Alfred Church
Alfred Church (1850-1928) of Church and Co
1850 Born the son of Thomas Church
1911 Residing at Melbourne Crescent, Cheyne Walk, Northampton: Alfred Church (age 60 born Northampton), Boot Manufacturer. With his wife Miriam Elizabeth Church, three daughters and son Leslie Humphreys Church (age 28 born Northampton), Boot manufacturer.[1]
1928 Died. 'Mr. Church was born in Northampton 77 years ago, and at the age of 23 became associated with his brothers, Mr. W. Church and Mr. T. D. Church, in the establishment of the business in Duke-street. The premises were extended on several occasions, the most actable addition being the absorption of the three storey building of Mr. T. P. Heggs, currier, in 1904. Manufacturers of both men’s and women’s footwear, the production of the latter being started just over years ago, Messrs. Church and Co. have consistently and successfully maintained, and indeed enhanced, the reputation of Northampton as the centre where the finest boots and shoes in the world are produced. Their products are known all over the world, and at the factory are employed some of the best workmen in the trade. Mr. Alfred Church had fine business capabilities. He was a hard worker and an excellent employer, and whilst the employees of the firm respected him as their chief, they also admired him as a man, for he gave the best that was in him as well as requiring the best from those who worked for him. When his brother, Mr. Will Church, retired, nearly three years ago, on account of ill-health, the business was turned into a limited liability company, and Mr. Alfred Church, with Mr. T. D. Church, Mr. Leslie H. Church, and Mr. Basil Church, became a director, but for some time now Mr. Leslie Church has taken chief part in the control of the business.'[2]