Wilbur J. Babcock, son of Simeon and Amy Van Horn Babcock, was born in Jackson Center, Shelby county, Ohio, February 6, 1859, and died February 8, 1925, at his home in Exeland, Wis.
He was the youngest son; there being four sons and three daughters in the family, and the last one of the family to be called home.
In 1884, he was united in marriage to Laura R. Babcock, at Humboldt, Nebraska, who survives him. To this union were born eleven children, five sons and six daughters, all living, as follows: Rev. John T. Babcock of Berea, W. Va.; Mr. Jesse W. Babcock of Exeland, Wis.; Mr. Earl Allen Babcock of Detroit, Mich.; Mrs. Viola Babcock Van Horn, Scotia, Neb.; Mrs. Blanche Babcock Ling, New Auburn, Wis.; Mrs. Mae Babcock Sheffield, New Auburn, Wis.; Mrs. Amy Babcock Crandall, New Auburn, Wis.; Mrs. Christine Babcock Greene, New Auburn, Wis.; Mr. Ord Babcock, Exeland, Wis.; Mr. Raymond Babcock, Exeland, Wis.; Miss Pearl Babcock, Exeland, Wis.
Mr. Babcock was baptized when a boy, at Jackson Center, and joined the church at that place, from which his membership has never been removed. He was held in high regard as a citizen, a neighbor, husband and father. His loyalty to the denomination was notable, and he was ever strict in the observance of the Sabbath and in instructing his children to that effect. That his training and example were successful is shown in the careful keeping of the Sabbath from sunset until sundown by each one of his children. It seemed to be his pleasure in doing well and faithfully all the tasks that were his to perform.
The last year of his life, he was not satisfied with the manner in which he had lived and was despondent many times, saying it was not fair to offer his Savior the "stump" of his life when he had used the better part for himself. But before the end he said he had made his peace with God and was ready and willing to go.
The funeral services were held from his home where he lived with his son, Ord, and only the relatives and friends were present. His sons and sons-in-law bore the body to its last resting place. The services were conducted by his pastor, Charles W. Thorngate, who spoke from 2 Corinthians, 5: 1. The body was laid to rest in the Exeland cemetery.
Mr. Babcock is the first one to be called from this church since its organization; the first of our people to find a resting place in the Exeland cemetery.
