Brenton D. Babcock (October 2, 1830 – January 6, 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

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

Career

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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

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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

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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

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  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