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Henry Carroll Childs

Henry Carroll Childs, a boot and shoe merchant of Fayette, who since 1859 has been a resident of the town, is a native of Illinois.  He was born in Morrison, Whiteside County, on the 1st of February, 1856., being a son of Henry C. and Charlotte E. (Cole) Childs. With his parents he came to Fayette when but three years of age, so the older citizens have witnessed his life from the days of his early childhood and among his staunchest friends are those who have known him throughout all these years. He was educated in the Upper Iowa University and learned the shoemaker's trade at which he served an apprenticeship of two years in Fayette. He then went to Minneapolis, Minn., where he was employed in that line.  He also worked in Des Moines and in West Union, Iowa, and on returning to Fayette in April, 1883, he embarked in business as a boot and shoe dealer, which he has since followed.

On the 6th of October, 1878, Mr. Childs led to the marriage altar Miss H. Minnie Ordway, the wedding being celebrated in River Falls, Wis. The lady was born in Evansville, Rock County, Wis., December 22, 1856, and is a daughter of A.S. and Sophrona Ordway. Two children were born of their union -- Myrtle Marie, who was born July 15, 1879; and Mamie Ella, who was born December 9, 1883. She was drowned by falling into a cistern March 19, 1886. Mr. Childs takes some interest in civic societies, holding membership in Fayette Lodge, No. 131, K.P. and in Camp No. 164, M.W. In politics he is a Republican and is a member of the present town council.  The people of Fayette regard him as one of their leading citizens and he is numbered among the representative business men.