Rev. Simeon Hoffman Babcock, son of Elder Simeon and Elizabeth (Hoffman) Babcock, was born in Pike township, Clark County, Ohio, Jan. 21, 1841, and died at Mercy hospital, Janesville, Wis., Nov. 18, 1924, aged 83 years, 9 months and 27 days.
Feb. 21, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth McCormick. Both were residents of Shelby Co., Ohio, and were members of the Jackson Center church of which his father was pastor.
There were eight children in their family. Those living are Mrs. D. F. Whitford, Edgerton; Milton J., Albion; Mrs. M. L. Brown, Whitewater; Louis A., Milton; and Mrs. H. C. Van Horn, Lost Creek, West Virginia. There are seventeen grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
His mother was twice married, first to Milton Stout to whom three sons were born. Her second husband was Eld. Simeon Babcock and there were two sons and a daughter born to them. Bro. Babcock is the last to pass away.
Both by heredity and training Bro. Babcock was naturally a Christian.
His mother was of a courageous God fearing family, deeply interested in religion and devoted to her family. The father was of the sixth generation of the Babcock family in America, a preacher and example of righteousness. It is not then strange that their child should become a Christian in his ninth year, and that when the church expressed confidence in his character and ability by inviting him to devote himself to the gospel ministry and become their leader, he consented, though in his twenty-ninth year, and having a family of three children to support.
After a time he removed to Albion 'to better qualify himself for his calling.' The Albion church licensed him to preach, March 2, 1873. In response to the request of the Jackson Center, Ohio church, the Albion church called a council of the churches, composing the Quarterly Meeting, and he was ordained June 29, 1874.
His pastorates were Jackson Center, Albion and Walworth; Field worker for the Missionary Society, a second pastorate at Albion, and last Little Genesee, N. Y., from which he retired from active ministry.
His public ministrations were enhanced by his christian character and manliness and are rewarded in immeasurable benefits. Everywhere the grace of God was upon him and glorified his work. His companion was well chosen and together they made a home that was a tower of strength wherever they lived. This happy union was broken by death and he must complete the journey of life in the family of his oldest son Milton.
These years of retirement have been like a benediction. His presence in the church and Sabbath school and community has been very helpful. He never ceased to be a factor for good. His name will ever be held in loving remembrance by his many friends and his family will cherish the priceless heritage of Godly living and christian character he has left them.
Funeral services were conducted by Pastor L. D. Seager of Albion, assisted by Rev. J. L. Skaggs of Milton, Rev. E. E. Sutton of Milton Junction, and Rev. E. A. Witter of Walworth. Burial was made in Evergreen cemetery.
