Mayor – 1899 – 1900.
Member of the Conservative Party.
A member of the established church – Church of England.
William was elected to the Council in 1890 as one of the representatives of the Westgate Ward.
Born: 23rd August 1863, Ipswich.
Baptised: 24th August 1863, at St. Matthew’s Church, Ipswich.
CENSUS
1871 Anglesea Road, St. Matthew’s, Ipswich.
William was 7 years old. He was living with his parents, siblings, and twin.
Henry, 44, a Tobacco Manufacturer.
Mary, 42.
Ellen, 13.
Henry, 7.
Arthur, 3.
3 female domestic servants.
1881 26, Angell Road, Brixton, Lambeth, London.
William and his twin brother were 17 years old; they were lodging together. William an Apprentice Tobacconist and Henry a Solicitor’s Articled Clerk.
1891 Belstead Road, St. Mary at Stoke, Ipswich.
William was 27 years old, a Tobacco Manuafcturer – employer. He was married and head of the household.
Lois, 24.
1 cook.
1 housemaid.
1901 Queenscliffe, Kesteven Road, St. Mary at Stoke, Ipswich.
William was 36 years old, a Tobacco Manuafcaturer – employer. He was married and head of the household.
Lois, 34.
Dorothy, 9.
Phyllis, 7.
Ida, 8 months.
1 cook.
1 parlourmaid.
1 nurse.
1 housemaid.
1911 Orwell House, Lower Walton, Suffolk.
William was 48 years old, a director – Imperial Tobacco Co. Ltd., – employer. He was married and head of the household.
Lois, 44. 
Dorothy, 19.
Phyllis, 17.
Ida, 10.
Violet, 9.
1 cook.
1 parlourmaid.
1 housemaid.
1 sewing maid.
1 kitchenmaid.
ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939.
William was a Director of Public Companies. He was a widower and head of the household at the Churchman family home – Melton Lodge, Deben Road, Melton, Suffolk.
Dorothy, unpaid Domestic Duties.
Ida, Private Means.
Violet, Private Means.
1 other.
4 female domestic servants.
DURING WILLIAM’S MAYORALTY
Evening Star – Thursday, 16th November 1899 – FURIOUS DRIVING – At the Ipswich Police Court on Thursday, 16th November, Charles Setterfield, a pork butcher, of 72, St. Helen’s Street, Ipswich, was before the Mayor of Ipswich, William Alfred Churchman, Esq., the Deputy Mayor, Edwin Perkins Ridley, Esq., Colonel John Henry Josselyn, Henry Woods Packard. John May, Alfred Wrinch, Robert Maplestone Miller, Samuel Richard Anness, Roderick Donald Fraser, George Hines, and William Orford White, Esqs., charged with furious driving. Police-constable Fuller said he saw Charles Setterfield, on Monday afternoon, driving a “pony and cart at full gallop” along Spring Road. He was urging the animal on with a stick. Charles pleaded Guilty and was fined 6s., and 13s. 6d. costs.
SUFFOLK VOLUNTEERS FOR THE FRONT.
DEPARTURE SCENES AT IPSWICH.
THE MAYOR’S FAREWELL LUNCHEON.
12th January 1900 Suffolk Chronicle & Mercury Newspaper
Follow link for the Suffolk Regiment during the Boer War.
It is a happy coincidence that the Mayor of Ipswich, during a year which is destined to be for ever memorable in the history of the empire in general and the Volunteer movement in particular, should be a gentleman who has long been connected with our defensive force.
Mayor W.A. Churchman represents the citizen-soldier in a most exact sense, and his Worship showed ready appreciation of the fact by inviting to luncheon at the Town Hall, the detachment of the 1st V.B. Suffolk Regiment which has engaged for active service in South Africa. This was the opening feature, therefore, of the demonstration which took place at the county town, on Wednesday, when the Active-Service Company of the 1st V.B. Suffolk Regiment left by the Depot at Bury St. Edmund’s. The men from other parts of East Suffolk proceeded straight to the Drill Hall, on reaching Ipswich; 
here they were awaited and joined by the representatives of the local half Battalion; and at half-past one o’clock the detachment marched to the Town Hall, from the summit of which the Old Union Jack – which is brand-new in actual presentment – floated bravely in the breeze. There was a fair assembly of townspeople in the streets even then, while the weather, wet and gloomy in the morning, gave signs of breaking out into a fine afternoon – a good omen in respect of the war itself, it may be hoped.
