Benson Leavitt was born at Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, on June 21, 1797, the son of land surveyor Thomas [3] and his wife Hannah (Melcher) Leavitt.[4] Thomas Leavitt helped establish the Democratic party in New Hampshire, and helped lay out some towns in the northern part of the state.[5] Later, under President Andrew Jackson, the Democratic party came to control Hampton Falls, and Thomas Leavitt was chosen Town Clerk.[6]