He was a man of wealth, and owned plantations at Nashaway, now Lancaster, and at Saco, in Maine.

He was skilful in mineralogy and metallurgy, and seems to have spent a good deal of money in searching for mines.

He is well known as the author of the first decided movement for liberty of conscience in Massachusetts, his name standing at the head of the famous petition of 1646 for a modification of the laws in respect to religious worship, and complaining in strong terms of the disfranchisement of persons not members of the Church.

A tremendous excitement was produced by this remonstrance; clergy and magistrates joined in denouncing it; Dr.Child and his associates were arrested, tried for contempt of government, and heavily fined.

The Court, in passing sentence, assured the Doctor that his crime was only equalled by that of Korah and his troop, who rebelled against Moses and Aaron.