James "Abel" Childs was the fourth child born to Betsey Aplington and Josiah Childs. About a month after Abel's birth his mother died. Two years later his father died in the Midwest. Abel and his two surviving siblings were raised in Sanford, New York by his mother's parents, James Page Aplington II and Catherine "Caty" Dean Aplington.

In 1856, at the age of 21, Abel moved from New York to Polo, Illinois, a town founded by his Uncle Zenas Aplington. In 1862 in Polo, Abel married Margaret "Maggie" Lawson in Polo. She had come to the US 6 years earlier from Scotland. Maggie and Abel had two children in Polo (Mary and Fleeda). Then they moved to Iowa where they had three more children (Elizabeth, Fred and Roscoe).

Abel engaged in farming in Tama County until 1876 when he became the Superintendent of the Tama County Poor Farm. In addition to housing those in extreme poverty the facility was also an "asylum for the insane." Interestingly, years earlier in Sanford, New York, Abel's grandfather had been elected Overseer of the Poor.

Abel died in 1903. The cause of his death is not known, but Abel's granddaughter, Irene, said, "He sat down on a rocking chair and died."
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Traer Star Clipper, Friday November 13, 1903 page 8
Well Known Citizen Succumbs Suddenly to Heart Disease
A. Childs died without warning at 1 a. m. Tuesday. His repeated attacks of heart trouble have been noted. He was on the street Saturday and seemed to be improving. He retired as usual Monday night and slept until after midnight. Not feeling well at that hour, he arose, dressed and was sitting in a chair when the summons came. His wife found him unconscious and in a moment life was extinct. Death came without a struggle. Abe Childs was one of our old residents and one of the solid men of north Tama. He was a prosperous farmer, a generous neighbor, and an excellent citizen in every way. One always knew where to find him. He was always on the right side. He lived a clean life, he dealt squarely with his neighbors, his sympathies were with the better things. He reared children who are an honor to him, and the widow left with them. He commanded the his neighbors, and we who does not feel he has lost a friend.
Deceased was born and was in New York, September 4, 1834, and was therefore sixty-nine years old. His parents died when he was a child and he was raised by his grandparents. In 1855 he came to Ogle County, Ill., engaging in farming. In 1862 he married Miss Margaret Lawson. Five children were born to them. A daughter Mary died in 1890. Lizzie, wife of Charles Kolp, resides in Nobles county, Minn. Frieda, wife of C. P. Galley, and Roscoe live in Traer, and Fred is on the home farm southwest of town. One brother survives, ten years older, who lives in Afton, N. Y.
Mr. Childs came to Tama county in 1865, locating first in Carroll township. For nine years he was steward of the county poor farm, after which he located on his farm near Traer. Two years ago, he turned over the farm to his son and came to Traer to live, forced by ill health. He has since been a familiar figure to our streets and one who has commanded the respect of all classes. During his repeated attacks of illness, the public evinced much interest in his condition and solitude for his recovery. Such men are not only a blessing to kindred, but to the whole people. The funeral was held in the Congregational church, conducted by Rev. Lackey. A large concourse of people were present, including a score of Workmen from Toledo. Interment Was in the Buckingham cemetery.