CAPT. JOSHUA L. BABB, one of Troy's best citizens, now living retired, is an honored, member of the Grand Array of the Republic, having won distinction in the great Civil War. He was born July 22, 1833, at Babb's Mills, six miles east of Troy, Ohio.

Daniel Babb, father of Captain Babb, was born in Pennsylvania a short time after his parents landed in America from Germany. The family soon moved to Virginia, where Daniel was married. After their second child was born they made the long overland journey from Virginia (now West Virginia), in pioneer style to Ohio, and before he settled permanently, he spent a year in Piqua. He then bought a mill in Bethel Township, which had been put up in 1818, and which he remodeled and operated until his death many years later, this mill giving the name to the little settlement around it; Babb's Mill. He also owned a large farm and was the leading man of his section.

On his father's farm in Bethel Township, J. L. Babb grew to manhood. The call to arms in 1861 aroused his feelings of loyalty and he resolved to offer his services in defense of the Union. He enlisted in Company C, Seventy-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and for four years bore the hardships and faced the dangers of a soldier's life. He participated in many of the most memorable battles of that great struggle and his valor was recognized by frequent promotions. From a private in the ranks he climbed step by step until in 1863 he was commissioned captain of his company and served as such until he was mustered out. He took part in the battles of Shiloh and Stone River and was in the whole campaign in the Army of the Cumberland from Nashville to the fall of Atlanta, after the latter being sent to San Antonio. He was finally mustered out in the fall of 1865. He did not entirely escape injury, being wounded by a shell at Shiloh.

A short time after his return from the army, Captain Babb entered the manufacturing firm of Warder, Bushnell & Glessner, at Springfield, Ohio, as general manager on the road, and continued his association with this house for thirty-five years. After resigning his office he resided some six years in New Jersey, but, as he advanced in years early ties made themselves felt and three years since, he returned to this section which had been his childhood home and took up his residence among those who had been the friends of himself and family for a long period. He found a hearty welcome awaiting him.