Delaware township has been the scene of activities for Wilbert V. Childs throughout his life, and he is today classed among her enterprising and progressive agriculturists. He is a native of the township, his birth having occurred on the home farm there on the 26th of September, 1871. He is the fourth in order of birth in a family of six children born unto Wattson and Drusilla (Shelden) Childs, who were natives of New York. The father was identified with farming interests in Delaware county for many years and was known as an upright, honorable man in every walk of life. His death occurred April 13, 1910, while his wife passed away on the 17th of October, 1902. More extended mention of the parents will be found on another page of this volume.
     Wilbert V. Childs was reared in much the usual manner of farm lads, for he assisted in the duties of the home farm from an early age and acquired his education in the common schools of the neighborhood, while he subsequently pursued a course in a business college. He gave his father the benefit of his services until he had attained his majority, and at that period in his life he rented a farm, which he cultivated three years. He then took up his abode on his present farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 22, Delaware township, part of which he inherited from his father's estate. He devotes a portion of his attention to general farming but gives the major part of his time to dairying and stock raising, keeping Holstein and Black Polled cattle and Duroc Jersey and Poland China hogs. He thoroughly understands the care of stock, so that he can command good prices in the city markets, and he likewise follows practical methods in the care and cultivation of his fields, so that bounteous harvests reward him each year.
      It was on the 6th of July, 1893, that the marriage ceremony was performed which made Wilbert V. Childs and Miss Lucy A. Frentress man and wife. She was born in Delaware county, July 26, 1869, a daughter of William and Mary V. (Hull) Frentress, the father a native of Jo Daviess county, Illinois, while the mother claimed Virginia as the state of her nativity. Subsequent to their marriage they came to Delaware county and located on a farm where many years of their life were passed. The mother died at the family home in this county but the father is still living and now makes his home in California. Of their family of seven children, six are living, the record being as follows: Henry N., a resident of Linn county, Iowa; Lucy A., now Mrs. Childs; Frank L., a resident of Waterloo, Iowa; Arnetta C., the wife of Charles Robison, of Honey Creek township, Delaware county; Thomas F., who makes his home in Minnesota; and Mary V., who is single and makes her home in California.
      The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Childs has been blessed with seven children: Ralph E., whose birth occurred January 27, 1895, and who is now attending business college; Ross W., who was born October 20, 1896, and who is a high-school student; Lynn W., born August 25, 1898; Harold W., who was born May 9, 1901, and died March 3, 1902; Lois E., born September 5, 1902; Ruth A., August 27, 1904; and Dorothy V., born December 10, 1906.
      Mr. Childs, following in the political footsteps of his father, has supported the men and measures of the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has been called by his fellow townsmen to fill important public office, having served for a time as school treasurer of the township, while he has likewise served as a school director. As a worthy representative of an old and honored family of the county, he is always found reliable, and he stands for the progressive element in citizenship and for trustworthiness in every relation of life.