Brenton D. Babcock

Summary

Brenton D. Babcock (1830–1906) was an American politician who served as the 29th mayor of Cleveland. As a Democrat, he was elected in 1886, serving from 1887 to 1888.

Brenton D. Babcock
29th Mayor of Cleveland
In office
1887–1888
Preceded byGeorge W. Gardner
Succeeded byGeorge W. Gardner
Personal details
Born(1830-10-02)October 2, 1830
Adams, New York
DiedJanuary 6, 1906(1906-01-06) (aged 75)
Cleveland, Ohio
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Elizabeth Smith
(m. 1867)

Early life edit

Babcock was born on October 2, 1830, in Adams, New York, to William and Elvira Babcock.

Career edit

Babcock became a clerk for the Erie Railroad in 1855, in Buffalo, New York. In 1865, he moved to Cleveland, working for Cross, Payne & Co, a coal dealership.[1]

Politics edit

Babcock was the Democratic Party's nominee for the mayor of Cleveland in 1886. He defeated the Republican nominee Wm. M. Bayne to win election to a two-year term, serving from 1887 to 1888.[1]

Personal life and death edit

Babcock was a Mason who was elected high priest of the Ohio lodge in 1898.[2] He died suddenly of apoplexy in January 1906, which some of his peers ascribed to a stock market downturn.[3] In his memory, the local Masonic lodge was renamed the Brenton D. Babcock F. & A. M. Lodge.[4]

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Babcock, Brenton D." Encyclopedia of Cleveland History. Case Western Reserve University. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  2. ^ Staff writer (September 30, 1898). "Masons of Ohio". The Daily Herald. p. 5.
  3. ^ Staff writer (January 17, 1906). "Bonds Brought Even Million". The Morning Mercury. p. 1.
  4. ^ Staff writer (July 27, 1928). "Killed in Railroad Yards at Cleveland". Elmira Star-Gazette. p. 15.
Political offices
Preceded by Mayor of Cleveland
1887–1888
Succeeded by