A number of leading townspeople, representative of all classes, had been invited to meet the Volunteers, and were received in the Council Chamber by the Mayor and Mayoress, his Worship wearing the chain of office, and being attended by 
Town Sergeants Hicks and Scott. Luncheon was laid in the Library, and the head table was adorned with the Regimental plate, including the Challenge Cup won by the 1st V.B.S.R. (given by Colonel Collins) and the loving cup presented to the officers’ mess by Col. J.H. Josselyn. The guests of the day 
were first shown to their seats, and the fact may here be mentioned that a member of H Company “retired” at the last moment, and that his place was filled at five minutes’ notice by one of the Woodbridge Company, who got a telegram after half-past twelve o’clock, and started for Ipswich at 12:58. The Mayor was supported on the right by Sir Charles Dalrymple, M.P., the Mayoress, Col. Josselyn, and Col. Alderson, and on the left by Mr. D. Ford Goddard, M.P., the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. E.P. Ridley), Dr. J.H. Bartlet, and Col. Fred Turner; the vice-chairs were occupied by Mayor F.G. Bond and Captain W.T. Pretty, and the company also included General Gardiner, Col. H.W. Packard, Lieut.-Col. Ward, Col. Russell, Captain Horsfield and Major Cobbold (1st Suffolk and Essex Artillery Volunteers), Captain Tempest, Captain and Adjutant Prest, Captain F. Turner, Captain Frank Bales, Surgeon-Capt. Hoyland, Surgeon-Lieut. Ward, Lieut. F.J. Cubitt, Liet. Orford, Mr. A. Winch, Mr. F.H. Forsdick, Mr. B.H. Burton, Mr. W.P. Burton, Mr. Cunningham Woods, Mr. Will Bantoft, Mr. J.E. Ransome, Mr. T.R. Elkington, and others.
After luncheon, the Chairman gave “The Queen,” which was drunk with cheers, and the loving cup was passed round. It was a merry scene this, as the gallant Volunteers, all unused to such a ceremony, bowed to one another, and roared with laughter over the fun of the thing. A cheer announced the rising of Lieutenant Orford, one of the Ipswich Company, who has volunteered for service, and is greatly disappointed that he has for the present to remain at home with the waiting Company.
The Mayor said before he proposed the toast with which he had been entrusted, he should like to mention that he had received some very kind letters from M
r. John D. Cobbold, Hon. W. Lowther – who was one of the first subscribers to the Fund which he (the Mayor) had opened the other day – Col. Thompson, Brigade-Surgeon Elliston, and Gen. Abadie, Commanding the Eastern District. General Abadie, in a letter expressing regret that he was unable to be present, owing to the fact that he was engaged at Norwich, heartily wished the Ipswich Volunteers every success, and concluded as follows:- “They have a hard time before them, and a hard nut to crack, but I feel certain they will do their duty to the best of their ability for their Queen, for their country, and for their county.” (Applause.) Continuing, the Major gave the toast of “Her Majesty’s Forces at home and aboard,” and, in doing so, remarked that it would be noticed that he made no distinction between Her Majesty’s force of all kinds – the Navy, and Army, and Reserve Forces. They were all her Majesty’s forces, and all are equally ready to do their duty whenever called upon to do so. (Applause.) Our Navy, they felt sure, was ready, and he thought, perhaps, it was owing to this fact that the country was not involved at the present time in complications outside South Africa. They knew that detachments of the Navy had been fighting side by side with the sister Service at the front, and they were told that the Navy had on more than one occasion saved the situation. He did not think that anyone who had carefully read the papers every morning – and who had not done so? – could possibly think that our Army of to-day was not equal to the Army which had fought for Britain in days gone by. (Applause.) They had read of officers and men vieing with each other in acts of bravery, and in showing that the “soldiers of the Queen” knew, as of old, how to fight and die for their country. (Renewed applause.) There had been defeats, but these had only made our soldiers more determined to succeed in the end. (Hear, hear). Napoleon once said, “These Englishmen never know when they are beaten,” and it was this indomitable spirit of our race which had built up the British Empire, and was bound to triumph over all disasters and difficulties. It had been a trying time to them at home, but he thought the nation had never appeared to greater advantage. There had been no panic; the voice of party politics had been hushed; and the nation had rallied shoulder to shoulder, to the wonder and the envy of half the world. (Loud applause). Out of evil, he felt assured, some good would certainly come. (Hear, hear). They had seen the Colonies holding out their hands to help the Mother land; they had seen such a wave of patriotism rush over the country as had not happened for many years past; and he thought the country had at last realised – what some of them knew all along – that that Volunteer force could be relied upon to do even more than its duty. (Applause). That force was started some 40 years ago by men who loved their country. It was born of patriotism and nurtured on patriotism; it had thriven in spite of snubs and some discouragement; and it must gladden the hearts of some of those who were responsible for its beginning to see that at last their efforts were bearing fruit. 
