Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Churcher, Richard
CHURCHER, RICHARD (1659–1723) founder of Churcher's College, eldest son of Richard Churcher, gentleman, of Funtington, Sussex, was born there in 1659. He was apprenticed (1675–82) to John Jacob, an eminent citizen and barber-surgeon of London. Subsequently he engaged an the service of the East India Company and went to India. On his retirement from the service he settled at Petersfield, Hampshire. His death occurred on 3 July 1723, and he was buried in the parish church of his native village. He founded a mathematical college at Petersfield for the education of the sons of inhabitants of the town, in order to qualify them for the naval service of the East India. A history of this college was published at London in 1823, 8vo.
[The History mentioned above.]