Orville G. Babcock (1822 - 1890)

BABCOCK, STEEL

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/2/2026 at 17:11:33

OBITUARY

Orville G. Babcock died at his home in Madison Township, on Monday the 17th of March, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, after a protracted illness. He was born in Springfield, Erie County, Pennsylvania, May 16, 1822. In 1839, he came west stopping in Morgan County, Ill. In April 1841, came to Johnson County, Ia., and soon after entered the land on which he resided at the time of his death. He was married to Miss Julian Steel May 14th, 1848, who survives him; they raised a large and interesting family, most of whom are married. He was a consistent member of the M. E. Church and a member of White Marble Lodge No. 238 A. F. & A. M., also a prominent and active member of the old Settlers Association of this county. He possessed the respect and confidence of all who knew him, was a man of pure motives and unsullied character generous to a fault, no man ever asking him for a favor in vain, if in his power to grant. He was of a jovial and happy disposition, kind and courteous in bearing, the friend of the poor and unfortunate, and the advisor of the young and inexperienced, possessing the entire confidence of neighbors and friends; in fact, “The noblest work of God – an honest Man.”

The funeral occurred on Wednesday the 19th, the services were conducted by Rev. J. M. Coats of Oxford, at the Greencastle Church, the Masonic fraternity were largely represented the whole community turned out to pay the last sad rights to their brother, friend and neighbor, whom they loved and respected so much in life. (Source: Oxford Weekly Journal, Thurs, Apr 3, 1890, pg. 2)
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