Charles W. Childs

Charles Wesley Childs (August 24, 1844 – April 29, 1922) was an American educator and academic administrator. He taught classes and served in administrative roles across the U.S. State of California, most notably becoming the Principal of the California State Normal School (now San Jose State University).

Early life and military service Charles Wesley Childs was born in Geneseo, New York, on August 24, 1844. After graduating from primary school in 1960 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, his family then moved to Clark County, Missouri. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, he enlisted with a company of volunteers which protected emigrant trails to California. After the company disbanded, he moved to Placerville, California, where he became a first lieutenant and quartermaster of the Second Infantry Battalion, Fourth Brigade, of the California Militia. It was around this time that he began his teaching career, teaching at Cold Springs, in El Dorado County.

At the conclusion of the Civil War in 1866, he enrolled in the California State Normal School (now San Jose State University), becoming the school's first veteran student.

In 1878, Childs was hired by his alma mater, the California State Normal School to head the history, civil government and bookkeeping departments. He served in this position until 1889, when he was elected to replace the retiring Charles H. Allen as principal of the school. Childs was the first graduate of the California State Normal School to become its Principal.

Towards the end of his tenure as principal, Childs advocated for the adoption of a fourth year of coursework for the students, citing the increased demand for highly qualified teachers. A fourth year of coursework was implemented by his successor, Ambrose Randall.

After a brief illness, Charles W. Childs died in Oakland, on April 29, 1922.