Representative James F. Babcock View All Years
This photograph is provided for official informational purposes only. The image may not be copied, reproduced, distributed, or otherwise used without prior written authorization from the Iowa General Assembly.
Requests for permission to use this image must be submitted to the Chief Clerk of the House for House members or the Secretary of the Senate for Senate members.
James F. Babcock
Chickasaw County
Born in Steuben County, New York, November 27, 1833, the son of Amos and Elma (Cornell) Babcock. In 1868, Mr. Babcock removed to New Hampton, where he continued to work at the trade of brick and stone mason for a number of years and erected the first brick business block in New Hampton. After coming to New Hampton he opened the first drug store of the. In 1877 he purchased his first farm land in Chickasaw county. He engaged extensively in the breeding of registered Holstein cattle and also conducted a large dairy business. Mr. Babcock was also one of the leading factors in the organization of the State Bank of New Hampton and has been one of the principal stockholders and a member of the board of directors since its establishment. Following the organization of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of Chickasaw county he was elected to its presidency and served in that important capacity for twenty-one years. It is but natural that a man of Mr. Babcock's capabilities and powers should be called upon for public service, and in addition to his office holding in Fayette County he has been chosen for political honors in Chickasaw county. He was the first mayor of the city of New Hampton, following its incorporation, and he has repeatedly served as a member of the town council and for one term as chairman of the board of county supervisors. In 1882 he was elected to represent Chickasaw county in the state legislature and in the discharge of his official duties he has brought to bear the same thoroughness, progressiveness and integrity of purpose that has characterized his activity along other lines. On the 1st of January, 1862, Mr. Babcock was married to Miss Mary L. Robison, of Fayette County, Iowa. Both Mr. and Mrs. Babcock are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is well known in Masonic circles, having for fifty-three years been a loyal and exemplary follower of the order, joining the lodge at West Union, Iowa, in 1866. He now holds membership in Arcana Lodge, No. 274, A. F. & A. M.; Adelphia Chapter, No. 113, R. A. M.; Eudora Commandery, No. 53, K. T.
Print
Permanent Link