Babcock, W. D.

BABCOCK, BUTLER

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 1/9/2013 at 07:59:27

The History of Poweshiek County, Iowa
Des Moines: Union Hist. Co., 1880.

BABCOCK, W.D.—Grinnell Twp—pg 881. Photographer and artist, Grinnell. Was born in Canada East, July 16, 1822, and when an infant accompanied his parents to Vermont, where he attended the Vermont University and graduated therefrom in 1842. Then went to Boston, where he learned the trade of daguerreotyping and followed it for about one year, when he went to New York City, remaining until 1846. In 1852 he returned to Canada and learned the photographing business. At this time he was running a daguerreotype gallery in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, and remained there until 1868, when he returned to New York City and continued his business until 1870. Then removed to Mason City, Cerro Gordo county, this State, and in 1874 went to Minnesota, staying for two years. Until July, 1880, he was engaged in traveling through the State and at this time he came to Grinnell, where he is now doing a good business, having one of the neatest parlors in this district. Mr. B. was married, in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, in March, 1852, to Miss Sarah J. Butler, of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. They have four children, one of whom, A.W., is living. Three are deceased: Sarah W. and two infants.