Jeremiah Babcock, son of Christopher and Mehitable Babcock, was born November 23, 1766 in Westerly, RI, and died April 9, 1847 in Champion, Jefferson Co., NY, in his eighty-first year. He was married January 5, 1792 to Amy, daughter of William Angell. She was born April 4, 1766 in Exeter, NY, and died February 7, 1835 in Champion. For many years he lived in the southeastern part of Madison County, NY, evidently in different towns, at different times, as his children appear to have been born in three towns. He was an early resident of Champion, and had a farm not far from the center of that town. His children were ten in number:
1. Christopher, b October 13, 1792; married Susan Crandall and 2) Janette McNeil, and lived on a farm near his father in Champion, where he died June 28, 1869.
2. Elias, b August 20, 1794; married Sarah Angell; was a farmer in Champion where he died March 11, 1859.
3. Joshua
4. Drusilla, b September 2, 1797; married James R. Perigo, and moved to Illinois where she died.
5. James, b February 5, 1799, died young.
6. Ambrose Spencer, b December 2, 1800; died December 28, 1891 in Champion where he settled about 1824.
7. James, b February 24, 1803, died young.
8. Jeremiah, b November 9, 1804, married Julia Francis; was a blacksmith at Felt's Mills and Carthage, dying at the latter place April 9, 1847.
9. Amy A., b November 23, 1806; married Benejah Lewis and lived in Denmark, NY and died March 24, 1894 in Champion.
10. William P.
Joshua Angell Babcock, third son and child of Jeremiah and Amy, was born February 10, 1796 in Hamilton, NY, and died March 23, 1843 at Felt's Mills, Jefferson County. He was married at Hamilton on July 24, 1820 to Laura, daughter of Chandler Holmes, born September 2, 1793 in Hartland, Vermont. She passed away December 29, 1845 at Felt's Mills. About 1822, Joshua A. Babcock moved from Madison County, NY, to Felt's Mills, where he engaged in the mercantile business and there ended his days. He inherited the sturdy traits for which his ancestors were noted, and was a successful businessman. He received a fair education and engaged in teaching for some years in early life. For some time before his death, his eldest son was a partner with him in the mercantile business and lumbering, and much of the care of his affairs were surrendered to the latter owing to failing health of the senior. Joshua A. Babcock was a prominent member of the Methodist Church at Felt's Mills and also served as justice of the peace. His children were:
1. Henry H.
2. Amy, died in infancy
3. Perley J., born August 31, 1836 and died August 24, 1863.
4. Martha L., died at age one
5. George D. born October 6, 1834 and resides in Mexico, NY
Henry Holmes Babcock, eldest child of Joshua A. and Laura (Holmes) Babock, was born March 28, 1821 in Hamilton, NY, and died November 30, 1993, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anson R. Flower, in New York. He had few early advantages and received his education in the common schools at Felt's Mills. On attaining man's estate, he engaged in the mercantile and lumber business with his father at Felt's Mills, where he operated a sawmill, marketing his product in Albany. In 1842 he moved to Watertown, where he purchased a parcel of land upon which he built houses for sale. This enterprise was of service in building up the city and yielded satisfactory returns and in 1845, he invested some of his capital in the manufacture of wooden pumps. These found a ready market in this section and the business grew to large dimensions. In 1878 he turned his attention to the manufacture of wagons and buggies, and the energy and executive ability which had built up his previous undertakings soon began to tell in the new field. As fast as his sons arrived at the proper age, after being carefully educated and trained in business methods, they were made partners in the business and were of material aid in extending it. Four years after the establishment of this undertaking, during which it had been conducted under the style of H. H. Babock & Sons, it had taken a prominent place among the industries of Watertown and attracted the attention of capitalists.
In 1882, a corporation was formed under the name of H. H. Babcock Company, with a capital of one hundred thousand dollars, the incorporators being Mr. Babcock and his three sons: Herbert P., George H. and Fred W. Babcock, and Roswell P. and Anson R. Flower. A large factory building was erected at this time, and constant additions have been found necessary, as the trade increased, until the plant now comprises five large shops and seven storage buildings. Honest workmanship upon honest material have given confidence in the product of this establishment to the trade, and the growth in demand for its product continues to extend wherever high-class carriages are in use, the market extending around the world. Henry H. Babock was made president of the company upon its organization and so continued until his death. There can be no doubt that its growth was due chiefly to his genius for developing industries. He was always a friend to his employes, with whom he held frequent converse, and he was looked to by them as a father, often aiding in settling their differences and difficulties and ever maintaining a sincere interest in their welfare. As a consequence there were no strikes in his shops, growth and development has been steady and continues, and the output of 1904 promises to reach seven thousand carriages. Three hundred and fifty men are steadily employed, and there are no dull seasons. The growth of this great concern and its character continue to be a source of local pride.
