Sterling and Grace Bobbitt were not just teachers of young pupils. They shared their knowledge with relatives and friends and w

The Bobbitt Family In America

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Sterling and Grace Bobbitt were not just teachers of young pupils. They shared their knowledge with relatives and friends and were responsible for many a Nicholas County farmer's success in the use of modern farm technology.

When Kyle B. McCue died, his widow Carrie McCue spent the winters with Sterling and Grace in Bluefield. She was especially befriended by Sterling Bobbitt and never failed to show her appreciation for his attention and devotion. Carrie McCue was well educated and intelligent. She spent many hours teaching her grandson, James McCue Bobbitt, an interest in all the worthwhile things of life, and taught him to read and enjoy reading. She more than anyone else, paved the path that led her grandson to receive his Doctorate in Chemistry.

James McCue Bobbitt, born January 18, 1930 in Charleston, West Virginia, married Jane Ann Hickman, born September 26, 1929 in Beckley, West Virginia. They married on March 15, 1952 in Columbus.

John Sterling Bobbitt born Nov. 9, 1954 in Columbus, Ohio

Ann Bobbitt born Feb. 20, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan

Laura Bobbitt born Nov. 24, 1961 in Manchester, Connecticut

If Sterling and Grace Bobbitt felt cheated in the size of their own family, they were certainly delighted with their grandchildren.

Jack Honaker of the Sunset News-Observer wrote on January 8, 1971 an excellent comment and tribute to Sterling Bobbitt. The article was titled "James S. Bobbitt's Retirement Will Be Felt". Some excerpts from the article are:

"An Era ended when J. S. Bobbitt retired. He is a veteran of over 50 years service to West Virginia with 46 years spent in Mercer County.

"He taught at Spanishburg High School from 1924 until 1933 when, due to his great talents and abilities, he was moved into county control office as assistant superintendent in charge of secondary schools.

"He became president of the Board of Education in 1969. J. S. Bobbitt has seen public education come of age in West Virginia. He has seen periods of great transition and advancement. Moreover, he has aided in the implementation of many of those advancements.

"He has built a reputation on honesty and dedication to duty. The decisions he has made, particularly in his capacity as president of the Board of Education, have not always pleased all of the people but, if we may be permitted to call upon an overworked phrase, he "tells it like it is".

During his working career one could not meet anyone in the field of West Virginia education without hearing Sterling Bobbitt named.

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