. In April 1857, Calcutta, Emma married Arthur Prince Whittenberry, born November 1830, Calcutta. Emma and Richard had seven children. Emma died 15th September 1903, laid to rest 16th September 1903, Calcutta, Bengal, India.
Emma and Kavas had three children:
CECIL PIERSON BADSHAH was born in 1886, Calcutta, India. In October 1909, at Uxbridge, Middlesex, Cecil, a solicitor, married Marjory Beavean, born in June 1888, at Battlebridge, Surrey. They had 1 daughter. On the 3rd May 1915, Cecil, a Solicitor of the Supreme Court, renounced, relinquished, and abandoned the use of his former surname BADSHAH, and assumed to take and use the surname BRADSHAW. Marjory and their daughter also assumed to take and use the surname Bradshaw. Cecil Bradshaw died in September 1919, Ipswich.
LILIAN MARY COLLINGTON BADSHAH was born in 14th September 1890, Allahabad, Bengal, baptised on 16th November 1890, Allahabad. In 1939, Lilian was a private secretary at Wayland, Norfolk. Lilian Badshah, of Kimet Creek Gardens, Ryde, Isle of Wight, died in May 1951.
MABEL CONSTANCE BADSHAH was born on the 26th May 1893, Ipswich. On the 1st May 1931, Mabel, of 11, St. Edmunds Road, Ipswich, renounced, relinquished and abandoned the use of her former surname BADSHAH, and assumed to take and use the surname CONSTANCE. In 1939, Mabel was an addressing machine operator at Paddington, London. Mabel Constane, of 70, Holbein House, Sloane Square, London, died in July 1983.
Emma Badshah died in 1922, in Ipswich.
Kavas Badshah died 22nd March 1931, following an illness of a few weeks’ duration, age 73, at 11, St. Edmunds Road, Ipswich.
Probate to Lilian Mary Collington Badshah – daughter.
Evening Star – Wednesday, 1st June 1910 – VOTES FOE WOMEN – PROPOSAL TO DISSOLVE AN IPSWICH SOCIETY – On Tuesday, 31st May 1910, Emily Harrison attended a meeting of the Ipswich and County Women’s Suffrage Society, held at the Town Hall. A crisis has arisen in the fortunes of the Ipswich and County Women’s Suffrage Society, which was founded a few years ago for propaganda work of a strictly non-militant character in the cause of “Votes for Women.” One of the rules of the Society is that its officers shall not associate themselves with the work of the militant section of the Suffragettes, and it is this rule which had led to the present impasse. Until recently the President was Mrs. Maud Welfitt Norman; the Secretary was Miss Palmer; and the Treasurer was Mrs. Florence Harriet Nussey Cullingham. Mrs. Maud Norman and Miss Annie Elizabeth Palmer allowed their names to be used in support of the meeting at Ipswich recently addressed by Miss Christabel Pankhurst, and their action was seriously criticised and traversed at the annual meeting held about that time. Subsequently, Mrs. Maud Norman and Miss Annie Palmer resigned their offices, and Mrs. Florence Cullingham also withdrew from the work of the Society. A meeting was quickly arranged to discuss the situation thus created. Out of the hundred and twenty members, no more than thirty were present on the Tuesday evening at the Ipswich Town Hall. Mrs. Catherine Ann Griffiths was in the Chair and was supported on the platform by several members of the Committee, including Miss Annie Palmer and Mrs. Florence Cullingham. A letter was read from Mrs. Maud Norman, in the course of which she said: “After a great deal of serious consideration, I have decided to resign the Presidency. I think that it would be better for the future peace of the Society that a President should be found who cannot be suspected of unduly favouring militant methods.” Miss Emily B. Harrison, M.A., said that she thought that a non-militant Society would gather a great many people who were utterly disgusted with militant antics and that the cause would make unmeasurable progress through such a Society.
No Nominations for the vacant offices having been received, a motion was made to forthwith dissolve the Society; but Mr. Kavas Jamas Badshah successfully objected that that was not on the agenda, and could not, therefore, be properly discussed. After some further argument, a number of names were mentioned, and Miss Mary Elizabeth Everitt, of Rheinheim, 288, Norwich Road, was elected hon. secretary, in succession to Miss Annie Palmer. It is understood that another meeting will be held shortly, at which the question of winding up the Ipswich and County Women’s Suffrage Society will be fully discussed, and some decisions reached.
East Anglia – 5th August 1911 – Ipswich
Hon. Secretary: Miss C. E. Andrews, of 160, Norwich Road. Last Thursday a garden meeting was held a ‘Lalla Rookh,’ the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Badshah, to whose kindness we owe the recollection of a very pleasant afternoon. The speeches of Mrs. Vulliamy and Dr. Cobb were much appreciated. Mrs. Vulliamy dwelt on the present policy of our League and the National Insurance Bill as it affects women. Dr. Cobb’s speech was delightfully refreshing, original and instructive; he showed his practical interest in the movement by becoming an associate of our Branch. Mrs. Marie Hossack presided, and literature was sold. Our thanks are due to Miss Mabel Badshah for the splendid way in which she sold ‘The Vote’ at the market last Saturday. The Vote
1913 Kavas was elected to the Town Council for the Liberal Party.
Evening Star – Tuesday, 13th November 1917 – On Wednesday, 14th November 1917, at 7 p.m., Councillor Kavas Badshah gave a lantern lecture titled “THE WAR IN THE AIR,” at People’s Hall, Stoke. Admission was free. A musical programme was arranged by Mr. George William Akester– chairman – Reverend A. Woodard.
