Biographical Sketch of

Melvin Childs

Transcribed by Barbara Voss for the Marquette Co WI Pages


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 654 - 655


Melvin Childs, who is engaged in farming on section 34 in the town of Berlin, has been a resident of Green 
Lake County, for forty three years, covering the whole period of Wisconsin�s existence as a State and two 
years of her territorial reign. He was born in Batavia Township, Genesee Co., N.Y., July 26, 1820, and is 
a son of William and Zulima (Clark) Childs. His grandfather Pennel Childs, who is numbered among the early 
settlers of New York, was a farmer and miller by trade. His wife lived to the advanced age of eighty three 
years. The father of our subject removed to the Empire State with his parents and in Eastern New York wedded 
Miss Clark. Soon afterwards, he removed to Genesee County and in the midst of the forest developed a good 
farm. In 1829, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, a faithful member of the Baptist Church, 
who died at the age of thirty six years, leaving six children, three sons and three daughters. He afterwards 
married Sarah Whiting by whom he had eight children. He was Democrat in politics and died at the age of eighty 
three years.

Melvin Childs was reared to farm life and received a limited education in the subscription schools. Having 
worked for his father upon the old home farm until twenty two years of age he then hired out as a farm hand, 
continuing in that capacity until March 1844, when he started for the Territory of Wisconsin. On reaching 
Ashtabula County, Ohio, he stopped at the home of an uncle intending there to wait until he could proceed 
by water, the lakes being then frozen over, but it was a late spring that year and becoming tired of waiting,
he hired out for a year with a farmer in the neighborhood. When that time had expired he consented to remain 
another year and it was not until 1846 that his original intention was carried out. He reached Green Lake 
County in the month of June and shortly afterward entered eighty acres of land three miles west of Dartford 
in the town of Princeton, where he continued to make his home until May 1850, when he settled upon the farm 
where he has since resided. He now owns 170 acres of as fine land as can be found in the town and has a splendid 
farm as the result of his excellent management, industry, enterprise and perseverance. It is furnished with 
good buildings and all the necessary improvements. On the 2nd day of May 1850, Mr. Childs was united in marriage 
with R. Ann Vosburg and with his young bride began life where he now lives. She was a native of New York, born 
June 24, 1836, and by her marriage had three children � Emily Z., who died at the age if thirty two years; Ella 
J wife of P. W. Jackson and the mother of three children; Melvin E., who wedded Kit Clough, by whom he has one 
child. The mother of these children was called to her final rest October 9, 1876, and her loss was deeply mourned 
by many friends as well as by her immediate family. Mr. Childs was again married December 30, 1880, when Mrs. Jane 
Morris became his wife. She was born June 17, 1828 and was the widow of Isaac H. Morris.

Mr. Childs affiliated with the Democratic Party until his views on the slavery question caused him to ally himself 
with the new Republican Party formed to prevent its further extension, since which time he has been a warm advocate 
of its principles. He is a representative and valued citizens of the community and for two years held the office of 
Side Supervisor and one year discharged the duties of Treasurer of the town of Berlin. 

As a farmer he has been quite successful, having made all that he possesses by his own effort. Mr. Childs is one of 
the few left to relate the story of pioneer life and the history of the advancement and progress of the country. He 
has been numbered among the most highly esteemed citizens of the community for forty three years and will deserves a 
representation in this volume. Upon the organization of the town of Princeton, he was a member of the Board.






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