Nicander Wilson Babcock, son of John and Elizabeth Babcock, was born near Jackson Center, Ohio, July 30, 1844 and died at his old home southeast of North Loup, April 22, 1926. Peter, an older brother, died in Anderson prison while serving in the Union army, James. O. of Welton, Iowa passed on about three years ago and L. H. of Gentry, Arkansas about ten years ago. His sisters Mrs. Margaret Sayre, Mrs. Sara Hurley, and Mrs. Martha VanHorn all three of Welton, Iowa died years ago. His half brother Thomas Babcock, father of John Hill Babcock, passed away many years ago, also, leaving him the last of his generation.
His parents moved to Welton, Iowa when he was about six years of age. He was married by Elder Varnum Hull on Sept. 22, 1866 to Louise Jane Davis who died June 9, 1919. To them were born seven children, Winnie Clement, wife of Sherman Clement of Riverside, California, Carrie VanHorn, wife of Orel VanHorn of South Bay, Florida, Walter, who died in his thirteenth year, Rolla O., who lives on the old home place, Eunie, who died in infancy, and a pair of twins of whom Ray alone lived to the age of three years.
The family came to the vicinity of North Loup May 23, 1873 and soon after took as a homestead the place where he died, which is now owned by his son Rollin. From here besides caring for the farm he drove many miles in every direction to work at the carpenter trade, which trade he followed one winter in California. He owned the first mower in Greeley county and went about to cut hay for his neighbors near and far. He sat as juror of the first court held in his county, also acted as the first road overseer.
In the spring of 1905 he moved to town, but about four years ago he broke up the town home and went back to the farm to pass the remainder of his days. As a lad of fourteen he was baptized by Elder L. A. Davis and joined the Welton Seventh Day Baptist church. On coming here he became a constituent member of the North Loup Seventh Day Baptist church. At one of the earliest meetings he with George Rood was called to become a deacon and they were ordained about three years later. Elder S. R. Wheeler of Nortonville, or Pardee, Kansas as it was then, conducted the ordination. Deacon Babcock, by his honest dealing, quiet ways and genuine Christian living, made himself respected and greatly beloved by all who knew him. He gave to us a lifelong testimony of the value of faith in God and in Jesus Christ as a personal Savior.
He is survived by his daughters Winnie and Carrie and his son Rolla. Carrie was the only one who was absent at the time of his going. He is also survived by twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
The funeral services were conducted by Leslie O. Green at the church at the time of the regular morning worship, Sabbath Day April 24, 1926 and burial was made in the North Loup cemetery. The music was furnished by the choir.
