BABBITT, W.L.
Source: The New York Times New York, New York Dec 16, 1895
Crawfordsville , Ind-- Dec 15 --W.L. Babbitt, one of the best-known lumber drummers of the Mississippi Valley is rejoicing over his reunion with his mother, from whom he was stolen 32 years ago. At that time Babbitt's parents, wealthy Chicago people separated. Babbitt was then 5 years old. Soon after the separation he was stolen by his father, who kept him secreted in Missouri. His distracted mother spent all she had in endeavoring to recover her child, but in vain. Finally she removed to Niles, Michigan and later to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio where she lived with a brother. Meantime, her son grew up and learning of his kidnapping sought his mother. Unknown to him, she had assumed her maiden name of Hettie Davis. Babbitt was in NIles, Michigan last week and chanced to tell in a customer's office the story of his life. A man named Hunter happened to be present who had known Mrs. Babbitt during her residence in Niles and through him Babbitt learned! that his mother was alive in Cuyahoga Falls. He hastened there at once, and a joyful reunion followed. She came with her son to his home in Crawfordsville yesterday. Mrs. Babbitt is a cousin of ex-Postmaster General Bissell. -- typed by kbz
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This is probably Webster L. Babbitt who lived at 309 E. Jefferson Street in the 1900 Crawfordsville, Montgomery County Census
He was born in April 1858 in Iowa - father b. in Canada and mother in NY. He is married to Catherine F. born Aug 1860 married 10 years 4 ch 4 living b Maine father Ireland mother England. Children: Lawrence W April 1891 in Iowa; Hugh M April 1892 Iowa; George Dec 1894 Indiana and John M. July 1896 Indiana - the happening above about finding his mother would have been right between the two younger boys.