"Filled with a zeal for more learning he entered Marengo Academy where he came under the rare genius of a great teacher, Profes

The Bobbitt Family In America

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"Filled with a zeal for more learning he entered Marengo Academy where he came under the rare genius of a great teacher, Professor J. M. Johnson. He was molded into one of the best educated men of his time in Crawford County. He became head of the English schools in 1982 and was elected County Superintendent of schools which position he held for two terms. He was elected of Crawford County in 1888 and served in that capacity for four years. As an official he was efficient and progressive, and by his genial and impartial service won the admiration of all the people of the county regardless of party affiliation. He was a candidate for State Representative from Crawford and Perry Counties in the last election and lost by a very small vote.

"He united with the Christian Church of Valeene at the age of 16, having been baptized by his father Elder John Bobbitt. He early became active in Church work and in 1877 began filling the pulpits in various churches in Crawford County. His work as a teacher and public official was no bar to his ministerial duties. Almost every Sunday found him in the pulpit of one of the poorer churches of the county.

"After retiring from the office of auditor, he prepared himself further for the ministry of the Gospel by studying under Professor J. W. McCavery of Kentucky in Transylvania. Since that time he has devoted himself almost exclusively to the ministerial profession. There is now scarcely a congregation of Disciples along the Southern Railway from New Albany, Indiana to Mt. Carmel Illinois, which has not for a year or more had part of his services. He also has been a builder of Churches and an evangelist with a record of great successes. He can also claim to his credit the guiding of a number of young men into the ministry who are now carrying the burden which he has laid down.

"His interests have been as varied as those of the people he has been serving. Having been in agricultural communities he has made a study of scientific agriculture and has owned several different farms in his day. He has been in demand as a lecturer at farmers institutes and for several years he has been in demand as a lecturer and on the staff of the Purdue University Agricultural Extension Bureau. He was a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellow, and Knights of Pythias Orders and has been in demand as a speaker at fraternal orders throughout the State.

"In his home life, he has been particularly happy. He was married to Mattie E. Smith daughter of Minor Smith and a co- worker in the English schools. On June 7, 1875 was the day of his marriage, from which four children were born all of whom are living. They are John Franklin Bobbitt, who is now the

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