The Bobbitt Family In America

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"The Undersigned Committee, have great pleasure in announcing to the public, and the friends of this seminary, that they have engaged as Principal Mr. John B. Bobbitt, a gentleman who has for some years superintended Literary Institutions, in which he has given very general satisfaction. This gentlemen is a graduate of our own University, and is recommended as being well qualified to teach the English, Latin, Greek and French languages, together with the other branches of education usually taught in this Institution. The exercises of this Academy will commence on the first day  of January next." 

                                                      RICHARD FENNER 

December 21, 1815                      ALEXANDER FALCONER 

                                                    JOEL KING 

                                                    G. HILL, JR.

In 1816 John Bobbitt married Harriet Balridge, a teacher at the Franklin Academy. Both taught there until they were requested to teach in Brunswick County, Virginia in 1830.

John and Harriet apparently taught in Virginia for about four years. During this time John was purchasing land for the purpose of establishing the Lewisburg Male Academy. The following deed was recorded on December 5, 1831.

"From heirs of Rebecca Walker of Franklin County to John B. Bobbitt of Brunswick County, Virginia for $ 1,666.66 our 2/3 share of houses, land and property in Lewisburg. Approved in March court. Book 26, page 368 Witnesses: Jane Farrier, Samuel Johnson."

The "Star" of Raleigh reported in their newspaper on June 26, 1834 the following.

"LOUISBURG MALE ACADEMY: The examination of the students of this academy, which is under the immediate superintendence of Mr. John B. Bobbitt, closed on the 2nd instant, and was attended by the trustees and many visitors, all of whom witnessed, with great interest, the proficiency of the scholars in the various departments of Literature.

"Mr. Bobbitt has great experience as a teacher, and his success always insures him a good school' and the trustees, under a thorough conviction of his great proficiency as an instructor, earnestly recommend him to public patronage. His permanent location, also in Louisburg, presents the advantages of his powers and skill, in a high degree, to the youth who may be committed to his care."