1914 Delaware County History pgs. 360-363
Miss Clara Helen
Childs
Miss Clara
Helen Childs is a capable business woman, ably managing her well improved farm
of one hundred and sixty acres on section 22, Delaware township.
This place was also the scene of her birth and she is the eldest in a family of
six children whose parents were Wattson and Drusilla
(Shelden) Childs, both of whom were natives of New York. After reaching mature years, the
father came to the middle west, spending a short time
in La Salle county, Illinois, the year of his arrival there
being 1854. The following year he continued his journey westward, spending a short
time in Delaware county, Iowa. In July, 1855, he returned to Illinois and for some time engaged in teaching
in Winnebago county, that state. He came to Iowa again in the spring of 1857 and
thereafter resided in Delaware county.
In the fall
of 1859 Wattson Childs returned to the Empire state
and was there married to Miss Drusilla Shelden, after
which he came with his young bride to Delaware county. For three years he operated
rented land here and then purchased the farm which is now the property of his
daughter, Clara. This remained the scene of his activities throughout his life.
When the property came into his possession it was largely wild and unimproved,
but he at once broke the sod, plowed his fields and planted his crops. He also erected
substantial buildings on the place and planted fruit and shade trees, the fine
grove of pine trees which is here seen having been set out by him. As the years
passed and he prospered in his undertakings he added to his land holdings and
at the time of his death had accumulated a handsome property which was left to
his children.
Mr. Childs
was a republican in his political views and for a period of thirty years served
as a member of the school board. He was also a member of the Grange. He was
reared in accordance with the strict and rigid rules of a Quaker parentage and
these principles ever guided his life. He was straightforward and honorable in
all his dealings with his fellowmen and any statement made by him could be
relied upon to the letter.
Thus it was
that his death, which occurred on the 13th of April,
1910, brought
deep sorrow not only to the members of his immediate household but to a large
circle of friends and acquaintances. His wife preceded him to the home beyond,
her death occurring October 17, 1902.
The family
of Mr. and Mrs. Childs numbered six children: Clara, whose name introduces this
review; Edith L., who has departed this life; one who died in infancy; Wilbert
V., who resides on a portion of the old homestead farm; Elmer W., who makes his
home in Nebraska; and Robert E., a resident of Delaware township.
Clara Childs
was reared in the home of her parents and her early education was acquired in
the schools of her home locality, while later she enjoyed the advantages of a
normal school course. She pursued a course in stenography and was thus employed
for three years. She was also engaged in teaching school for several years but
is now giving her entire attention to the management of her farm. Sixty acres
of this she purchased, while her father deeded to her one hundred acres, so
that her possessions now embrace one hundred and sixty acres situated on
section 22 Delaware township.
This is one of the well improved tracts of that section of the county, and the soil
is rich arid alluvial, yielding splendid crops each year. Hers is a pleasant
and hospitable home and she is surrounded by a host of warm and admiring
friends, many of whom have been associated with her from her early childhood.
Miss Childs
is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and is an active worker in the Ladies' Aid Society of the church, while she is
also identified with the Patrons of Husbandry.
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