SYLVESTER C. BABBITT

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 722:

Sylvester C. Babbitt

(Of Sullards & Babbitt, Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothing, Etc., Schell City).

   The subject of the following sketch bears a name known almost the world over, for one who bore it, Ira Babbitt, was the discoverer and manufacturer of the now famous Babbitt metal. Sylvester's father, Joy Babbitt, was a brother of that noted individual. He (Joy) was a millwright and stone mason by occupation and of Vermont nativity. His wife, formerly Julia Ann Delvergn, was born in Pennsylvania. Eight children were born to them, and of that number Sylvester, the fourth child, was born in Greenville, Mercer county, Pa., March 17, 1839. While still a boy he accompanied his parents to Kentucky and there he was reared to a farm experience, remaining so engaged until his removal to Indiana, where he worked in a cotton factory for over two years. Going across the river to the Blue Grass State again, he learned the trade of blacksmith and machinist, and followed it until the outbreak of the war, then obtaining a three years' experience as engineer in the navy. After the close of the war Mr. Babbitt resumed work at his adopted calling and in 1873 came to Missouri, settling in Schell City, where he labored some time at blacksmithing and machine work. Following this he commenced handling agricultural implements and farm machinery, and so continued in connection with Mr. J. W. Sullards until quite recently, when the present establishment of Sullards & Babbitt was opened in the dry goods and clothing line. Judging from the past business experience of each member of this firm the future success of this new house is an assured fact. The stock carried is complete in every particular and selected with a view to the demands of the trade. A full line of clothing, dry goods, etc., cannot fail to attract a wide patronage, and this, added to the extensive personal popularity and acquaintance of Messrs. Sullards & Babbitt, render success doubly sure. In 1871 Mr. B. married Miss Emma Baysett, of New Orleans, La. One child is now living out of a family of four born to them, Alice J. Mr. Babbitt is an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. It has long been known of him that matters pertaining to the education of our youth of the present day receive his hearty support and co-operation. He has served a long time on the school board and has always strongly advocated a high grade of education.

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