Babcock, Charles M. (Charles Merritt), 1871-1936

Charles Merritt Babcock, widely regarded as the originator of the Minnesota highway system, was born in Sherburne County, Minnesota, on August 10, 1871, the son of Willard L. and Sarepta (George) Babcock. He attended the University of Minnesota, but the 1893 financial panic forced his return to Elk River, where he worked in his father's general store and eventually became president of the Elk River bank.

Babcock's highway career began in 1909 with his appointment to the state highway commission, which he led as commissioner of highways from 1917-1932. He proved instrumental in securing legislative support and funding, and in constructing roads and highways in Minnesota. He authored the Babcock amendment (1920) to the state constitution, which funded road construction out of vehicle taxes. Babcock was active in the American Road Builders Association, the American Association of State Highway Officials, and the National Safety Council, and represented the United States at the Pan American Congress of Highways (1925, 1929).

He married (1894) Anna H. Burrell, daughter of pioneer settlers Kingsley Hiram and Ellen (Heath) Burrell, and died in Elk River on November 23, 1936.

From the guide to the Charles M. Babcock and family papers., 1873-1960., (Minnesota Historical Society)