Clinton Babbitt, an influential citizen of Beloit for fifty-four years, was born on November 16, 1831, in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, the son of Nathan G. and Eunice Brewster Babbitt. His mother was a direct descendant of the noted Elder Brewster and his paternal grandfather, a physician, served in the Revolutionary War. Mr. Babbitt attended the common schools of Westmoreland and upon graduation from the Keene, New Hampshire Academy, moved to Beloit in 1853. According to William Fiske Brown, author of “Rock County, Wisconsin,” Babbitt from the first took an active interest in the development and welfare of his adopted home and had an abiding faith in the future of Beloit.

He enthusiastically supported every movement tending to the betterment and growth of the city. He was married to Sarah S. Johnson of Salem, Massachusetts, in 1857 and they had ten children. For thirty years they lived on what became known as the “Hemdoka Stock Farm.” Babbitt was a member of the first city council of Beloit upon it incorporation as a city. He was appointed postmaster of Beloit by President Cleveland in 1886 and held the position until 1889 when a successor was appointed.

Although he was unsuccessful as the Democratic candidate for election to the 47^th Congress in 1880, he won a seat in the 52^nd Congress and served from 1891 to 1893. His personal canvas of his district as “The Farmers Candidate” elected him by a handsome majority to the United States Congress. Because of Babbitt’s knowledge and interest in agriculture, he was appointed Secretary of the State Agricultural Society of Wisconsin in 1885 and traveled throughout the state promoting agriculture until 1890. After retiring from public life and active business pursuits, Babbitt resided in Beloit until his death on March 11, 1907. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.