Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 228-229; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Chester B. Churchhill, 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
Sate of New York, and was born in 1824. He came to Fulton County
in 1837, 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 from 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.