(Col. Josselyn: Hear, hear). They had met that day to wish “God speed” to the men of the 1st Volunteer Battalion Suffolk Regiment who had offered themselves for service in South Africa. These men were going out with a full knowledge of what they had to face. They knew well enough that they were going to face a soldier’s risk – possibly a soldier’s death; but they counted themselves proud to be amongst the first to show the country of what stuff the citizen soldiers were made. (Applause). He hoped each one of them would remember that he held in his individual hands the credit of the Volunteer Force – (a voice: “We will, sir,” and renewed applause) – of the 200,000 comrades whom they were leaving behind. Upon their conduct and bearing there depended, in no small degree, the future of the Volunteer Force. He was sure they would come back with honour and credit. “Remember that you carry with you,” the Mayor concluded, “our hearts and our hopes, and the good wishes of all your comrades; we shall watch your doings day by day; and when you return home victorious, as I hope and believe you will, I can promise you such a welcome as will repay you for all the hardships you may have undergone.” (Loud applause).
Sir Charles Dalrymple, M.P., who was received with applause, said in response, that though it was true he was an old Volunteer, and had served 25 years in the Militia, that time had gone by, and he should have thought there were many present who could have more appropriately answered the toast proposed by the Mayor. He well remembered joining the Volunteer forces on their formation, as an undergraduate at Cambridge 40 years ago, and he should have liked to appear in uniform on the present occasion. There were, however, reasons against doing so; one that the uniform would not button – (laughter) – and the other that two or three years ago he gave it to a young kinsman who was entering the regiment. (Applause.) The present gathering was one of extraordinary interest to us all. Our hearts were with the brave men who had gone forth, and were going forth, to do their duty for their Queen, and country, not only from this land, but from other lands, which were under the Queen’s benignant sway. (Applause.) Only on the previous day, he saw a young fellow in Edinburgh whom he knew well, and who had been selected to go forth with the cavalry, and now he (the speaker) was wishing Ipswich Volunteers God-speed on the same mission. (Hear, hear.) It showed to any that may have doubted it what a real thing the Volunteer movement had been, and that when the hour came, so did the men. (Applause.) The older men, whose day for soldiering had gone by, were grateful to the Mayor foe affording them the opportunity of meeting the Ipswich contingent of the Suffolk Volunteers on the present occasion. It was a memorable occasion in Ipswich – an occasion which none of them would miss, if possible (Hear, hear.) In conclusion he again wished the men God-speed.
Colonel Josselyn, who was received with cheers, also replied, and at the outset expressed thanks to the Mayor on behalf of the Volunteers for his hospitality, and equally kind remarks. (Hear, hear.) His heart was almost too full for words. Sixty-five years had passed over his head, and out of that number, 36 years had been spent in learning, in the first place, to do his duty, and afterwards in endeavouring to teach – and be trusted not altogether unsuccessfully – others to do their duty. (Applause). The day, thank God, had not yet come, and please God, it never would come:-
When our maidens rend their tresses,
For our great country’s fall,
And our old men gird on their old swords,
And go to man the wall.
– (Applause). We knew now that our backs were by no means driven to the wall, and he trusted they would not be. (Hear, hear.) The clarion cry to arms had resounded throughout the land, and how well it had been responded to, not only by the youth, energy, and manhood of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, but by Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders, Queenslanders, and every section of the Empire’s people in our Colonial possession. (Applause.) Our Volunteers were going out to fight a just and righteous war. (Applause.) They of the Ipswich contingent were going to join a regiment of historic fame – the old 12th Regiment, or the present Suffolk Regiment – and they would be under the command of one who was known to most of the men serving in the ranks of the Volunteer Battalions. George MacKenzie was a soldier to the backbone, and under him he (the speaker) would rather go into battle than under any other man in the British Army (Applause.) The direction of the campaign was now in the hands of the darling of the British Army – (Applause) – for he had never yet lost a battle and was one whom they trusted well. (Applause.) It was he whom the British Army styled as “Gallant Old Bobs.” (Cheers.) In conclusion, Colonel Josselyn urged the Volunteers to be worthy of their country, and let “For Queen and country, God defend the right,” be their war-cry. (Cheers.)
