BABBITT, Hugh M. (1844 - 1928)

BABBITT, MATEER, WEAK, CARDIFF

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 2/6/2015 at 21:48:05

Hugh M. Babbitt

Hugh M. Babbitt, son of Stephen and Malinda Babbitt, was born August 17, 1844 at St. Augustine, Ill., and passed away at his home near Malvern, Iowa, Jan. 16, 1928 at the age of 72 years, four months and twenty-nine days.

On the 25th day of March, 1865, at Chicago, Ill. He enlisted in the service of his country, doing his part gladly and faithfully until he received his honorable discharge from the army.

On Feb. 11, 1872 in Fulton County, Ill., he was united in marriage to Azubia Babbitt who preceded him in death April 27, 1913. He came to Iowa in 1876, living near here the remainder of his life.

Ten children were born to this union, four of whom died in infancy. Three others, Mrs. Lena Weak, Bertha Babbitt, and Mrs. Minnie Cardiff, also preceded him to the other world.

He joined the Christian Church when a young man and remained a faithful member as long as his health permitted.

He leaves to mourn his passing three children, Mrs. Pearl Mateer of Osceola, Iowa, Glen Babbitt of Walnut, Iowa and Miss Lulu Babbitt of Omaha, Nebr. Also one twin brother, S.J. Babbitt, of Avon Ill. Who is the only one remaining out of a family of ten.

Taps Sound for G.A.R. Veteran

Hugh M. Babbitt passed away at his home near Malvern Monday; Funeral Tuesday Afternoon.

Taps sounded for another of our Civil War veterans the past week when Hugh M. Babbitt answered to the last “roll call” and was called to his reward.

He had been in rather poor health for the past year but, always active, he still got around a good deal and the end came rather unexpectedly to his many friends, many of whom were unaware of his last serious illness.

Mr. Babbitt was a man of marked characteristics in many ways. He was a man of unquestioned integrity, strong convictions, and the courage to champion them, and withal to genial and kindly in disposition that to know him was to love him and respect him.

He was a man of striking appearance and up to his last days was vigorous in action and as erect in carriage as many men half his age. He has a twin brother, S.H. Babbitt, of Avon, Ill., who looks so much like him that even their bet friends were at times unable to tell them apart. The two served throughout the Civil War in the same company, and last year they had the honor of being the only twin brothers living who had passed through the great conflict.

Mr. Babbitt loved his family, his friends, and his neighbors and was ever loyal to all of them. He was a brave soldier, an exemplary citizen, and a valued friend. The world is richer for his having been in it and we sorrow over his passing.

The funeral service was held Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock from the Christian Church conducted by Rev. Paul H. Hicks of the Methodist Church, and interment was made in the Malvern Cemetery. Members of the Malvern Legion post acted as pall bearers and also formed the firing squad and color guard.

Music was provided by a quartet composed of Mrs. D.O. Cunningham, Mrs. F.R. Chantry, B.C. Tennant, and H.A. Galliher, with Mrs. G.S. Eacrett at the piano.
Malvern Leader, Malvern, Iowa. January 19, 1928