The Bobbitt Family In America
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"that office work has an unfavorable effect upon his health and abandoned it. In the spring of 1864 he journeyed to Montana and occupied himself in mining in the vicinity of Virginia City and Helena. During his sojourn in the farther West he also engaged in freighting for a period of six months, after which he returned to the Hawkeye State.

"In 1861, after the outbreak of the Civil War, Mr. Bobbitt proffered his services as a Union soldier at Fremont Iowa, but being considered too young was rejected.

"Upon his return from the mountains in 1866, Mr. Bobbitt located in Iowa and commenced farming on rented land, at which he continued until his marriage. This interesting event in his life was celebrated in Wapello County, Iowa, November 5, 1868, the maiden of his choice being a Miss Amelia Phillips, daughter of John S and Sarah (Moss) Phillips of Iowa. Shortly afterward the young people started for the young state of Nebraska, making their way overland with teams to this county, crossing the Missouri River at Plattsmouth on a steam ferry. Not long after his settlement here Mr. Bobbitt was invited to participate in the various enterprises calculated to advance the interests of Tipton Precinct, socially and financially. He was discovered to be a man worthy of the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, and after creditably filling various positions of trust, was elected to represent Cass County in the State Legislature, serving from January 1, 1877, to 1879. This was the first session after the adoption of the present Constitution, which had been remodeled and more fully adapted to the growing needs of the people. During his term also occurred the election of the Honorable Alvin Saunders, in which Mr. Bobbitt bore a prominent part. He was also a member of the three of the most important committees, namely: Federal Relations, County Seat and Boundaries, Mines and Minerals.

"Although reared a Democrat, Mr. Bobbitt upon attaining years of discretion, felt that the principles of the Republican party more nearly coincided with his progressive ideas. He was one of the most active workers in its ranks in Southern Nebraska. His services in that Legislature received much favorable comment by the leading journals of his part of the State. He has been a member of the Re publican Central Committee; and has given of his time and means for the furtherance of the enterprises generally calculated to advance the interests of his people. Socially he belongs to the K. of P., No. 104, Eagle. He is a member of the Congregational Church at that place, and contributed generously toward the erection of the church edifice. He thoroughly believes in the religious education of the young, and has carried his sentiments out in this respect,


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