Pleasantville weekly press. (Pleasantville, N.J.) 1890-1911, 1898-12-07
Whole Number, 459.
Loss of the Abel e. Babcock.

1AOoC ~ CAAO AOCA IL DdUGOGhs
The news received last week, just as
we went to press, that the crew of the
schooner Abel E. Babeock, wrecked at
the entrance to Boston Harbor, had
been saved, unfortunately proved to be
false, and later dispatch announcing
the loss of all hands was received too late
for publication. The vessels Captain,
Francis H. Babcock, the mate Henry l..
Smith. and the engineer, Lewis AdaIong,
were all from Absecon, and the Steward,
Townsend Steelman, was from English
Creek. The latter had been married but
year, and was a young man much re-
spected. Capt. Babcock, leaves wild
ow and four children, and Mate Smith
one son. Engineer Adalong was not
married.
The following articles from the Rich
ntond (Maine) Bee of Dec. 2, will pos
sess mournful interest to the friends OF
the deceased Captain,
Obituary.
CAPTAIN F. FL. BABcocK.
just after sunrise one morning in Octo-
Der last the Bee dropped into a boat
alongside of the schooner Abel z. Bah
cock, then towing down the river, and
pulled for the shore. The night had
been spent on board the vessel with
Captain Babcock, whose hospitality we
had often enjoyed. With streamers
living the vessel moved gracefully
through the water and her commander
was as light-hearted as one anticipating
sunny voyage would naturally be.
The morning was bright and sunny, a
heavenly calm rested upon the water,
and as the schooner went out of sight
the occupants of the boat waved fond
goodbye to Captain Babcock and his
merry crew, 1t was fond farewell.
though little did we think we had sep
Grated never to meet again on earth.
The vessel made the trip to Philadel-
phia without accident, but upon going
into Boston harbor last Sunday morn
ing she struck the gale which swept
along the coast and went down with all
hands on board. Upon reading the
disaster as reported in Mondays papers,
the Bee wired the vessels brokers, John
5. Emery & Co., Of Boston, for further in
formation and late in the day received
the following reply:
Boston, Mass, Nov. 2Sth, '98.
RICHMOND BEE, Richmond, Me.
1t is reported that Captain Bah
cock and crew are saved.
JOHN S. EMERY & Co.
The papers published further reports
of the disaster and Tuesday morning we
received another telegram from Boston
confirming the news Of the loss of the
entire crew OF nine men. The message
ran:
Boston, Mass, Nov. 10th, '9S
RICHMOND BEE, Richmond, Me.
Sorry to say Captain Babcock
and whole crew are lost.
JOHN s. EMERY & Co.
Captain Babcock, whose home was in
Absecon, N. j., leaves a family. He
was about forty weight years of age and
had sailed out of the Kennebec from the
time he first went to sea when mere
boy. He was of a genial disposition
and made friends wherever he went.
When bis vessel was in the river be made
his home in Richmond where he had
many friends. Those who have enjoyed
his hospitality on shipboard will never
forget the concern he. manifested for
their comfort and happiness. He was a
good entertainer, and interesting con-
versationalist and a thorough gentle
man. On the occasion of his last visit
to Richmond he paid visit to Rich
mond Masonic Lodge, of which order he
was a worthy member. Besides being
master of his vessel he was large ow-
ner in number of vessels, known as
the Babcnck feet. In politics he was an
earnest Republican and was very hope
full of better times during the coming
year. In letter to the publisher OF the
Bee written few days before his death
he said
Schooner Abel E. Babcock, Nov. 10, '9S.
Dear Friend Il am now on my way
to Boston with coal and am due there in
about one week. If you have any idea
of coming to Boston make arrangements
to come while | am there. Please ans
wer this letter and tell me whether You
will come or not. Remember me to all
the boys. We are now towing down
the Delaware. Hope to have a good
run and make lots of money after this
glorious election. Was not the election
in New Jersey dandy 1t was clean
sweep for the Republicans, q governor,
two United State senators. eight con-
gressmen and the Legislature all Repub-
lican. Respectfully yours,
+. Ell. BABCOCK.
Probably the above was the last let
ter Captain Babcock ever wrote. The
sunny morning on the Kennebec, the
placid waters of the Delaware, changed
into frowning clouds and angry seas. A
widow mourns the loss Of loving hus-
band and the family will miss fathers
care. In him the Bee lost a personal
friend, and the many friends of Captain
Babcock will join us in extending heart
felt sympathy to his bereaved wife and
fatherless children. Peace to his ashes
and rest to his manly soul.
When the news came of the sad fate of
Capt. Frank Babcoek it caused cloud
of deep mourning to fall over Iceboro.
Capt. Babcock had host of friends in
this neighborhood where he has. been
known for many years. What can we
say that will do justice to his memory?
No words can fully describe our. deep
feeling for him and his family in their
hour of sorrow.