Col. Alderson also responded, observing that he was proud to see the gallant response that had been made to the call to arms in the country, not that he was in the least surprised at it. (Hear, hear.) An Englishman was never backward when any fighting was going on. (Applause.) There were no more distinguished regiments in the Army than those from the Eastern Counties – the 9th and 12th Regiments. Few regiments had gained more honours, and no regiment had a better record for good and soldier-like conduct under all conditions. (Hear, hear.) To the Ipswich Volunteers might he say, “God bless you,” and wish them a safe return to their Queen and country and their sweethearts. (Cheers.) If any of them did come across his soldier-boy now fighting in South Africa – (Applause) – he hoped they would make themselves at home with him, and they could not give greater pleasure to the boy’s father than by the knowledge he had shaken hands with an Eastern Counties’ Volunteer. (Applause.) He (the speaker) felt certain that his son would recognise them as most glorious companions in arms. (Loud applause.)
Sergeant Garrard, senior non-commissioned officer of the detachment, also replied, being received with applause. He was sure that all his comrades who were going with him would, if the opportunity arose, give a good account of themselves. (Applause.) On the other hand, they felt they were doing nothing more than hundreds would be glad to do. They were merely the fortunate ones, who had been selected to represent the 1st Suffolk Battalion, and he believed that every man was proud of the fact he had been picked. (Applause.)
Mr. D. Ford Goddard, who was welcomed with applause, said he understood the limits of time were very narrow, and that, consequently, the toast list could not be extended. He was entrusted with the task of proposing the hearty thanks of those present to the Mayor for the excellent hospitality he had shown to them on the present occasion, and for the interesting speech which he had delivered. (Applause.) It might hearten them however, to say that they would not be forgotten during their absence, and he took the opportunity of saying. “You will not be forgotten by us when you are out in South Africa, amidst the perils of war.” (Applause.) Personally, he disliked the war altogether. He knew there were a great many sorrowful hearts, but it was not their business to discuss that question. When England said We want men,” there were men ready to say they would go. (Applause.) Those who had volunteered had shown themselves to be true to their principles and to their country. There was a time, at the beginning of the Volunteer movement, when the Volunteers were laughed at, and said to be playing at war. The play-time had gone by, and now their Volunteers had nothing before them but the earnest reality of war itself. (Applause.) He had no doubt that the Ipswich contingent would show themselves earnest and gallant soldiers, and he wished to assure them that they would not be forgotten by those at home while they were in the midst of their troubles, hardships and dangers. (Cheers.)
The Mayor, in reply, expressed thanks to the Town Clerk and to Major Bond for the assistance they had rendered him in making the arrangements for the luncheon. He had done no more than his duty, or more than any other Mayor would have done. He wished to take the opportunity of thanking those friends, who within three days, provided the necessary money to complete the fund he had opened in connection with the departure of the Volunteers, and he should also like to thank 
Mr. B.H. Burton, who had offered to insure for £100 any man had anyone dependant on him. He thought that was a very generous offer – (cheers) – and he was sure he might express their gratitude to Mr. Burton.
____________________
SCENE ON THE CORNHILL
While the luncheon in progress, there came from the outside the sound of many voices, and the strains of martial music, and the Cornhill presented an extraordinary scene when the company went down to the entrance of the Town Hall. Thousands of the Ipswich people – men, women, and children – had assembled to take part in what was generally regarded as an historical occasion. 
Almost every inch of standing-room was occupied; spectators thronged the windows of all the buildings around, from the Golden Lion Hotel to the Post Office, and a number of cabs, tram-cars, and busses formed improvised grand stands which were all crowded with onlookers. A space in front of the Hall was kept clear by the Ipswich Volunteers, who had marched up from the Drill Hall at half-past two o’clock, and a strong detachment of the Borough Police, under Superintendent Pearson. The massed bands of the Rifle and Artillery Volunteers were in attendance, conducted by Mr. H. Dunt, and they performed selections of martial music, which were in harmony with the patriotic enthusiasm of the crowd.
As the active-service detachment trooped out of the hall, under the command of Lieut. Orford, with Sergeant-Major Sparkes in attendance, they were greeted with ringing cheers. The men wore the familiar dark-green uniform of the 1st V.B.S.R., all bore the badge which betokened their reputation as first-class shots, and a mere serviceable-looking company would not be seen in a day’s march even at this time. Presently the Mayor appeared wearing his robes and chain of office, accompanied by the Mayoress, the members of Parliament for the borough, and others who were present at the luncheon.
At a signal from his Worship, who stood on the stage of the Hall, with the Sergeants-at-Mace on either side, the massed bands played “God Save the Queen.” The Volunteers saluted, civilians raised their hats, and when the loyal strains ceased, the cheering was tumultuous, while hats and handkerchiefs were waved. The departing Volunteers were then severally called up by name to the front, and the Mayor presented every man with an envelope containing a cheque for £5 (payable on reaching Cape Town), and a very useful knife with lanyard attached, these articles being the gift of officers of the Volunteer Artillery. With each man, too, the Mayor shook hands, wishing him “God-speed.” The crowd around recognised and cheered a good many of the Volunteers, some of whom appeared to be especial favourites.
