In 1820 many Americans were having financial difficulties. The war of 1812 caused the federal government its first tests with c

The Bobbitt Family In America

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In 1820 many Americans were having financial difficulties. The war of 1812 caused the federal government its first tests with controlling the economy. John Bobbitt had many reasons for finding that hard work and good crops was not enough to support his young family. In 1820 John and Permelia were counted in the federal census of Rockbridge County, Virginia.

John Bobbitt:

2 males under 10 (1810-1820) 3 females under 10 (1810-1820)

2 males 10 16 (1804-1810) 1 female 10 - 16 (1804-1810)

1 male 16 18 (1802-1804) 1 female 26 - 45 (1775-1794)

1 male 16 26 (1794-1804) 1 male 26 45 (1775-1794)

John and Permelia were listed as a family of six sons and four daughters. There is no record that John Bobbitt purchased any land in Rockbridge County. He apparently was a share cropper for one of the wealthy land owners of the county. Three of their children were born in Rockbridge County.

Jerdenia Jane Bobbitt born 1824

Mary Frances Bobbitt born 1825

Rufus William Bobbitt born 1826

Not long after Rufus Bobbitt was born in Rockbridge County, the family moved to Monroe County, where they lived near James Hill Junior, a brother of Permelia's.

In 1830 the family was counted in the Monroe County census. Three of the eldest sons were away from home. Two of the daughters were married.

John Bobbitt:

1 male under 5 (1825-1830) 1 female under 5 (1825-1830)

1 male 5 - 10 (1820-1825) 1 female 5 - 10 (1820-1825)

1 male 10 - 15 (1815-1820) 2 females 10 - 15 (1815-1820)

1 male 15 - 20 (1810-1815) 1 female 15 - 20 (1810-1815)

1 male 20 - 30 (1800-1810) 1 female 40 - 50 (1780-1790)

1 male 40 - 50 (1780-1790)

One daughter was born after 1830 in Monroe County. The family was made up of eight sons and eight daughters who lived to maturity.

In 1840 the family was counted in the census of Greenbrier County.

John Bobbitt:

1 male 10 - 15 (1825-1830) 2 females 5 - 10 (1830-1835)

1 male 15 - 20 (1820-1825) 1 female 15 - 20 (1820-1825)

1 male 50 - 60 (1780-1790) 1 female 50 - 60 (1780-1790)

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