Last Tuesday morning at an early hour Mr. John Babcock, one of Leonardsville's oldest and best known residents, died at his home in this village. Having been a long time in feeble health, his system was so broken down that he was unable to withstand a severe of pneumonia. His last illness was of short duration. John Babcock was born in Westerly, Rhode Island, December 16, 1810. His father was David Babcock. He came to this locality about 1835 and has ever since made his home here, although frequently employed elsewhere. Mr. Babcock was carrying on the manufacture of horse rakes here when Leonardsville Manufacturing Company was formed. He was one of the stockholders and took an active part in the business. After the company was dissolved he was engaged for a time in the lumbering in Michigan. Mr. Babcock was twice married; first in 1841 to Sarah M. Greenman who died in 1877. They have one son, Henry D. Babcock. For his second wife he married Mrs. Loretta Church, who survives him, in 1879. In politics Mr. Babcock was first an old line Whig, supporting the party actively. During the Harrison campaign of 1840 he was quite celebrated as a singer, and there are some persons still living who have heard him sing the famous campaign songs of that exciting period. About 1852 he was elected supervisor of the town of Brookfield. Since the Republican party was formed Mr. Babcock has been enlisted in its ranks. Its success was dear to him and he never failed to give it his support. In everyday life he was a pleasant companion making friends with young and old alike. His later years have been spent in his pleasant home on South street, the work of his own hands, where he has had the devoted care and attention of those most dear to him. At the last he suffered little, to all appearances, and his death was almost like one falling asleep. For many years familiar among the fast vanishing figures of the past, he leaves behind the record of a well spent life secure in the hearts of many cherished friends. Funeral services were held last Friday conducted by Reverend J. A. Platts.