The Mayor, addressing the vast public assembly, then said: “We are met to-day to do honour to our local Volunteers who have offered themselves for service in South Africa. We are perfectly sure that every one of them intends to do his duty – (loud cheers) – and will do nothing to disgrace the town of Ipswich, the county of Suffolk, the uniform that he wears, or the flag under which he is going to fight. (Renewed cheers.) I now, in the name of the town of Ipswich, wish them all Good Bye. May God bless them and keep them; may they come back again safely; may this war soon be over; and may the Pax Britannica soon reign once more over South Africa. (Loud cheers.)
Major Bond came forward and said: Sergeant Garrard, and members of the Active Service Detachment – in the absence of Colonel Collins, who is unfortunately prevented from being present to-day, I have to bid farewell to you on his behalf, and that of the Battalion. We are very proud to see our men coming forward so patriotically in a time of stress and trouble; we feel that in South Africa you will feel that you have to sustain not only the credit of your own good names, but the honour of the Battalion to which you belong; and we know that, whatever lies before you, you will do your duty. (Loud cheers.)
Col. Josselyn craved permission, as honorary Colonel of the Regiment, to say a few words. It is a proud day for me, he said, the oldest Volunteer in the county of Suffolk, to see a sample of the bulk of our Volunteers starting to fight for the honour of our Regiment, and for Queen and country, in South Africa. I bid you all God speed; I hope to live to see you return to your native shores, covered with glory, and with the proud consciousness of having done your duty like men in a most righteous cause. Old comrades – God bless you all!
With the band playing “Soldiers of the Queen,” an immense concourse accompanied the detachment to the Railway Station, whither they were escorted by their comrades of the 1st V.B.S.R., under the command of the Ipswich Company officers. Some of the populace carried miniature Union Jacks. Messrs. R.D. and J.B. Fraser displayed flags upon their premises, and threw a line of flags across Princes Street. Here the crush was so great that many people were carried off their feet, while one unlucky man who stumbled and fell was nearly smothered, beneath others who tumbled over him, before Superintendent Pearson and the police could effect a rescue. The tram-cars and busses, black with passengers, could only proceed at the slowest pace; at the corner of Commercial Road, vehicles of all kinds were drawn up; and, outside the Railway Station, the scene was one of wild enthusiasm and confusion. Mr. Fitzjohn, the station-master, had made excellent arrangements, but it was only with the utmost difficulty that the Volunteers could be got on to the platform, and the cheering and shouting sightseers kept outside. In the vestibule of the booking-office, one man was knocked down and trampled upon, and had to be rescued by the police, and the large glass panel of an inner door was completely smashed. The entraining of the detachment was effected at last, however, the band meanwhile playing “Auld Lang Syne” and other airs; as the train moved off shortly after four o’clock, cheer after cheer was raised by the Volunteers and those of the public who had been admitted to the platform; and the little band of active-service men cheered lustily in return for their Brigade Major (Col. Ward) and other officers of the Battalion. It was altogether a magnificent send-off, and a demonstration that will be long remembered by all who took part in it.
“AT HOME”
On Tuesday, 22nd May 1900, the Ipswich Choral Society invited their friends to a musical “At Home” event in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall, the entire building being placed at the Society’s disposal by his Worship the Mayor of Ipswich, William Alfred Churchman, Esq., who was President for the year. The Council Chamber and lobbies had been decorated with choice palms and flowers, and when filled with some three hundred people in evening dress the various costumes of ladies combined to form a brilliant function. The hon. conductor, Mr. Brunnell Burton and members of the Committee received the guests and guided them to the light refreshments served in the Library. After refreshments, a high-class musical programme was carried out in the Council Chamber. During the evening, a lecturette, illustrated by the oxyhydrogen lantern, was given by Mr. Frank Woolnough, describing the growth and development of the pianoforte. Another pleasurable event during the evening was a presentation by the chairman, Mr. Brunnell Burton to the hon. secretary Dr. Walter Sinclair, consisting of silver tea and coffee services, which had been subscribed for by members of the Choral Society and of the Amateur Opera Society Company, in recognition of his services in the cause of music since his residence in Ipswich. The Ipswich Journal – Saturday, 26th May 1900.
SOURCES:
Image courtesy of Mr. A. Gilbert – Ipswich Borough Council.