The California Babkirk Genealogy
| Frederick (1820-1884) and Ellen (Stratton) Babkirk (1830-1908) moved to San Francisco CA in the 1870's from Maine. Frederick, according to his death certificate was born in "Edmington" Canada. While doing research on Frederick, I have learned that there is an "Edmonton" Canada in the Alberta Province as well as an "Edmunston" Canada in New Brunswick. In further searching for Babkirk lineage, there happen to be Babkirks currently living in both areas, as well as on the east and west coasts of the United States. | ||||||||
| Census records indicate that Frederick & Ellen were living in California during the 1870 decade, making them, their three sons, and two of Alexander's sons California Pioneers (anyone living, moving or born in California 1880 is considered a California pioneer) . It is unknown at this time where they lived in California from 1873 through 1883. In 1883, the family shows up in the San Francisco City Directories. Frederick, Ellen, and three sons - Alexander Cain Babkirk (born 1860 - Maine), Frederick Herbert (born 1865-Maine), and David Pierce Babkirk (born 1865, Eastport Maine). Frederick Sr. was working as a watchman at the American Sugar Factory on Sansome Street as a watchman. In 1884, Frederick H.M. Babkirk Jr. was working with him as an assistant weigher. In 1885, all three sons, as well as Ellen - listed as widow, lived together on Broadway. Alexender was employed as a carpenter, Frederick Jr. , and assistant weigher and David P. Babkirk (photo circa 1910 San Mateo CA) was a plumber and gasfitter.
Alexander was married (circa 1873) to a woman named Minnie (maiden name unknown at this time) and had three sons, all born in California. Milton was born in 1873, George F. was born in 1879, and Robert C. was born in 1886 (data from 1900 San Francisco Census). The 1900 census indicates that Alexander's brother "Freddy Lee" and mother Ellen were all living with Alexander and his three sons on Powell street. David, by this time had married Maria Rosa (approximately 1888) and was living on Lombard Street. Their first daughter, Edythe M. Babkirk was born on June 2, 1889.
In 1982, I gave
Norm a 'grandparents book' to fill out with information about his life.
He didn't finish it but did manage to get quite a few things about his young
years in there. He was 78yrs old at the time & there are a couple of great
things, if you read all the way through:
Where
born: San Francisco, Calif. USA
Mo. Day
Year time of birth: Sept. 3, 1904, doesn't know the time
Parents
Names: David & Mary Babkirk
His full
name: Norman William Bocca Patrick Babkirk
Did name have
special meaning? The name Bocca wasgiven to me by my mother. Will Bocca was a
druggist & close friend of my folks. idon't use thenames Bocca or
Patrick any more. The full name is too long to write. The name
Patrick is my confirmation name which I took for a close friend of mine at St.
Vincents School for boys in Marin County. It was in 1919.
His first home was in san Mateo, a 2 story house of the old type. Neighbors: the Colletis, the Baders, the Clarks, the Blocks, the wWhites, the Rivers & Lakes. Best friend: Russel Foppiano. His other friends were Sterling & Irving Burwell, (twins), Bob Jackston, Al Broronell. At this time, he says he has none of his favorite things that he had as a child.
Brothers
& Sisters: 3 sisters and 1 brother. All three girls
were older than him & he was older than his brother.
Favorite
book was 'Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates' & his favorite
stories were the Headless Horseman of Sleepy HOllow, the Night before
Christmas, Twenty Thousand leagues under the sea.
Secret
hiding place? Did not have a secret hiding place.
Pets:
2 dogs,Buster & Teddy & his favorite relatives were his sisters Edythe
& Grace, Uncle Fred & Uncle George.
Nickname:
My Doll', given to him by his sister Edythe & he liked it. He said
that Edythe took care of him when his parents were away.
Grown up
friend who was not a relative. Mr. Bader, who worked with his
dad at the San Mateo Water Co. for 14 years
First
movie: The Perils of Pauline.
Radio
Programs: he listened to the Green Hornet, Presiden Roosevelts
Fireside chats, & the Lone Ranger.
Favorite
TV programs: The Show of Shows & the Comedy Hour.
Indoor
games: Around the world with Nelly Bly, dominos, Tiddley Winks.
Outdoor games: Hop Scotch, One foot of the gutter, Marbles. He played with: The kids on the block. A special early memory of his mother: Standing over a stove cooking over 500 chickens for a banquet for my father's lodge, 'The Fraternal Order of Eagles, in San Mateo. Special early memory of his father: He loved duck shooting & took me along to teach me how to use a gun.
School
years:
Grammar School: Central Grammar School, San Mateo. Graduated from Peninsular Grammar School (S.M.) attended: 1910-1915 Favorite teachers: Marion Daly & Martha Trimmingham Favorite subjects: Reading, Poetry, Geography School Plays or concerts he was in: Yes. Both at Central School & Peninsular School What he did after school: Played baseball Best friends in grammar school: Russel Foppiano & the Burwell twins How late did he stay up on school nights? 9:00 P.M
What
chores did you have at home:
" I had no chores up till the time my mother died. After that it was up to me to do the housekeeping cooking washing clothes etc. I was 10 years old and had to adjust to all of this. It was very hartd for me but I guess it worked out ok. I had to keep house for my father and brother. My cooking wasn't the best in the world but it must have been adequate becauseI am 78 years old now and didn't poison any of us. My father died in 1938 from a stroke.
Summer
Vacations: I enjoyed them. Fishing hunting, playing baseball.
What he remembers about school buildings: 'They were very old" Allowance: He didn't get any allowance. High School Attended: San Mateo Union High School, Baldwin Campus. Favorite H.S. teachers: Maud Gilman, Hank Weir, Miss Gilman taught Spanish. Mr. Weir coached baseball & was the band instructor. Favorite H.S. subjects: Spanish, band, linotyping, shop Subjects he disliked: All others Favorite Sports: Baseball School teams he was on: "yes. Grammar school" Belong to clubs? No Involved in other school activities? No Win any academic, social, athletic awards? No. Which teacher influenced you the most: Miss Trimmingham in grammar School Who he dated: Ethel Burnett, Doreen Redding Someone he wanted to date but never will: Lucille Roeskner What he wanted to do when he finished High School: Join the navy
And he did! click here for photo of norm in navy uniform
1923,
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Norman & Beverley Babkirks children, Cecelia, Suzanne, Vincent and David Circa 1957
