Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 973
WILLIAM S. CHURCH

William S. CHURCH, now a resident of Stanton County, Neb., first came to Harrison County, Iowa, in March, 1858, locating in Clay Township, where he operated a sawmill one year, then moved to Hall County, Neb., and there worked at the carpentering business for one year. He located a claim in that county, which is part of the present site of the city of Grand Island. In 1864 his family were driven out by the Indians, after building up a beautiful home, in which a daughter, Callie C., was born. Three hours after her birth, on account of the Indian troubles, she with her mother was loading into a wagon and driven to Kearney, and before they were out of sight of their house was on fire. On the advice of physicians they started for Omaha, and in due time arrived at that city, crossed the Missouri river and pushed on to Mondamin, Harrison County. In August of 1864, Mr. Church purchased a farm in section 16, in Cincinnati Township, consisting of a quarter section , where he resided until February, 1882, when he sold and moved to Stanton County, Neb., where he now owns an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres, well improved.

Our subject was born in Cortland County, N.Y., September 9, 1831. In his early life he learned the carpenter's trade, which became very valuable to him in after years. He first settled West in 1852, and was at different placed until 1858, when he was operating the sawmill above referred to, in Clay Township, Harrison County.

November 11, 1860 he was united in marriage to Melvina D. BURCHAM by whom four children were born � Henry L., Callie C., Ida J., and Emma. Mr. CHURCH was quite prominently identified with the political as well as the business interests of Harrison County during his residence here, hence very naturally finds a place in this volume, which is a record of the comings and goings of the pioneers.

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