Background
Babcock, Orville Elias was born on December 25, 1835 in Franklin, Vermont, United States. Son of Elias and Clara (Olmstead) Babcock.
Babcock, Orville Elias was born on December 25, 1835 in Franklin, Vermont, United States. Son of Elias and Clara (Olmstead) Babcock.
Graduated from the United States Military Academy, 1861.
Assigned to Corps Engineers, United States Army as Second lieutenant, 1861, then ordered to Army of Potomac. Member of staff of General West. B. Franklin, 1862. Appointed acting chief engineer Department of Ohio, 1864, in charge of positions, defenses, bridges, et cetera
Promoted to Lieutenant colonel, 1864.
Aide-de-camp to General Ulysses South. Grant, 1864-1868. Served in Battle of Wilderness, subsequent battles of Army of Potomac.
Breveted brigadier general United States Volunteers, 1865. Promoted to colonel United States Army.
Served as President Grant’s private secretary, 1868-1871.
Appointment superintendent engineer of public buildings and grounds, 1871. Indicted by grand jury of Saint Louis because of connections with John McDonald (one of the known leaders of the Whiskey Ring), 1875, acquitted through President Grant’s intercession. Returned to duties at White House, retired shortly afterwards.
Member of staff of General West. B. Franklin, 1862.
Married Annie Eliza Campbell, November 8, 1866.