The Bobbitt Family In America

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"Major William Bobbitt was born April 6, 1897 and raised in North Carolina. He spent more than fifteen years of his life in Middle Tennessee, and bout twenty years in Mississippi, Yalobusha County.

When but a young man he embraced religion, was zealous ardent useful. After some years, however, he backslid from God, but was reclaimed, and had been a serious member of the Methodist South Church for a number of years. His home was always a home for the ministers of the gospel, and for those who attended on their ministry. To support the gospel he gave cheerfully, liberally. He was the subject of deep affliction. His earthly tabernacle fell slowly; the sun of life declined leisurely, though to him painfully. He waited long, but patiently on this mortal shore, on time's last wave till it broke against the immortal land. He gave assurance to the last that he was going home, said, "he was a sinner saved by grace". His last words were "bless the Lord". He died at this residence, November 24th, 1860."

Major William Bobbitt gave the land for Goshen Methodist Church and for the church yard where many members of his family are buried. His portrait hangs in the church.

Excerpts taken from the recorded will of William Bobbitt give some insight into the character of the man and his family.

October 23, 1860, Yalobusha County, Mississippi.

I direct that my funeral expenses and all my debts be paid as soon after my death as possible.

I desire and will that the tract of land upon which I now live, after my death, be sold by private or public sale on time, or cash as may be judged best by my executor ........ That my wife, Elizabeth S. Bobbitt shall have two thousand dollars of the proceeds of said land instead of her dower, and the balance of the proceeds to be divided equally between my children by my first wife, to wit; Eliza Ann Johnston, Emily H. Southern, Peggy D. Lacy, Julia F. Walker, Sarah M. Ferguson, Delitha C. Smith, Matilda A. Bobbitt, and John B. Bobbitt, and my sons by my second wife, William C. Bobbitt, Thomas B. Bobbitt, Walter R. Bobbitt, and Edward S. Bobbitt.

I desire that my three negro men, to wit, Bill, York, and Nelson be sold and the proceeds be equally divided between my children above mentioned.