Babcock, George Washington

BABCOCK:George W.”, George W. —Once more the Scythe of time has cut the brittle thread of life, another soul has been launched into Eternity, another brother and an excellent companion has been called home on the 17th day of March, 1922, at the home of his son, C. E. BABCOCK. “BABCOCK:George Washington”, at the age of 77 years, 8 months and 22 days, George Washington BABCOCK our beloved companion and brother answered the summons to higher fields of labor and passed beyond the vail.  His prominence in all branches of Masonic labor, his sincerity of purpose, kindliness of mind and heart, and purity of life endeared him to conflict arose between the North and South; he took sides with the North; enlisted in the 130th U. S. Infantry, August, 1862, at the age of 18, transferring to Co. F. 19th N. Y. Calvary under General Merritt in Sheridan’s Corps, serving 2 years and 10 months and was honorably discharged June 1865.  Brother BABCOCK married Miss Cevalla Wright. Dec. 24, 1866, and there were born to this union six sons and one daughter all of whom survive him except his devoted wife who passed away on Sept 29, 1915, and his son James who died just 4 months and one day before him.  Brother BABCOCK experienced religion about 1880, contributing to the support of the Methodist Church.  He moved from Olean, N. Y., with his family to Tennessee about 51 years ago, where he resided until the end.  He was made a Master Mason in Olean Lodge No. 252, Olean, N. Y., in 1868 transferring his membership to Sunbright Lodge No. 516 at its organization Feb. 7th, 1882 and filling every station except that of Master and Secretary.  He petitioned Sunbright Chapter No. 146, Royal Arch Masons, March 8th, 1919 and was exalted to the degree of Royal Arch Mason July 12th of that year, and was holding the station of King at the time of his death.  He has gone from among us—and yet, let us hope his spirit will visit us within the confines of Lodge and Chapter, and spur us on to greater proficiency and earnestness to the end, the we may present only such work as will pass the great Overseer’s square.  Thus ends the scene. Peace. Friend and Brother, Peace.  [Morgan County Press, 3/31/1922, Vol. 4, No. 5]