Author: Churchey, Walter
Biography:
CHURCHEY, Walter (1747-1805: ODNB)
He was born in Brecon, Wales, on 7 Nov. 1747; his father, Walter, was from a legal family with deep roots in Breconshire but his mother’s name is unknown. He was educated at Christ College, Brecon. Like his father he became an attorney and practiced in Hay-on-Wye where he also served as clerk to the trustees of the Hay turnpikes and the Bredwardine and Whitney turnpikes. Churchey was an ardent Methodist and a friend of Dr. Thomas Coke with whom he had been at school. He began corresponding with John Wesley in 1771; he also corresponded with William Cowper who, with Wesley, attempted to dissuade Churchey from publishing verse. His first publication, Poems and Imitations, was issued by subscription. Churchey married Mary Bevan (b 1747) of Clyro, Radnorshire, Wales, but no public record has been located. They had at least six children. After Wesley’s death in 1791 Churchey became a follower of Richard Brothers (q.v.). He lived near Hay until 1797 when he returned to Brecon. His last publication, An Apology by W. Churchey for his Public Appearance as a Poet, was issued in 1805 shortly before his death on 3 Dec. 1805. He was buried in the churchyard in Brecon. (ODNB 1 Dec. 2023; DMBI; ancestry.co.uk 1 Dec. 2023)
Other Names:
- W. Churchey