From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
publ. 1912, Page 1423-1424
 
JAMES CHILD.  In many respects the career of the late James CHILD, long one of 
the progressive farmers of Lafayette township, Walworth county, is peculiarly 
instructive in that it shows what a well defined purpose, supplemented by 
correct principles and high ideals, can accomplish in the face of discouraging 
circumstances.  It is an example of triumph over obstacles, the winning of 
success by honorable methods, add as such may be safely followed by those 
whose life work is yet to be accomplished.  He was a fine type of the sterling 
pioneer, having invaded the forests of this locality when settlers were none 
too numerous and when there was much to be done before a comfortable home 
could rise and good crops be reaped from the virgin soil, but he was a man who 
never permitted discouraging situations to influence him, but forged ahead 
despite of them, and won not only material success, but the good will and 
esteem of all who knew him.
 
Mr. CHILD was born in Saratoga county, New York, on August 23, 1823.  He was 
the son of William and Susan (DEAKE) CHILD, the father born in Greenfield, 
Saratoga county, New York, January 4, 1798; the mother was born on December 
25, 1798, in the same locality, and there they grew up and were married on 
February 5, 1820, and they remained in their native state until 1847, when 
they moved to Walworth county, Wisconsin, settling in Spring Prairie township, 
later moving to Lafayette township where they established a good home and 
where they spent the rest of their lives, dying within a few days of each 
other, in April 1865, the father on the 24th and the mother on the 17th.
 
James CHILD, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the old homestead in Saratoga 
county, New York, and he received his education in the public schools of his 
district and the high school of New York.  He came to Wisconsin with his 
parents when he was twenty-four years old, and at once engaged in farming, 
becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty-two acres of good land in 
Lafayette township, where he developed an excellent place and had a good home, 
carrying on general farming and stock raising successfully.
 
Mr. CHILD as married on September 15, 1847, to Esther DINSMORE, who was born 
in Ontario county, New York in 1827.  She was the daughter of Melzer and 
Huldah (CLARK) DINSMORE, both born in Massachusetts, the father on April 12, 
1803.  They were married on December 20, 1824.  They came to Walworth county, 
Wisconsin in 1848 and here spent the rest of their lives, the father dying at 
Lake Geneva in 1867 and the mother passed away in 1859.  They were the parents 
of seven children, the wife of the subject being the only one now living.
 
Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. CHILD, named as follows: Melzer, 
Huldah, Susan, William, all deceased; William (the second) is living and is 
county surveyor; Henry is deceased; Emma is living; Chauncey is deceased; Abby 
L. is living; Esther May is deceased.
 
James CHILD was a Republican and was more or less active in local affairs.  He 
ably performed the duties of county surveyor for a period of fourteen years 
and he was justice of the peace for some time.  The death of Mr. CHILD 
occurred on his farm in Lafayette township on November 24, 1901.
 
Submitted by Carol