The Bobbitt Family In America

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"Robert L. Bobbitt is known in South Texas as a courageous, straightforward, capable and intelligent man."

In 1945, Robert Lee Bobbitt became seriously interested in the history of his family and the origin of the Bobbitt name. He, his wife, his son and his wife, his sister and her husband, Colonel Joel and Sue McGregor, drove to Monroe and Greenbrier counties in West Virginia and attempted to discover their roots. Robert Lee having the personality that had won the hearts of his fellow Texans soon made friends with many of the county court house officials and his distant Bobbitt cousins. Among those that he met was Dr. Ozro H. Bobbitt of Charleston, West Virginia. Dr. Bobbitt was intensely interested in family history and was able to help Robert Lee Bobbitt discover much of the history of his family.

Dr. Bobbitt who had a strong personality and character became close friends with Robert Lee and his wife Belle. Helen Bobbitt wife of Dr. Bobbitt was and is an intelligent and charming woman who found Robert Lee interesting, apart from his interests in Bobbitt genealogy.

One of the most interesting dinner parties ever held by the Bobbitt clan was held by Dr. and Helen Bobbitt at their home in Charleston. Judge 0. B. Bobbitt and his wife Belle were invited. Judge Robert Lee Bobbitt and his wife Belle were there. James F. and Elna Bobbitt were there. James Bobbitt was an attorney from Houston Texas and a brother of Robert Lee Bobbitt. Dr. Ray Bobbitt and his wife from Huntington, West Virginia were invited. All were cousins, but past the first degree of kin. They discussed and searched for their family history and Robert Lee wrote an extremely interesting letter recording the events and conversations at the dinner table.

From 1946 until about 1970, Robert Lee Bobbitt and his wife Belle attended the Bobbitt reunions held at Camp Caesar in Cowen West Virginia. Robert Lee was able to sort out the relationships of the various branches of the family, encouraged many of his friends and relatives to attend the reunions, and became a cause for many to attend the reunions and hear his interesting talks.

In June 1949, Robert Lee wrote to Dr. 0. H. Bobbitt a long letter in which he wrote the following:

"I am anxious to sit down with you and compare notes. I am extremely anxious to go with you over to Nicholas County, as you suggested, and have you point out to me the little mountain farm where Grandfather, Captain James T. Bobbitt, lived, and where my father was born.