Rolla Orville Babcock, son of Deacon N. W. and Louisa Davis Babcock, was born July 28, 1875, in Greeley County, Neb., and passed away at his home in North Loup, September 12, 1950, following several months of failing health.
His parents were two of the Seventh Day Baptist pioneers who settled in the North Loup Valley, founding the Church of that faith in 1873. Born of these devout Christian parents, he was a loyal Seventh Day Baptist, faithful to his Church, which he served as deacon for many years and in a number of other official ways.
Married November 24, 1900, to Estella Green, their home continued to be on the old home farm. Here his wife passed away on November 22, 1931. To them were born three sons, Wilson, who died at the age of one year; Orville W., pastor of the Seventh Day Baptist Church at White Cloud, Mich.; and Richard O., on the faculty of the North Loup schools; and three daughters: Mrs. Irma Keown, Scotia; Louise, who died at the age of three years; and Mrs. Ruby Van Horn, Beloit, Wis.
On June 6, 1934, he was married to Leona Sayre at Lanark, Ill. The home continued to be on the farm in Greeley County until 1940, when they bought the Manchester residence in North Loup near the Seventh Day Baptist Church.
His early education was obtained in the district school known as the Mansell Davis School, and in later years he served as a school board member. When the district was consolidated with the Scotia school, he became a member of that school board, serving both as president and secretary, during the time he was in the district.
Besides farming, Mr. Babcock inherited his father's ability to work with wood, utilizing that ability to the betterment of his home and the homes of those he loved, as well as the church. The beautiful lawn and flower garden at his home, as well as the Church lawn and building which he with his wife helped care for, were a source of great pride and joy to him. He loved his family, was honest and upright, gentle and kind to all who knew him, a true follower of the Master.
Surviving besides his widow, are two sons, two daughters, two granddaughters, six grandsons, three great-grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Winnie Clement, of Riverside, Calif., a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Memorial services were held September 15 at the North Loup Seventh Day Baptist Church, conducted by Rev. Francis D. Saunders. Interment was in the North Loup Cemetery.
E. C. H.
