Babb, James E. (James Elisha), 1864-1934

James Elisha Babb practiced law in Chicago, 1882-1892; in 1892 he moved to Lewiston, Idaho and praticed law there.

James Elisha Babb practiced law in Chicago, 1882-1892; in 1892 he moved to Lewiston, Idaho, and practiced law there.

James Elisha Babb was born on 1864 January 11, the son of Milton and Elizabeth (Littler) Babb. Raised in Champaign County, Illinois, Babb attended Illinois College and graduated in 1882 with a B.S. In 1884 he received his law degree from Union College of Law, Northwestern University, and then entered private law practice in Chicago. Four years later he married Daisey Tinkham, the daughter of a Northern Civil War veteran, Charles Johnson Tinkham.

Babb moved to Lewiston, Idaho, in 1892 and soon became one of the most prominent lawyers and Republicans in the State. He was often asked to run for Justice of the State Supreme Court, Congressman, Senator, and Governor. Each time he turned down the requests. Nevertheless, he did play a prominent role in Idaho politics as close advisor to Senator William E. Borah and many other Republican office holders.

Babb died 1934 May 26.