W. M. CHURCH, saw and grist mill and carding machne proprietor, P.O. Johnsonville, was born in Meigs County, Ohio, Janurary 13, 1841, to Samuel and Lydia (Murry) Church. The father was born in 1798 and is still a resident of Meigs County, Ohio, where the mother died. His occupation has been that of millwright, but he has now retired at an advanced age.
Our subject remained at the old home till 1859, when he came to this county, and engaged in the saw mill business here, having brought a portable mill with him. He only remained in the mill till the breaking out of the ar, when he enlisted May 28, 1861, in Company G, Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in by Gen. Grant.This was the first regiment mustered for three years in Illinois. During this term of service he was in several of the severest engagements --- Fort Donelson, Corinth, Shiloh, etc., and finally to Little Rock.; He served through the time of his enlistment, and after being mustered out went back to his old home in Ohio, where he assisted in raising a company, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company B, One Hundred and Eight-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. In this company he served nearly a year, when the war closed he then being First Lieutenant of the company. During this second term of service, the regiment had followed in the rear of Sherman, repairing, etc.
After the close of the war, Mr. Church returned to this county, where on September 9, 1866, he was married to Miss E.J. Pennington, daughter of Jesse Pennington, an old resident of this county. Ten chidren have been the result of this union, only four of whom yet survive, viz.,
Most of the time during Mr. Church's residence in this county, he has been engaged in the milling business, and at present gives his attention to the saw and grist mill and carding machine at Johnsonville, he being a partner in the same.
He is a member of I.N. Haynie Post, G.A.R., also A., F. and A.M. Lodge of Johnsonville, and of the R.A. Chapter of Flora.
In politics, he is a Republican.
| Visit Our Neighbors | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Marion | Clay | Richland | |
| Jefferson |
 |
Edwards | |
| Franklin | Hamilton | White | |
