Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-26
DEATH OF AN AGED RESIDENT
CHARLES B. CHURCH THE VIC
TIM OF DIABETES.
Was Native Of Maryland, But Re-
sided in the District Since
the Year 1910.

Charles B. Church, one Of the Oldest
residents and business men Of this city.
died at his home, 3O6 18th street SOUTH
west, shortly before 2 o'clock this morning.
The death was attributed to diabetes and
complications arising from the disease.
He had been i'll about one month. Mr..
Church was hale and hearty until a few
weeks ago. He contracted a severe cold
while attending the funeral OF the late
Crosby 8. Noyes. which took a deep hold
upon him. and for a time it was feared
that pneumonia would develop. This was
avoided by the physicians. however. but
diabetes. from which Mr.. Church had
suffered for number of years. reap
as stated. coupled with . weak heart
proved fatal Mr.. Church passed away
surrounded by his children and grand
children. He was eighty-one years OF
age. and the greater part of his years was
spent in this city. with whose business
interests he was prominently identified.
Mr.. Church was q native Of Maryland.
having been born in Jefferson. Frederick
county. September II. 1928. His father
was Shepherd Solars Church and his
ed school for q, few years at Norfolk. Va.
but in 1S4O when he was about fourteen
years Of age, he came to this city and
entered the shop of William A. Harris
| 70 learn the carpenter B anu JOIucI IIdOS.
On the completion of his apprenticeship
In 1915 he went into business for himself
and until 1876 carried on the business OF
carpenter and joiner.
March 4. 1S47, he married Miss Matilda
8. Harries, the daughter Of his first en-
ployer. and their happy married life ex-
tended over q period OF hfty-four years
Establishes Lumber Firm.
In 1851 Mr.. Church. in addition to his
other business, established the lumber
firm Of c. b. Church & Co.. and that
business was later transferred to his son.
Mr.. Church was prominently identified
with the ice business in this city, having
been one Of the organizers Of the old
Independent Ice Company, which, from
its organization in 1866 until 1t was abb
sorbed by the American Ice Company
concern Of its kind in this section of the
country. Mr.. Church was made Its gen
eral manager upon its organization. and
in 1873 he was also elected its president
He held this position when the company
was merged with the American company.
and he then became q director in the COM
pany for this city, but retired several
years ago.
Mr.. Church always took an active part
in any movement for the betterment OF
the southwest section of the city, and
as chairman Of the river and harbor COM
mittee Of an old business mems associa-
ton he had q foremost part In framing
the legislation authorizing the retaining
the Potomac Park. Against his protest
the harbor was flxed at its present width.
Mr.. Church wanted It from 100 to 200 feet
wider, and the wisdom Of the position
he took, q quarter of q century ago can
be seen in the fact that what he advo-
Gated then is now being advocated in the
new harbor Improvement plans.
While Mr.. Church was chairman Of the
river and harbor committee the depth OF
the water In the harbor was increased
channel Of the river was dredged to TWEEN
ty-two feet from its mouth to Alexandria.
In 1852 a big freshet carried away q por-
ton Of the old wooden Long bridge, the
sole competing link between the north and
south. 1t was necessary that it should be
rebuilt quickly. and after consulting older
builders the task was given to Mr..
Church, then young man Of about twen-
ty years Of age. He completed the work
In about three weeks. and at cost of
several thousand dollars less than the city
authorities had estimated.
Develops Southwest Section.
Mr.. Church was a firm believer in the
southwest section Of the city. and a large
portion Of his fortune was invested in
building it up. To him the southwest
owes much of its present prosperity He
built many rows Of neat dwellings in the
vicinity Of his homo on 18th street and he
was one Of the largest holders Of south
west property in the city at the time of
his death. In recent years Mr.. Church
has not engaged In active business enter
prises, contenting himself with looking
after his property interests He was
very charitable man, and many will
doubtless miss his kindnesses.
Mr.. Church built Westminster Presby-
terrain Church, at the corner Of 7th and
D streets southwest. and donated the
structure to its congregation. He was a
worshiper there. He was a very genial
man. and was fond Of telling of his ex-
periences In the early days Of Washing
ton. when the city was but struggling
village. He numbered his friends by the
score. not only in this city, but through
out the country. and his death will be
sincerely regretted.
He was a member Of the Masonic fra
ternity. having received the degrees IN
Centennial Lodge in this city. Two sons
Mr.. c. w. Church OF the firm of Dupue
& Church. and w. A. H. Church, OF
Church. & Stephenson-and three daugh-
ters-Mrs. Alice v. Dupue. Mrs. Matte
e. Berkeley and Miss Mary A. Church
survive him. Mrs. Church died Septem-