LOUISA COUNTY, IOWA

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GEORGE I. CHURCH

Transcribed by Beverly Gerdts, submitted June 13, 2017

        George Church was born February 9, 1852, in St. Joseph county, Michigan, the son of Isaac and Sophia (Bennett) Church, the former a native of Scotland and the latter from New York.

       George was reared and educated in his native state and when only 17 years of age, began his apprenticeship to the barber trade at Constantine, Michigan.

       In 1870, he came to Louisa county for his health, and for a time made his home with his uncle, Seth Curtis, in Concord township, working at various things as his health improved. In the fall of 1875, in a building he built for that purpose, in Columbus Junction, he began the barber trade and continued for many years. He made his home in Fredonia and crossed the rive by boat each morning and evening until the wagon bridge was built. Remember the sign that hung on the barber shop for so many years:” Go to Church for a shave.”

       On December 13, 1871, in Concord township, Mr. church was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Stone, daughter of the Rev. George Stone. His parents were early settlers in this...

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... county and she was born here. To this union fourteen children were born: Willie who is 84 years young, and live in Phillips, South Dakota, Virdie, Derwood, Annie, Robert, Noah and Charles, who have all passed on, and one child died in infancy.

       Jesse became the wife of E. L. Duncan who passed away in 1937, and to them three children were born: Jack who lives in Rock Island, and has one son, Jack, and Theo, now Mrs. G. G. Grover, and lives in Cedar Rapids. Gene was united in marriage to Evelyn Van Auken, and have three children: Jackie, in high school, Bobbie is in grade school and one son died at the age of two years; and all make their homes here in Fredonia.

       In 1939, Jesse was united in marriage to Jessie Knott, and make their home in Fredonia.

       Molly became the wife of Ed Stickney and live in Chicago.

       Harry I. has bought the little house across from the Carey store, in Fredonia, and remodeled it into a lovely little home, and lives alone.

       Joe was untied in marriage to Nellie Alstot, and continues the barber trade. To them, one daughter was born, and they adopted a son. Both are married and have families. The daughter became Mrs. Henry Orr, and lives on a farm east of Fredonia.

       Rema is Mrs. Dietrich, and their home is in Chicago,

       Louis was united in marriage to Phillis Hauffman, and their home is in Los angles, where he follows the barber trade.