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GEORGE BABBITT. ARIZONA-THE
YOUNGEST STATE It is the enterprise and character of the indivi4ual that enriches the commonwealth. The growth of a community depends upon not so much its machinery of government nor on the men who hold the offices as upon the efforts of the business men, who recognize and utilize natural resources and see the opportunities for business development. Prominent in this connection is George. Babbitt, who at a pioneer period in the development of Flagstaff came to this state and has since been connected with mercantile and stock-raising interests. Mr. Babbitt was born October hr 1860, at Pittsfield, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, and with his parents removed to Cincinnati, where he pursued his education in the Jesuit College, leaving that institution at the age of eighteen years. For three years thereafter he was in the employ of R. G. Dun & Company and later secured a clerkship in the grocery store of Z. B. Coffin. He then engaged in the grocery business on his, own account in connection ,with his brothers in Cincinnati, where he remained until 1887, when the opportunities of the southwest proved an irresistible attraction and he arrived in Flagstaff, where two of his brothers had preceded him. During the early years of his residence here Mr. Babbitt joined his finances to those of .his brothers in the conduct of a cattle business, but at that period, owing to conditions which "generally existed, the cattle industry was not proving profitable. Accordingly he turned his attention in other directions, becoming bookkeeper for P. J. Brennan, a merchant, and thus engaged until he was able to open a small store of his own. This he afterward consolidated with, his brother David's store and they bought out the establishment of Lind & Cameron. The business has steadily developed until the firm has the largest department store in northern Arizona if not in the state and George Babbitt is now giving much of his attention to the management and oversight of the grocery department, which he has made most attractive, it being one of the most profitable features of the business. At the same time he is giving supervision to his own extensive interests in the sheep industry, owning several thousand head of sheep, which are pastured not far from Flagstaff. He is likewise an extensive real-estate owner, holding important property interests in both Arizona and California. On the 20th of June, 1887, Mr. Babbitt was united in marriage to Miss 'Philomena Wessell, of Cincinnati, whose father was a lumber merchant there. Their children are: Bertram H., who is engaged in the cattle and sheep business; Marguerite; Herbert, also dealing in cattle and sheep; George; and Eunice. All yet reside with their parents. The religious faith of the
family is that of the Catholic church and Mr. Babbitt is connected with the
Knights of Columbus. He is a very charitable man and the poor and needy never
appeal to him in vain, for he is Continually extending a helping hand wherever
assistance is needed. In manner he is quiet and unassuming, but is regarded as
'one of the most powerful factors in democratic politics, seeking along
legitimate lines to secure the success of his party, in the principles of which
he firmly believes. He was mayor of Flagstaff and was the first county treasurer
following the organization of Coconino county. He was appointed to that office
and later was elected for another term. He has also been chairman of the board
of county supervisors for four years, was a trustee of the first board of the
reform school and when that institution was converted into a normal school
continued as trustee and has been largely' instrumental in its management ,and
in the development of the school and its work. He takes great interest in this
and devotes much time thereto. Other official honors have been offered him time
and time again but he prefers not to enter too deeply into political activity,
although he recognizes fully the obligations and duties of citizenship and in
'every possible way furthers the welfare and up building of city' and state. His
business interests place him among the most active and prominent residents of
northern Arizona and his work has been an element in shaping its history. use the back button on your browser to return to the main page , Thank You Sandra
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