Ezra Babcock was born in Westerly, R. I., July 17th, 1792, and died in Scott, N. Y., Feb 12th, 1878. His parents moved to Leyden, Mass., when he was a small boy, and with him came to Scott, then Preble, in 1812. He was married to Lucinda Shepardson, at Colrain, Mass., Feb. 9th 1818. About this time, he made a profession of religion and was baptized by Eld. Alfred Bennett, pastor of the Baptist Church of Homer; but as there was no church then organized in Scott, he united with none at that time. On the 16th of August, 1821, he joined the Seventh-day Baptist Church, which was organized the previous year, and then the only church in town. From that day he has been a bright and shining light in Zion, a trustworthy and devoted brother. He was not only a hearer, but also a doer of the Word. His practice and doctrines were alike brought to a Bible standpoint, and with a motto to “do right though the heavens fall,” nothing could turn him from what he believed to be duty. Believing that religion and business belonged together, he was a man “not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” With few exceptions, the Sabbath always found him in his place at church, and ready for action. His death is the first in his family, and he leaves an aged companion, and four children, who deeply feel their great loss. Five brothers and two sisters still survive him. Thus has passed away one of the old landmarks of the church and community, honored and respected by all who knew him. At his funeral a sermon was preached by the pastor from Job 14: 14: “If a man die, shall he live again?”
A. W. C.
