One of a Thousand/Babcock, James Francis

 

Babcock, James Francis, son of Archibald D. and Fanny F. (Richards) Babcock, was born in Boston, February 23, 1844.

His early education was accomplished at the Quincy grammar school and at the English high school in Boston, where he graduated in 1860, and at once entered the chemical department of the Lawrence Scientific school of Harvard University. Completing the course of study in 1862, he at once commenced the profession of analytical chemist, which he has practiced in Boston to the present time, frequently being engaged as chemical expert in patent cases and in capital trials in this and other states.

On the 25th of May, 1865, in Boston, Mr. Babcock was married to Mary Porter, daughter of Walter and Mary (Watson) Crosby. Their children are: Walter C., Frank C., and Marie Babcock.

Mr. Babcock was appointed state assayer by Governor Gaston in 1875, and re-appointed by successive governors for ten years. He was appointed milk inspector for the city of Boston in 1885, and continued to the year 1889. His official reports on milk, butter, etc., form valuable contributions to the literature of these subjects. From 1870 to 1875 he was professor of chemistry in the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, and in the Boston University from 1875 to 1880.

Prof. Babcock is a popular lyceum lecturer upon scientific subjects, and is the inventor of the chemical fire engine and the Babcock fire extinguisher.