James and Margaret's first child, Adelaide, died in infancy in 1894. By the time their second child, Elsie, was baptised on 2 September 1885, they were living at 651 Oldham Road, Newton Heath and James had worked his way up to become an engine driver. Further children were born whilst the family stayed at the same address for more than 25 years: George (1888), Sam (1890), Alfred (1892), twins Charles and Mary (1897) and finally James (1902).
Alfred was educated at St. Wilfred's School, Newton Heath, and Manchester Grammar School. On leaving school, he joined the firm of Richard Johnson, Clapham and Morris Ltd., metal merchants and general house furnishers of 24 Lever Street, Manchester. In the Census of 2 April 1911 Alfred's occupation was recorded as a shipping clerk. He left the firm a few years later to join his older brother George who was in business at Cleveleys.
Alfred's war service record has not survived but we know that he joined the Royal Fusiliers and was sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force on 14 November 1915. His war was a short one: he was killed in action on 14 February the following year. Alfred was aged 23.
Pte. Alfred Chapman, PS/3725, 20th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers, is buried in Grave L1.6 at Cambrin Churchyard Extension, Pas de Calais, France. He is commemorated on memorials at Manchester Grammar School; St. Wilfred's Church, Newton Heath; and St. Andrew's Church, Cleveleys.
Alfred's brother, George Chapman, died soon after Armistice Day and was buried at All Saints, Newton Heath on 21 May 1919. By the time the next Census was taken on 19 June 1921, Alfred's parents and younger brothers Charles and James had also moved to our area, living at Birch House, Victoria Road.
His parents later moved to 324 Fleetwood Road, Cleveleys.
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