The Oregonian Portland, Oregon
Wednesday, August 4, 1897
Page 3, Column 3
His Neck Was Broken
Fatal Fall of J.C. Church From a Roof in Eugene
Eugene, Oregon, August 3. J.C. Church, one of the most prominent citizens of Eugene, was instantly killed by a fall from the roof of the new power house of the Eugene Electric Light Company about 1 o’clock today.

Just after returning from dinner Mr. Church took a bucket of red paint, remarking that he would go up and paint the roof this afternoon. The men employed at the power house remonstrated with him, saying that it was too dangerous for a man of his age to attempt such a job; that the heat was intense and the roof steep. But, having confidence in his own strength and ability, he heeded not the warning and with the bucket of paint in his hand, ascended a 20 foot ladder on the east side of the building, thence crawling on the edge of the roof and began climbing to the top. He had ascended but a few feet when he slipped and not being able to save himself and sliding off the roof, he struck the scaffolding just below the eaves, which caused his body to turn in the air; then falling about 20 feet, he struck the hard gravel road, lighting on his back.

On examination it was found that the neck was broken and also the left arm.

John C. Church was born in Genesee County, New York June 22, 1834, but was educated in Seneca County, Ohio. In 1852 he crossed the plains to California, but returned to his Eastern home six years later. He enlisted in the Second Regiment of Iowa Cavalry, at the beginning of the War and during his four years’ service held the rank of Orderly Sergeant of Company C, being promoted later to the rank of Second Lieutenant. After the War he moved to Macon County, Missouri, where he resided until 1872, when he came to Lane County and established himself in the hardware business in Eugene, forming a partnership with J.F. Robinson. He retired from active mercantile life in 1887. Mr. Church was elected County Judge in 1880, in which office he served faithfully during his incumbency of one term.

Mr. Church had always been prominent in business and social circles. He was at the time of his death President of the Eugene Eclectic Light Company. He was a member of the Odd Fellows and Masonic offers, Nights Templars, A.O.U.W. and Grand Army.