Francis Pharcellus Church 1839 – 1906

Biography

Journalist. He served as the editor at the “New York Sun”, and wrote the famous editorial “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus”, which appeared in print on September 21, 1897, as an answer to the question posed by eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon.  Family links:  Parents:  Pharcellus Church (1801 – 1886)  Chara Emily Conant Church (1809 – 1887)  Spouse:  Elizabeth Wickham Church (1843 – 1912)*  Siblings:  William Conant Church (1836 – 1917)*  Francis Pharcellus Church (1839 – 1906)  Sarah Jane Church (1841 – 1916)*  John Adams Church (1843 – 1917)* *Calculated relationship Inscription:Francis Pharcellus ChurchBornFebruary 22, 1839Died April 11, 1906A noble man full ofgrace and truth.