Mr. Babcock was one of nature's noblemen, kind-hearted, genial and frank, and was respected and loved in every relation of life. He served as supervisor several terms and as mayor of the city. He was one of the most earnest and valued communicants of Trinity (Protestant Episcopal) Church, and was one of its wardens for thirty years. A Democrat in politics, he did not carry his partisanship to unreasonable extremes, and made no enemies among those who opposed him politically.
Mr. Babcock married on November 25, 1841 to Eliza Wheeler, daughter of Joel B. Wheeler, of Felt's Mills. Mrs. Babcock died in June, 1900. Of her eight children, six are now living:
1. Marion R. is he wife of L. O. Woodruff of Cape Vincent, NY
2. George H.
3. Ida married Anson R. Flower and resides much of the time in NY City.
4. Adella B. is the wife of Richard S. Hungerford, residing in Watertown
5. Fred W.
6. Frank Ernest is assistant secretary of the H. H. Babcock Company and resides in Watertown, unmarried.
Herbert Perley Babcock, eldest son of Henry H. and Eliza Babock, lived to take an active part in the organization of the H. H. Babcock Co., but his promising young life was soon thereafter ended. He was born November 24, 1845 in Watertown and finished his education at Geneva, NY. He continued in his father's business until his death at age 39. During the last three years of his life he traveled much in hope of recuperating his health, but the end came April 24, 1884 at Riverside, California. He married on October 14, 1875 to Rose Monroe of Sangerfield, NY, daughter of John and Marietta (Priest) Monroe. A son was born to this union April 21, 1879, and christened Henry Herbert. He graduated from Yale College in 1901 and entered the law school of Columbia University the following year and graduated in the class of 1904. He was admitted to the bar in 1903. Mrs. Babcock became the wife of Joseph Mullin, whom she survives.
George Henry, second son of H. H. Babock, was born October 25, 1852 in Watertown. He was educated in the public schools of the city and in 1870 became a clerk in the private bank of Wooster Sherman, in which position he continued nearly two years. About the close of 1871 he was taken into his father's business and has been treasurer and manager of the H. H. Babock Co., since its organization. He was one of the organizers of the Watertown Savings Bank. He was one of the organizers and first trustee of the Watertown Building Assoc. and is a trustee of the Flower Memorial Library. He was a long time member of the Trinity Church. His wife who was Alice L. Webster, daughter of Levi Webster, of St. Albans, VT. Her mother, Ellen L. Meech belonged to one of the first and most distinguished families of Chittenden County, Vermonth.
Frederick William Babcock, third son of H. H. Babcock, is a native of Watertown, born April 26, 1858, and a true exponent of the character for which this family is noted, being well known for even temper, keen perception business probity, energetic application and genial nature. He was a graduate of St. John's Military School at Manliues, NY in 1876. After clerking in the hardware store of Belknap and Phelps in Watertown, he was then admitted to partnership with his father. He was one of the organizers of the Union Club and a Knight Templar Mason, affiliated with Watertown Commandery and also a member of Media Temple, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, where he served as chief rabban. For years he was a communicant of Trinity Church and gave allegiance to the Democratic Party in politics. Gov. Flower appointed him in 1894 to a commission of the water power on Black River. As a member of Company C. 35th Battalion National Guard of NY, he served as a commissioned officer of the same.
Mr. Babcock married on September 27, 1881 to Miss Elizabeth Haas, who was born in NY City, January 7, 1860, daughter of Frederick Haas, of German ancestry. She died on February 28, 1895, and left a son and daughter: Frederick Howard, born March 4, 1887 is a midshipman in the US Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD. Alice Elizabeth, born August 31, 1888 is a student at Watertown High School. On December 2, 1897, Mr. Babcock married Miss Ida M. Willey, who was born June 12, 1860, in Syracuse and an active participant in the work of Trinity Parish.
