According to his obituary in the Vidette-Messenger of Porter County (May 4, 1942), he was born on November 7, 1899, near Gates Corners, south of Valparaiso. The obituary notes that he operated Church’s Dairy for a number of years before later becoming engaged in business in Hobart, Indiana.
He married Helen Louise Edwards on September 20, 1920.
The earliest reference we’ve found to his dairy dates to 1921, where it is listed in Circular (1921), published by the Purdue University Agricultural Experiment Station.
In the 1920s, Church appears to have sold the dairy, but later regained ownership. The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County (April 23, 1928) reported:
“The Melin Dairy, at 403 East Lincoln Avenue, formerly known as the Church Dairy, purchased by Henry Melin, Chicago man, of Leon Church sometime ago, has passed into possession of Mr. Church, who is now conducting the business since selling to Mr. Melin. Mr. Church has been at Hobart, where he has been in business.”
However, it appears he did not remain in the dairy business much longer. The Vidette-Messenger of Porter County (December 11, 1929) reported:
“Church Sells Milk Business. Leon Church, who has been operating the Church Dairy on East Brown Street for a number of years, has disposed of the business to Bartz Brothers, residing east of fair grounds. The new firm has been engaged in the milk selling business for some time, maintaining a large Guernsey herd of cattle. Mr. Church will look after his business interests in Hobart. He will still maintain his residence in Valparaiso.”
However, it appears the name “Church Dairy” was still used after he sold the business. The latest reference we’ve found is a 1939 advertisement in the Vidette-Messenger of Porter County.
According to his death certificate, he died of a brain tumor on May 3, 1942, at the age of 42.
Source: The Richmond Item — August 12, 1926
VALPARAISO, Ind., Aug. 11.—Explosion of gas in the basement of the Church Dairy here today caused a loss estimated at $10,000. Firemen were unable to enter the building because of escaping gas and ammonia from the refrigerating plant.
Leon R. Church and family who lived on the upper floor had a narrow escape from being trapped in the building.
Source: Vidette-Messenger of Porter County — April 23, 1928
The Melin Dairy, at 403 East Lincoln avenue, formerly known as the Church Dairy, purchased by Henry Melin, Chicago man, of Leon Church, sometime ago, has passed into possession of Mr. Church, who is now conducting the business. Since selling to Mr. Melin, Mr. Church has been at Hobart, where he has been in business.
Source: Vidette-Messenger of Porter County — March 1, 1929
Leon Church, proprietor of the Church dairy on East Lincoln avenue, is recovering from burns suffered several days ago when his clothing caught fire from a blow torch which he was using. It is believed some gasoline spilt on his clothing and this was set ablaze by accidental contact with the flame of the torch. In an instant Mr. Church was enveloped in flames, which he was successful in beating out, but not before his left arm was badly burned.
Source: Vidette-Messenger of Porter County — December 11, 1929
Leon Church, who has been operating the Church Dairy on East Brown street for a number of years, has disposed of the business to Bartz Brothers, residing east of fair grounds. The new firm has been engaged in the milk selling business for some time, maintaining a large Guernsey herd of cattle. Mr. Church will look after his business interests in Hobart. He will still maintain his residence in Valparaiso.
1921 — Church Leon (Helen) McG manufacturer, residence at 107 Monroe St.
1924 — Church Leon R (Helen) (Church’s Dairy), home at 403 E Lincoln Ave.
1931 — Church Leon R (Helen L), billiards, home at 203 E Monroe St.
Bartz Bros. Dairy is listed at 403 E Brown.
