Mr. Babbitt was the inventor of the famous "Babbitt Metal." Although inventor of method of using soft metals for journals, his patents make no claim of the alloy, but simply the method of holding the metal in place. He was first a goldsmith and in 1824 made the first Britannia. He moved to Boston and while in the employ of the S. Boston Iron Works in 1839, he produced the invention which perpetrated his name. Congress granted him $20,000 reward. His invention was patented in foreign countries. His formula for Babbitt metal was:
4 Parts Copper.
8 Parts Antimony.
24 Parts Banca Tin.
Later in life Mr. Babbitt engaged in Soap Manufacture. Finally his active mind gave way to overwork and long study.EXTRACT FROM NEWSPAPER REPORT OF HIS LIFE.
On the Mill River in Taunton stands the original Reed & Barton Britannia Plate establishment. This business was commenced more than half a century ago by Isaac Babbitt in Ballard's mill.
Mr. Babbitt possessed considerable mechanical ability and cherished the idea of competing in the manufacture of numerous articles in Britannia ware, then imported from Europe. After satisfying himself that he could make the metal goods, he entered into Copartnership with Wm. Crossman. In 1824 Babbitt & Crossman produced the first articles made in the U. S. such as ink- stands, shaving boxes, cups, etc., furnishing stores with American goods. They received awards from numerous exhibitions for their success in competing with foreign manufactures even in a small way.
In 1827 a brick manufactory was built by the firm on School Street (now Fayette Street). Henry G. Reed and Charles Barton commenced their apprenticeship in the room of which Wm. Porter, now the veteran Britannia worker, was foreman. After a few years of unsuccessful experimenting in attempting to compete with foreign manufacturers, the company disposed of their stock to former apprentices Reed & Barton.
After leaving the Britannia Works, Mr. Babbitt was engaged for a number of years as Superintendent at Alger's Foundry and Ordnance Works in South Boston. He there produced the first brass cannon ever cast in the U. S. He was also the inventor of Babbitt Metal. He was a man of remarkable mechanical mind, who died from over activity of a prolific brain.
This page was last updated on 10/05/00 14:59