John Breckenridge Babcock’s distinguished career spanned nearly forty years and three major conflicts; the Civil War, Indian Wars, and Spanish-American War.
At 19, he enlisted out of New York City as a Sergeant with the 37th NY Infantry. He received an impressive seven promotions during the war, and upon the its conclusion, mustered out of service as a Major.
After less than two years, he returned to the military where he engaged in hard fighting in the west against the Cheyenne and Kiowa tribes. On May 16, 1869 at Spring Creek, Nebraska he earned the Medal of Honor for leading his men against a “vastly superior force,” while remaining mounted on his horse in an effort to encourage his troops. He would receive his award thirty years later.
When the country declared war on Spain in 1898, Babcock was promoted to Brigadier General of US Volunteers. His son, Conrad, fresh out of West Point, would follow his father into war.
Retiring in 1903, Babcock was returning from Germany by ocean liner when he died from Bright’s disease #onthisday in 1909. He was buried at Evergreen Cemetery (also known as Stonington Cemetery) in Stonington, Connecticut.
Babcock’s family would go on to lead impressive military careers as well. Franklin Babcock, would see action at St. Mihiel, Pont-a-Mousson, and the Aisne-Marne offensives of #WWI and miraculously live to tell the tale. He retired in 1946, attaining the rank of Brigadier General.
Eldest son Conrad survived the war in Spain, then fought in the Philippines the following year, and finally the First World War, where he earned several decorations for valor.
Both brothers rest at Arlington in Section 9. Later this year I’ll be visiting to film a follow-up post on the Babcock family, including several grandchildren that also served honorably!