Evening Star – Wednesday, 14th November 1917 – On Thursday, 15th November 1917, at 7 p.m., Councillor Kavas Badshah gave a lantern lecture titled “THE WAR IN THE AIR,” at Springfield Council Schools. Admission was free. A musical programme was arranged by Mr. W. Cook – chairman – George Billam, Esq.
Evening Star – Friday, 16th November 1917 – On Saturday, 17th November 1917, at 6:45 p.m., Councillor Kavas Badshah gave a lantern lecture titled “THE WAR IN THE AIR,” at the Public Hall, Ipswich. Admission was free, with civilians admitted to the Gallery and Balcony. A musical programme was arranged by Mr. William Henry Dixon, L.R.A.M. – Chairman – Alderman Bunnell Burton.
Evening Star – Saturday, 29th September 1917 – WAR SAVINGS CONFERENCE AT IPSWICH – On Friday, 28th September, the Mayor of Ipswich Mr. Valentine D. Colchester welcomed to the County Hall, Ipswich, Sir Robert M. Kindersley, K.B.E., chairman of the National War Savings Committee, who had travelled to Ipswich to presided over the conference of chairmen and secretaries of War Savings Committees. Sir Robert M. Kindersley said to the conference that there were now 26 Committees and 637 War Savings Associations in Suffolk, for a population of 394,000, which was a very satisfactory proportion. Sir Robert continued to say that similar conferences had been or would be held by next Wednesday in every county in England and Wales, and it was an absolute revelation to see the extraordinary quality of the personnel at work in that great movement. Since the beginning of the year, the Committee has done service in the War Loan campaign and in the Food Economy campaign, both of which have been very great successes. Mr. Kavas Jamas Badshah and Miss Jefferies explained the good results which had been attained in Ipswich through the Household Associations, which had been started in fourteen districts. Considerable discussions arose during the conference on all subjects of importance that were introduced, and the Conference proved in every way an unqualified success.
War bonds were issued to help finance the war effort, from small to large amounts, 6d savings stamps, being collected on a card up to 31 stamps. It was then exchanged for a savings certificate. Each certificate could be bought for 15 shillings and sixpence. These matured to £1 after 5 years, paying 6% interest. Money raised would help to buy tanks and equipment throughout 1917 to June 1919. The movement was started in 1916.
1918
Kavas was awarded The Order the British Empire Medal in 1918 for his contribution to the war Bond promotion.
The Order of the British Empire was established by King George V in 1917 to honour those who had served in a non-combative role and expanded the Order to reward contributions to the Arts, Sciences, Charitable work and Public Service. The Order comprises five classes across both military and civilian divisions. The Order also includes the British Empire Medal presented to those who have contributed to service in their community.
E.A.D.T. – Monday, 10th June 1918 – ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE – The second section of the supplement to the “London Gazette” announcing promotions in, and appointments to, the Order of the British Empire comprises twenty-four pages of names of ladies and gentlemen appointed Officers, among them: –
Mr. KAVAS JAMAS BADSHAH, Hon. Secretary, Ipswich War Savings Committee. This honour is regarded as a recognition of the town’s excellent effort during Destroyer Week. Mr. Badshah joined the Indian Civil Service in November 1879. He was a Magistrate for seven years, and then for about ten years Postmaster-General of Bengal and the United Provinces. He was also a Commissioner of Excise in Bengal. In 1913, he entered the Ipswich Town Council as a representative of the Middle Ward. The following represent his services during the war: – Hon. Secretary Derby Recruiting Committee since October 1916 (being responsible for the War Loan and Destroyer Week campaigns); Hon. Secretary Ipswich Food Economy Campaign Committee in 1917; Hon. Secretary, Middle Ward Relief Committee since August 1914; Hon. secretary of Ipswich Communal Kitchen, since May 1917; and a member of the Ipswich tribunal since January 1916.
1925
9th November 1925, Kavas was elected as the new Mayor of Ipswich during a full Council held at the Town Hall.
1926
Remarks at a British Legion County meeting, Major H Hussey, East Anglia Organising Secretary :
- 1926 – ex-servicemen 700,000 out of work
- 1926 Relief committees were forced to sit daily in Towns and cities, including Sundays
- BL East Anglia Jan-May 1926 £3,138 for relief cases, in the form of food vouchers and coal.
- 31 East Anglia ex-servicemen were helped with small business setups of £20+
- Up to 1926, £53,000 had been paid out to help set up small businesses for ex-servicemen in the UK.
In the summer, a Legion fundraising Fete was held at Christchurch Park, making national news appear in the Daily Mail.
Frederick Turner, former chairman/commandant of the Ipswich branch COGW, was now the British Legion Chairman for Ipswich, seen here with the Mayor of Ipswich, Kavas Jamas Badshah, at the summer fete. Frederick was also a local politician and had been the Mayor in 1924-25.
Frederick Turner served with the 4th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment, being wounded in early 1915, and returning to the Battalion as temporary battalion commander. He returned to England to take command of the training for the Regiment.
1927
The Town Council and staff (Mayor Tempest)
.
Badshah Avenue, Ipswich, Suffolk.
On 15th November 2025 a Blue Plaque was unveiled by the Ipswich Society, the Mayor Of Ipswich and the High Sheriff of Suffolk at Kavas’ former family home, Community leaders from across the town were in attendance, followed by a civic reception at the Town Hall.
SOURCES:
Images of Mayors courtesy of Ipswich Borough Council.
www.ancestry.co.uk for census returns, births, marriages, deaths, probates, military records, and other historical online records.