My Genealogy Hound

Edgar S. Babcock, who owns a fine farm of 140 acres in sections 26 and 22, Springfield township, Oakland County, and occupies a handsome residence erected by himself, was born in Hartwick township, Otsego County, New York, and was brought to Michigan when an infant of three years. He is a son of Sylvester and Lavina (Houghteling) Babcock, and a grandson of Sylvester Babcock.

The grandfather of our subject was born in Vermont, and was a son of a Revolutionary soldier. He died in Chautauqua County, New York, at the age of 54 years. The father of our subject was also born in Vermont and followed the trade of carpenter and joiner. In 1836 he brought his family to Michigan and in the spring of 1837 settled in Springfield township, Oakland County. He became a substantial, prominent and useful citizen, and served as township treasurer for 20 years. His wife, Lavina Houghteling, was a native of Delaware County, New York, of German ancestry. They reared these children: Edgar S., of this sketch; John, deceased; Harriet, of Detroit; Eunice, of Dakota; and Mary M.

Mr. Babcock learned the carpenter and joiner trade with his father and is a very excellent workman, having been engaged on various occasions on important building contracts. He has traveled considerably through both the South and West, doing much railroad construction work with one of the leading firms of the country. He was also master mechanic for the Singer Sewing Machine Company at South Bend, Indiana, removing then to Springfield township, Oakland County, in 1880. He purchased first a farm of 80 acres, adding to it until it attained its present proportions. Mr. Babcock has proved himself a model farmer, his land bringing him large returns. He has taken more than a passing interest in politics, always actively supporting the Republican party. He has served as a justice of the peace for 12 years and for two years has been highway commissioner. He has been for 21 years a trustee of the Presbyterian Church of Springfield, and is a man in whom everyone places utmost confidence and regards with esteem. He became a Mason in 1854, and for nine years was master of Austin Lodge, No. 48, F. & A. M., of Davisburg, Oakland County. He has been a member of the Grange for the past 23 years, taking a deep interest in agricultural matters as well as public affairs.

In 1875 Mr. Babcock was married to Sarah A. Lewis, who was born at South Bend, Indiana, and is a daughter of Lemming and Sophronia Lewis. The two children of this marriage are: Mrs. Cora S. Cross, of Springfield township, Oakland County, who has one child, Arthur E.; and Burton. In 1902, Mr. Babcock was married to his second wife, Celia C. Smith.