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Jacob Lee Babcock


Donna Kile Van Benschoten © 2002
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Middletown Daily Argus
30 August 1895

Under the Car Wheels
An O & W Brakeman Falls From His at Burnside and is Run Over--Both Legs Crushed--Dies After Being Brought to This City.
     Jacob Lee Babcock, a brakeman on train 21, the Ontario and Western's way freight, while making a flying switch at Otterkill Switch, between Campbell Hall and Burnside at 8:35 o'clock, this morning, fell from the bumper of an empty gondola to the tracks.  The wheels of the car passed over both legs above the knees.
     Conductor Harding heard the injured man's cry for help and rushed to his assistance.  Babcock retained consciousness long enough to recognize his conductor when he lapsed into unconsciousness and remained in that state until his death, which occurred upon his arrival at the Wickham avenue station in this city.
     After the accident, Babcock was placed in the caboose by his fellow trainmen and taken to Campbell Hall.  No physician could be found there, and he was brought at once, to this city by the engine, and caboose, the balance of the train being left in the switch at Campbell Hall.  
     Dr. Mills and the ambulance were in waiting to receive the injured man, but he died, just as he was being lifted into the conveyance.
     Deceased was the only son of Erastus R. and Marietta Babcock, of No. 41 Beattie avenue, this city, and was born in the town of Warwick, about twenty-two years ago.
     Two years ago he was married to Bertha Ellis of Livingston Manor, who with one child, Floyd L., aged nine months survives him.
     He was until recently a resident of this city, but a short time ago, moved to Livingston Manor.
     Mr. Babcock had been employed by the O. and W. for the past four years and was a member of Division No. 40, Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, and carried $1200 insurance in the order.
     Coroner Decker took charge of the remains and empanelled a jury.   The inquest will be held Monday morning at 10 o'clock.
     The funeral arrangements will be made this evening, after the arrival of Mrs. Babcock, who has been summoned from Livingston Manor.