Josiah Babcock

Josiah Babcock

Josiah Babcock, son of Josiah and Sarah (Pettingill) Babcock, was born in Andover, New Hampshire, August 22, 1823. His paternal grandfather, who had the same name, was born in Milton, Massachusetts, July 6, 1752. His maternal grandfather was Amos Pettingill; the time and place of his birth are unknown. His father, who was also named Josiah, was born in Andover, New Hampshire, September 21, 1791, and his mother, Sarah Pettingill, was born in Salisbury, New Hampshire, September 21, 1797.

Josiah Babcock, the third of the same name in the line, was not reared in affluence. His early years were spent among the stern and rugged hills of his native state. His education was obtained in the common schools and in Hampden Academy, Maine. He was not broadly educated, but was thoroughly trained in those branches necessary to a practical business life. In his boyhood days he worked in the lumber camps on the Penobscot River in Maine. When only eighteen years of age, he ran a saw mill for his father. He continued in this work for five years, when he came West, reaching Peoria, Illinois, in 1846. Here he was engaged in a wholesale house of general merchandise for Moses Pettingill. After two years of service, he bought an interest in the firm and became a junior partner. He conducted this business successfully for several years, when he sold out and came to Galesburg in 1852. His first partnership here was with Warren Willard in a store of general merchandise. He soon sold out and engaged in the hardware business with Reed and Stilson under the firm name of Reed, Babcock and Stilson.

Mr. Babcock continued in this business, almost uninterruptedly, until the day of his death, which occurred September 1, 1897, at the age of seventy-three. He first bought Reed’s and Stilson’s interest and ran the business in his own name. He then sold out to Calkins and Wilcox, which firm existed but a short time. He next took Mr. Reed as a partner under the firm name of Reed and Babcock. This co-partnership lasted until Mr. Reed’s death, and then it was changed to Babcock and Pierpont. This last co-partnership continued until the retirement of Mr. Pierpont in 1893. Then Mr. Babcock continued the business in his own name.

Mr. Babcock was prosperous in every relation of life. He started almost alone in the world and became a man of wealth. He possessed ability and was always noted for his honesty of purpose. He had no high aspiration for the honors of office, but was contented with the simplicity of home life and with the duties devolving upon him as a citizen. He took his position in the ranks of toilers working in the interest of the city, and earned the reputation of a man whose word is law and whose acts are just and right. His views were broad, charitable, and intelligent; and his life was a blessing to the community in which he lived.

Mr. Babcock always took an active interest in the prosperity and welfare of the city of his adoption. Every line of business and every project which his judgment approved received his cordial support. He encouraged the establishment of the Electric Power and Motor Company, and was a part owner and director. For thirty years, he was a director in the Second National Bank of Galesburg, and for many years its Vice President. He was always regarded as one of its most trustworthy guardians and managers.

He was a friend of education. He believed not only in the common school system but in higher institutions of learning. He was a staunch supporter of Knox College, and for many years was one of its trustees. His discretion and judgment, as a member of its Executive Committee, were appreciated and acknowledged.

Politically, Mr. Babcock was a republican, but in no sense a partisan. No man ever exercised the right of suffrage in a freer spirit than he. He voted for measures, not men. In religious faith, he was a Congregationalist and a deacon in the church for many years.

He was wedded in Hampden, Maine, November 7, 1853, to Catherine Wheeler, daughter of Willard Wheeler, who was once a sea captain. To them were born three children, Alice, wife of W. J. Pierpont, living in Crescent City, Florida; William W.; and Josiah, who is engaged in the hardware business in the store building formerly occupied by his father.

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