William Powers Babcock, youngest child of Jeremiah and Amy (Angell) Babcock, was born September 2, 1908 in Exeter, NY. He received his education in the common schools and came to Champion with his father, succeeding to the paternal farm below Champion Huddle, where he died. A cheese factory now marks the location of the farm. He attended the Methodist Church at first in Champion village and later on the Felt's Mills Road. A Democrat in politics, he filled several of the town offices, such as highway commissioner and assessor. On November 25, 1830 he married Roxy Lewis, a native of Champion and daughter of Esquire Eseck Lewis, a highly respected citizen, long time a magistrate of that town. The children of William P. and Roxy Babcock were:
1. William August, now a farmer between Great Bend and Champion
2. Esther, who married Samuel McNeil and subsequently Elisha Greenfield and died in Champion
3. Lysander W., now a resident of West Carthage
4. Elizur and Eliza who were twins; Elizur became a resident of Syracuse and Eliza died at the age of 20.
Lysander Whitfield Babock was born March 17, 1836, in the town of Champion, where he grew up. He became a successful farmer and cared for his parents in their old age. He then purchased a farm, which he continued to till until 1885, when he bought a house on Bridge Street, W. Carthage and moved there to reside. Since that time he engaged in buying and shipping cattle. A a member of the Congregational Church, he served as a trustee and was a Democrat in politics. He served several years as a trustee of the village of W. Carthage and also as president. He married on November 10, 1857 to Miss Mary Jane Merrill, who was born January 1, 1837 in Champion, daughter of William and Abigail (Locklin) Merrill, both representatives of pioneer families of Champion.
Of six children born of this marriage:
Hubert H. born December 19, 1863 died May 5, 1864.
The others were:
William Alfred, a farmer of Champion, father of one child, Mildred E.
Nettie, wife of William Phillips of Battle Creek, Michigan and they have one child, Ruth M.
Lida M. and Lizzia A. were twins; Lida became the wife of Reuben Chaufty and they have one child, Wilma A., and Lizzie was the widow of Thomas C. Williams all of Carthage
Alfred became Mrs. Edgar Harrington of Carthage and the mother of one child, Gerald L.
William Alfred Babcock was born February 7, 1860 on his father's farm in the western part of the town of Champion. When he was age eight his father moved to the farm he now owns east of Champion Huddle. He attended public schools until age 17 and then went into farming. He bough 180 acres in 1895 and has rented it since 1899. There is a dairy of about 30 cows on the place. His membership included the Great Bend Grange, the Congregational Church at W. Carthage. And he was a Democrat. He married on October 1, 1884 to Miss Theresa Wagner, born in NY City, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Wagner who came from Germany and now reside with a son in Canastota, NY. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have a daughter, Mildred Elizabeth, age 14.
William Augustus Babcock, son of William P. Babcock, was born July 2, 1832 on his father's farm below Champion Huddle, and lived at home until he was 25 years of age. As a boy, he attended the district school and later was a student in a select school taught by John Winslow at Watertown. At age 25 he went into business on his own account. At Carthage he purchased the clothing business of H. D. Brown, which he conducted for five years in partnership with Sylvester Fritz, called Babcock and Fritz. At the end of five years John W. Clark purchased the interest of Fritz and for eight and one-half years, it was Babcock & Clark. William sold his interest to Mr. Clark and retired from the mercantile affairs. In 1875 he bough 74 acres of land where he now lives, between Champion village and the Huddle. The farm was later managed by his son. Mr. Babcock was a vestryman of Grace Episcopal Church and served in the same capacity in St. John's Church of Champion, where he holds membership. A member of the Great Bend Grange, he has always been a Democrat. In March 1857, he married Emeline O. Mott, who died March 8, 1858. On 23 January 1862, he married Adelia W. Wright. She was born November 16, 1831 in Durham, Green County, NY, daughter of Benjamin and Rhoda (Dann) Wright.
Her mother died when she was eight years old and she was raised by an elder sister, wife of George S. Whitney in Champion. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock had a daughter named Eva E., who died at age eleven. Their son, Frederick A. resides with his parents; he was born April 30, 1865 and married Caroline W. Knowles of Champion.
Frederick Jesse Babcock, superintendent of the Dexter Sulphite Mill, is a native of the town of Brownville, born at Dexter on June 13, 1871. His ancestors were among the founders of the colony of Rhode Island.
David Babcock, second son and third child of George and Elizabeth Babcock, was born December 22, 1700 in Westerly Rhode Island and died in S. Kingston in 1783, like his father, in his 83rrd year. On February 24, 1730, he was married by his father, to Dorcas, daughter of Daniel and Dorcas (Gardner) Brown who was born May 23, 1713 in Westerly and died December 18, 1798 in S. Kingston. His will mentions ten children. Each of the daughters received personal property; each of his sons a farm and to the son of a deceased son, a farm. His silver tankard was reserved for his oldest son, the widow receiving all the rest of the family silver. The tankard was preserved and is owned by Mrs. Horace E. Horton of Chicago, a daughter of George and Emily (Brown) Babcock.
David, the eldest child of David and Dorcas Babcok was born April 10, 1734 at S. Kingston. He married at Charlestown on March 30, 1757 to Sarah Perry, daughter of Samuel and Suzannah (Hazzard) Perry, born at Charlestown March 30, 1738. Her sister married Elisha Babcock, an uncle of David. The last named was admitted freeman in May 1756, at N. Kingston and in 1758 was an ensign in Capt. John Wilson's Company of S. Kingston militia. He became a sailor, and late in life went to Otsego Co., NY, with his sons. He was the father of nine children.
David, the eldest child of David and Sarah (Perry) Babcock, was born May 17, 1760 in S. Kingston and died November 17, 1831. He married at Sharon, CT to Sarah, daughter of John and Deborah (Knickerbocker) Beardsley. She was born September 2, 1765 at Sharon and died in 1836 in Ames, NY. According to the family records, David Babcock was a Revolutionary War soldier. His family included six children.
Jesse, the fifth child and third son of David and Sarah (Beardsley) Babock, was born October 16, 1805 in Marcy, NY and died December 8, 1885, in Dexter, Jefferson Co., NY. He married at New Hartford, NY on September 26, 1831 to Maria Morgan who died June 14, 1854 in Dexter. She was the mother of his five children. Jesse was an early resident of Brownville where he bought a site and operated a flour mill and feed store. Besides his farming occupation he established and operated a lime kiln. For his second wife, Mr. Babcock married Sarah A. Baker, a native of Dexter, who was a lady of superior education and refinement. She survived her husband and died in 1904 in Salem, Oregon. Two of his children are now living: Elizabeth, the wife of Sanford Herrick of San Francisco, California and William, a resident of Denver, Colorado.
George, the second son and fourth child of Jesse and Maria Babcock, was born January 3, 1844 in Dexter and died there in 1879. He was reared and educated in Dexter and operated the mill. During the Civil War he was a private of the Tenth NY Heavy Artillery. He as with this command until the close of the war and participated in the Battle of Gettysburg. After the close of the war, he returned to Dexter and assumed management of the mill. He became a breeder and dealer in high-grade horses and died at an early age of 38. His wife, whose maiden name was Leonora Fluno, was born in Dexter in 1848. Her father, David Fluno, was one of the early settlers and active in community affairs. George Babcock served as a custom house officer for a number of years and was a well known member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Babcock still survives is lives in Dexter.
They were the parents of three children:
1. Frederick J.
2. Charles, foreman of the Hopper-Morgan tablet works at Glen Park.
3. Mary who married William Hicks of Pennsylvania
Frederick J. Babcock was born at Dexter on June 13, 1871 and spent his early days at his parents' home in Dexter and attended public schools. His business career was that of a salesman in the Clark Brothers hardware store in Dexter, where he remained for three years. After that he was with O. M. and G. W. Wood of the same place for five years. It was at the end of five years that he entered the sulphite mill. His church relationship was with the Presbyterians. In 1895 he married Miss Ada Schwartz, who was born in Pillar Point in 1879, a daughter of Adolphus Schwartz, who was a teacher and later a carpenter. Adolphus was born in St. Lawrence Co., NY in 1845, and married Mary Carpenter who was born in 1848. They became parents of six children, five of whom are living:
1. Alda, wife of DeWitt Surtevant of Croton, NY
2. William, a prominent physician of Croton
3. Mrs. Babcock
4. Rose, the wife of William Ross of Watertown, NY
5. Harold, who is living with his sister in Croton
Of this family, Tilly passed away. To Mr. and Mrs. Babcock, was born but one child, George Adolphus, born August 11, 1899.
Source: Gen. and Family Hist. of the Co. of Jefferson, NY by Oakes, Volume 1, begin p. 81.
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