JOSHUA G. CHILDS, farmer, section 26, Monroe Township, was born April 29, 1849, in Niagara Co., N.Y., and is a son of Sanford and Elizabeth (McGregor) Childs. The father is a native of New York and the mother was born in Scotland. Both are yet living and residing in Eaton Co., Mich.
Mr. Childs obtained his education chiefly at the common schools of his native county and finished his career as a student in books by one term of study at Lewiston. He became "his own man" at the age of 17 years and spent some time in travel in the States of Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. He commenced his career as a famer in Newaygo County, in 1870, by entering a homestead claim in Monroe Township, where he has since made the best possible application of his strength and judgment in clearing and otherwise improving his farm.
He was married in Monroe Township to Harriet C., daughter of Abraham and Mary E. (Beaden) Alger. She was born in Coldwater, Mich., Nov. 10, 1856. Her parents were natives of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Childs have had five children, born as follows: Mary E., Nov. 18, 1871; Minnie M., April 11, 1875; Alden S., May 9, 1877; George A., April 6, 1879; James, born July 7, 1883, died Sept. 13, 1883.
Mr. Childs is a Republican and has held the offices of Supervisor and Deputy Clerk of the township.