History of Grand Rapids, (Kent County) Michigan United States of America

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Biographies:

Stephen Gardner Champlin, soldier, was born at Kingston, N. Y., July 1, 1797. He acquired his education at Rhinebeck academy, N. Y., and was admitted to the bar at Albany, in 1850. He settled in the practice of his profession at Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1853, and later held office as judge of the recorder's court, and prosecuting attorney of Kent county. In 1861 he was commissioned major of the 3rd Michigan infantry, of which he was promoted colonel, October 22. He participated in the battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Groveton, and Antietam. He was severely wounded at Fair Oaks, June 1, 1862, and as a result was incapacitated for active service after the battle of Antietam, and commanded the recruiting station at Grand Rapids upon his promotion to the rank of brigadier-general, Nov. 29, 1862. He died at Grand Rapids, Mich., Jan. 24, 1864.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Frederick Stuart Church, painter, was born in Grand Rapids, Mich., Dec. 1, 1842; son of Thomas B. and Mary Elizabeth (Stuart) Church, and a descendant from the Churches of Little Compton, R.I., and from the Stuarts of Martha's Vineyard, Mass. He was educated at the public schools, and in 1855 entered the employ of the American express company at Chicago, Ill., remaining there until the breaking out of the civil war, when he volunteered in the Union army and served as a private for more than three years. In 1868 he became a draughtsman of machinery for a wood engraver, and it is said was considered by his employer the poorest draughtsman in the establishment. He then entered the Academy of design in Chicago and later studied in the National academy of design and the Art students' league, New York, supporting himself by making comic sketches for Harper's publications. In 1873 he received a contract from the Elgin watch company to illustrate an almanac, the work occupying him several years. In 1875 he produced his first serious drawing in black and white, entitled "Up in the Crow's Nest." In 1885 he was elected a National academician and in 1890 a member of the Society of American artists. He devoted himself chiefly to genre and animal painting, and became well known as an illustrator. His principal paintings include Back from the Beach (1879); Muskrat's Nest (1880); Foggy Day (1881); A Willing Captive (1883); The Mermaid (1883); Retaliation (1884); Peacocks in the Snow (1885); The Sorceress (1886); Pegasus Captured (1886); The Viking's Daughter (1887); Una and the Lion (1894); Saint Cecilia (1897); The Madonna and the Sea Gulls (1898). In 1897 he exhibited The Chafing Dish at the National academy.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor