(VIII) Albert Sherwood, second son of Benjamin and Laura (Sherwood) Childs, was born in Phelps, New York, September 18, 1852. His education was concluded at Canandaigua Academy under the direction of Professor Clark, and he acquired a knowledge of farming at the homestead. He was not destined, however, to devote his energies exclusively to tilling the soil, as, at his father’s death, in 1878, he was called upon to assume the management of the tile plant, and accepting the responsibility he proceeded to enlarge the business, thereby increasing its importance as a local industry. By adopting the latest improved machinery and appliances he now (1910) has one of the best-equipped tile plants in the state, capable of producing twenty thousand tiles per day, and his annual output averages upward of seven hundred thousand. In addition to a sixty horse power engine and a seventy-five horse power boiler, he uses tile machines built expressly for him in Ohio, and his mills. crimpers, automatic cutting tables and other accessories are all of the very latest design. He also used the “Down Draft Inside Flue Kilns,” and his dry sheds, which are two hundred and fifty feet long by twenty-four feet wide, are amply protected by tin roofing, as are also the other buildings on the premises. Although making a specialty of tile he has excellent facilities for manufacturing brick and other clay products, and as his wares have attained a high reputation both for durability and finish, his business is increasing.
In politics Mr. Childs is a Republican. He attends the Presbyterian church. He married, in 1883, Miss Julia Everett Pitkin, a native of this county, born in 1856, daughter of Chester Pitkin. Children: 1. Carl P., born October 9, 1884; is a graduate of the Geneva high school. 2. Hattie S., born March 9, 1890; was graduated from the Mechanics Institute, Rochester, in 1911, and is preparing herself for educational pursuits.