Joshua Childs, originally from Lincoln, Massachusetts, studied science before practicing law. He relocated to Mississippi around its statehood in 1817 and established a respected law practice in Natchez. Childs was appointed to the Mississippi Supreme Court in 1825 and became known for his clear and concise opinions. His tenure ended in 1831 when he resigned after an unsuccessful impeachment attempt related to alcohol use. Childs did not marry and passed away at age 49 in 1834. In 1844, Berry, a free Black man and former servant to Childs, received posthumous special legal status.
Source: Journey Through The Piney Woods, PDF p. 17.