Dakota Territory Governor. He was admitted to the bar in the late 1860s, commenced practicing law and in 1874, served on the court of Judge N. B. Moore in New York City. A popular litigator, he himself was appointed judge and elected to the New York Legislature 1882. Because of Church's good reputation as a judge, President Cleveland appointed him Chief Justice of the Dakota Territorial Supreme Court in 1885. He served in post until February 21, 1887, when President Cleveland appointed him Governor of Dakota Territory. Church became very unpopular as Governor because of his opposition to separate statehood and thus he resigned as Governor on March 9, 1889. After leaving office, he returned to practicing law in Seattle, Washington and During a trip to Alaska, died from complications of pneumonia.
Dakota Territory Governor. He was admitted to the bar in the late 1860s, commenced practicing law and in 1874, served on the court of Judge N. B. Moore in New York City. A popular litigator, he himself was appointed judge and elected to the New York Legislature 1882. Because of Church's good reputation as a judge, President Cleveland appointed him Chief Justice of the Dakota Territorial Supreme Court in 1885. He served in post until February 21, 1887, when President Cleveland appointed him Governor of Dakota Territory. Church became very unpopular as Governor because of his opposition to separate statehood and thus he resigned as Governor on March 9, 1889. After leaving office, he returned to practicing law in Seattle, Washington and During a trip to Alaska, died from complications of pneumonia.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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