Brenton D. Babcock

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

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.

Early life

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

Career

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

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

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

1. "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 George W. Gardner	Mayor of Cleveland 1887–1888	Succeeded by George W. Gardner