Charles Everett Bobbitt, eldest son of Theodore Newton Bobbitt made notes of the pioneer experiences of his father and life in

The Bobbitt Family In America

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Charles Everett Bobbitt, eldest son of Theodore Newton Bobbitt made notes of the pioneer experiences of his father and life in Nebraska. From some of these notes we can get a better first hand knowledge of Theodore Newton Bobbitt.

"The family lived in what was known as "Tipton Precinct" not far from Lincoln, Nebraska. The first school was named Tipton School. A small amount of taxes had accumulated in the county seat for school purposes, but not used, so that in 1872, some of the homesteaders raised money and with what they received from the county, built a small building north of the present town of Elmwood. Before time for the school to open, a tornado destroyed the school.

"Late in the fall of 1872, Theodore Bobbitt, who had some experience as a teacher, went to the board of education, with the proposition that if they would advance him his salary, he would build an addition to his home of twelve feet by twelve feet and hold the winter term of school in his home. The school board agreed to this, paid him approximately $100. and Theodore kept his agreement. This was the first school in Tipton precinct.

"The blacksmith was named George Wright and was a great singer. He led that part of the service at church and in Sunday school. It seems that he made up in strength and vigor what he lacked in musical training. George Wright married the youngest daughter of Everett Hale Bobbitt."

From one of the obituaries written when Theodore N. Bobbitt died is taken these excerpts.

"Several of the Masons and friends of the Bobbitt family attended the funeral of Mr. T. N. Bobbitt at Alvo Saturday. He was one of the pioneers that gave his very best to the building of this new country. He taught the first school in Tipton precinct. He organized the first Sunday School in this part of the country. He served in the state legislature in 1874-1876. In later years he had taken great interest in the State Historical Society. He was always a public minded man and stood for the better things of life.

"A boyhood friend of Mr. Bobbitt's when they lived in Iowa, came from Omaha on Saturday to attend his funeral. He was bent and frail, but braved the storm to pay tribute to his old friend.

"His wife and three sons preceded him in death. Those of his family that are left are Charles and George both of Lincoln, and William of Tekamah."

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