Charles M. Babbitt, the well-known contractor and builder of Franklin Falls, was born in Hanover, N.H., son of Isaac and Wealthy (Lovejoy) Babbitt. His grandfather, Asa Babbitt, who came from England, served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and spent the greater part of his life upon a farm in Hanover, dying in 1837.
Isaac Babbitt and his wife, both natives of Hanover, were prosperous farming people. Isaac died in 1878, and Wealthy in 1894. They were the parents of twelve children, namely: Marinda, now deceased, who married William Ward, a merchant of Lebanon, N.H.; Isaac Sylvester, who married Melissa S. Stephens, of Springfield, N.H., and is now a widower; Leonard H., deceased, who married Rachel Merrill, of Hanover, now also deceased; Almina, who married Frederick Merrill, a farmer of Hanover; Charles M., the subject of this sketch; Austin M., who married Louisa Clough, of Canaan, N.H., and died in 1893; Darwin J., who married Alina Briggs, of Lebanon, and is an optician; Alden A., who married Anna Dunton, of Jefferson, Me., and is an optician in Lebanon; Dexter W., who married Leafy D. Brown, of New York State, and is a merchant in Lebanon; Emily, who married George Ross, a farmer of Plainfield, N.H., and is now deceased; Wealthy A., deceased, who married Isaac Hatch, of Hanover; and George W., who married Esther Valentine, and is a building contractor in Lebanon.
Charles M. Babbitt passed his boyhood in attending school and assisting upon the farm. He resided at home until twenty-one years old, when he engaged in the lumber business in Enfield, N.H., remaining there for nine years. He then came to Franklin, where he conducted a boarding-house for some years. In 1873 he erected his present residence. Since his arrival in Franklin he has given his attention to the contracting and building business quite extensively. He also owns and cultivates a good farm.
On January 30, 1856, Mr. Babbitt was joined in marriage with Alvina W. Jeune. She was born in Hartland, Vt., March 29, 1836, daughter of Francis C. and Rebecca E. (Cady) Jeune. The father was a native of Hartland and a lumberman. The mother was Windsor, Vt. Mr. Babbitt is a director of the Franklin Falls Company. In politics he is a Republican and quite active in public affairs. He served as a Selectman in 1887 and 1888, and was First Councilman for two years. He is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Franklin, and also with the grange. Both he and Mrs. Babbitt attend the Baptist church.