John Lewis Childs (May 13, 1856 – March 6, 1921)[1][2] was a horticultural businessman and politician who founded Floral Park, New York.

In addition to a widespread reputation for being a zealous ornithologist,[3] Childs is also credited with founding the first mail order seed catalog business in the United States.

He also provided a public park for the community,[5] built the first school in town, and served as the first village president, which later became the office of mayor.

[4] His extensive land holdings related mainly to his seed catalog business, with more than 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) used for that purpose near St. James, New York and eastern Long Island.

[6] He possessed the largest privately held collection of over 1,100 mounted North American birds, most with nest and eggs.