****************************************************************************
File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
Copyright 2008, all rights reserved.

These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format 
without the written consent of the author at http://fulton.ilgenweb.net.

****************************************************************************

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County
Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1890

****************************************************************************

The Biography of Chester B. CHURCHILL 

Pages 228-229, transcribed in full by Danni Hopkins 

[Surnames: CHURCHILL, PURKLE, RANDOLPH] 

    
CHESTER B. CHURCHILL, a well-known farmer of Joshua Township, is classed among the pioneers of this county who have done good service in advancing its agricultural development. He is a native of the State of New York, and was born in 1824. He came to Fulton County in 1837 [sic, 1847?], and cast in his lot with the pioneers whom he found working zealously to promote the growth of this section of the country. He entered at that time his present homestead on which he has resided for more than forty years. He has evolved a fine farm form the wild tract of land that he purchased from the Government, has it under excellent improvement, and provided with good buildings. 
    
Prior to coming to this State, Mr. Churchill was married in 1847 to Miss Catherine M. Purkle, who has been a devoted helpmate and an active assistant in the pioneer labors of her husband. Nine children have been born to them, as follows: Harriett, Mildon, Chester, Leonard, Washington, George, William, Stephen and Kate. Of these the following are deceased: Mildon, Chester, Leonard, Washington, George and William. Stephen is a resident of Joshua Township; Kate married Homer Randolph, and lives in Canton Township. Mrs. Churchill is a zealous and active worker in the Christian Church, of which she is a devoted member. 
    
In pioneer times Mr. Churchill was widely known as one of the best musicians in this part of the country. His services were in constant demand to play the violin for country dances, as the young people would rather have "old Church." as they called him, than any one else, and he would be called to go even as far as Peoria to furnish music for parties. His children have inherited his musical gifts and are well-trained musicians. Our subject cast his first ballot in this county, and has always voted the Democratic ticket. He has taken an active part in educational matters and has been Director of schools in his own township for over twenty years. At one time he was a prominent member of the Grange when that order was flourishing. 

Note from transcriber: This article mentions that he came to Fulton Co. in 1837 but with the year of his marriage (1847), and that he got married before coming to Fulton Co., I think he came in 1847.--Danni