Samuel Babbington

Samuel Babbington probably was born in Europe and before 1690. Perhaps he came to America to serve in the British army about 1711. By 1715, he was identified as a lieutenant and was living in Albany.

In November 1711, his name was on a list of lieutenants who had been sent to America from England "for the late expedition." A month later, he was identified as a lieutenant who had been involved in "defence of the frontiers last winter." In 1714, he was among the lieutenants scheduled to be paid for service on the Canada expedition. In 1738, a "Sam'll Babbington" was on a roster of an Albany militia company.

In October 1712, he was one of those who witnessed the will of an Albany area tradesman.

Beginning in April 1714, he petitioned for and received a flat parcel of land on the south side of the Mohawk 24 miles west of Schenectady formerly held by Robert Sanders. The tract totaling343 acres would be known as "Babbington's Patent" and was held in conjunction with his daughter, Elizabeth Babbington. During those transactions, he was characterized as a resident of the city of Albany.

In October 1715, he petitioned the city council for a plot on the north side of the Beaverkill. He also asked to rent some "bush land" adjoining the path leading to the mill of Frederick Visgers. In March 1716, he asked to rent fifteen acres on the "Flatts of Evert Wendell."

In 1716, he was appointed sheriff of Albany city and county by the provincial government. In 1719, he was replaced by Gerrit Van Schaick.

In 1720, he was identified as a freeholder living in the third ward.

His wife was named Elsie. Their two daughters were christened at the Albany Dutch church in 1716 and 1722.

Samuel Babbington was last heard from in Albany in October 1733 when the house he "formerly owned" was referenced by the city council.

Sources: The life of Samuel Babbington is CAP biography number 7186. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.