My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES M. BABCOCK, an enterprising general agriculturist and extensive wheat-grower of Sodus Township, Berrien County, has passed his life from early boyhood in the State of Michigan, and during the entire period of his residence here has made his home within the limits of the township. He was born July 17, 1852, in Noble County, Ind., but has for nearly thirty years been identified with the changing scenes of Berrien County, where he is now spending his days of honored and busy usefulness. The parents of Mr. Babcock died when he was a few weeks old, and then the helpless little one was given into the tender care of Mr. and Mrs. Erastus Harlow, who were to him as parents. The Harlows at that time lived in Indiana, and it was not until Charles was twelve years of age that they removed to Michigan. Our subject attended the district schools of Wayne Township, Noble County, Ind., and aided his foster parents in the daily round of agricultural work incidental to the life of a farmer boy. He was apt and intelligent, and in every possible manner repaid with grateful affection the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Harlow. When the family came to Michigan, Charles, who was the only child in the home, attended the schools of Sodus Township and added still further to the stock of knowledge previously gained.

It was in 1864 that the Harlows settled in the township, where the father purchased land and erected a fine and commodious residence, substantial barns and other improvements. Until he was twenty years of age our subject spent the winter months in study, the spring, summer and fall in work upon the Harlow homestead, but at this age he gave his entire attention to farming. In 1873 Mr. Babcock purchased fifty acres of land adjoining the farm of Mr. Harlow, and with industrious energy and unflagging ambition began life for himself. After a time the failing health of Mr. Harlow made it necessary for our subject to again return to the care of the old homestead, and in 1889 he received full charge of the lands, which he profitably managed until the death of his true friend and father, Mr. Harlow, who passed to his rest respected by all who knew him, June 9, 1891. In the mean time Mrs. Harlow, a most estimable Christian lady, had died two years previously, and our subject was bequeathed by the will of Mr. Harlow all of his lands and property. Without any delay Mr. Babcock at once came into possession of all property, personal and real, which had formerly belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Harlow, and has since resided upon the old home farm, which yields annually an abundant harvest of wheat, to the cultivation of which grain the fertile fields are mainly devoted.

In October, 1876, Charles Babcock and Miss Emily Stewart were united in marriage. Mrs. Babcock was the daughter of John Stewart, a well-known and old-time resident of Pipestone Township. Two daughters and three sons have brightened the home with their cheerful presence, and four of the little ones yet survive, Effie died in early infancy; Erastus Harlow, named in honor of the beloved foster father, is the eldest son; John S., Edwin M. and Grace complete the list of the children who yet gather about the family fireside. Our subject is not identified with any church or denomination. Fraternally, he is a member of Coloma Lodge No. 144, of Coloma, and is a member of the National Providence Union, and also belongs to the Patrons of Husbandry located in Sodus Township. Mr. Babcock is, politically, a Republican, and an earnest advocate of the party. He occupied with ability the office of Drainage Commissioner, and, a man of efficiency and excellent judgment, is among the citizens of the township who may be depended upon to assist liberally in all matters of mutual welfare and enterprise. Our subject, his accomplished wife, sons and daughter worthily fill positions of useful influence and possess the high regard and sincere friendship of a large circle of acquaintance.