JULIUS H. CHURCH. who is numbered among the progressive farmers of Blackman Township, has been a life long resident there, having been born in that township, August 24, 1854. He received a good common-school education, and has been engaged in farming during all the years of his natural life. He owns forty-three acres on section 17, on which a good and complete of buildings have been erected, and such other improvements made as are expected of a progressive and enterprising agriculturalist. The father of our subject was Chancy R. Church, who was born in Genesee County, N.Y., and his mother was Eliza Ann Park, a native of Southbridge, Mass. Their first settlement after marriage was in Sandstone Township, this county, where they lived about a twelvemonth, after which they resided in different parts of Jackson and Washtenaw Counties. The father is deceased and the mother yet survives. The parental family comprised two sons - Jason and Julius H. At the home of the bride in Jackson, November 13, 1884, the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch was united in marriage with Miss Clara Brelsford. She is the daughter of Thomas and Lydia (Mann) Brelsford, the latter of whom died in Jackson in 1887. Mrs. Church was born in Jonesboro, Grant County, Ind., December 23, 1860, and is an educated and cultured lady. Her happy union with our subject has resulted in the birth of one child, Gracie E. In the spring of 1885, Mr. Church was elected Supervisor of Blackman Township, and served in that position one term. He has held the office of Township Treasurer two terms, of Highway Commissioner one term, and of School Inspector one term. As an incumbent of public offices he displays an honorable and intelligent zeal in behalf of the interests of his constituents, and gains the approval of all who desire a clean conduct of public affairs. He belongs to the Republican party, and is quite active in political affairs. He and his wife are members of the Patrons of Industry, and are respected members of the First Congregational Church of Jackson. |
