Ezra Stillman Babcock, the youngest of twelve children born to Abel and Lucy Ann Heritage Babcock, was born three miles east of Milton, Wis., January 3, 1851.
The five members of that family still living are Mrs. Lee Burdick of Milton Junction, Mrs. Stillman Burdick of Milton, Mrs. Lydia Maxson of Riverside, Cal., Edwin P. Babcock of Clinton, Wis., and Mrs. Ellis Mendenhall of Watertown, Wis. The family moved to Milton when he was three years old. He attended the academy and the college. He was married to Frances A. Castle, August 4, 1871. The family circle remaining includes Mrs. Babcock, Edwin A., D. Alton, Lillian and Mrs. William Bennett. Two boys, Ernest and Elston, died in early life. There are three grandchildren. He was converted at thirty-one years of age through the influence of his dying boy Elston, and has ever since been a devoted Christian, a loyal member of the Milton Seventh-day Baptist Church.
He was a modest, unassuming man, but his influence for good has been remarkable. 'He lived in a house by the side of the road and was a friend to man.' He taught a Sabbath-school class, was superintendent of the prayer meeting department of the Men's Brotherhood, and was an inspiration in the prayer meeting. His great power, however, seemed to be in his daily life where men were deeply impressed by his genuineness and his sincere interest in the welfare of others.
He died of septic pneumonia, December 28, 1911. Although only a few hours notice of the funeral had been given, the church was crowded with sympathizing friends on the afternoon of December 30. The Sabbath, the great day of the week to him, was a fitting day for the services in his memory. Pastor's text: 'For to me to live in Christ, and to die is gain.' Phil. i, 21. L. C. R.
