History of Early Pioneer Families of Hood River, Oregon. Compiled by Mrs. D.M. Coon

FRANK G. CHURCH AND FAMILY                           1900

     Frank Church was born in Wisconsin June 10, 1858. His parents wore Archibald L. and Susan (Cheney) Church, both natives of Pennsylvania. His father was of Scotch, English and Welsh descent. His mother's grand-father was one of the organizers of the first Baptist church in Wisconsin and preached without pay. The Cheney family were prominent in Wisconsin and also on the Atlantic Coast. Archibald Church was a carpenter by occupation. He died in North Dakota September 26, 1897.
     In 1868 the parents of Frank Church moved to Michigan where the son attended school for five years, he then began working for wages. In 1876 he went to Iowa, working there four years, he returned to Wisconsin, where he worked in a flour mill and in a store. Three years later he married Miss Sarah S. Sproat, daughter of William and Ann (Hoover) Sproat; her father was a native of Vermont and her mother of New York and both were descendants of prominent New England families.
     Mr. and Mrs. Church moved to Hood River in 1900, making their home on a fruit farm near Belmont. They have two daughters who are well and favorably known in the Valley.
     Mr. and Mrs. Church are members of the Methodist Church and he is a member of the A.O.U.W. He has one brother, Daniel Church, and she has two brothers, Charles and Boyd Cheney. Mr. and Mrs. Church are Pioneers and have many friends who know and appreciate their sterling qualities.

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