William Ernest Bobbitt

Payette Enterprise
January 21, 1926

REV. W. E. BOBBITT DIES AT WOODLAND, CALIFORNIA

Rev. W. E. Bobbitt, former pastor of the Christian church of this city, died at the home of a friend at Woodland, California, Wednesday, January 21st. This was announced in a message received by Dd. I. R. Woodward Wednesday evening. His death was caused by inward cancer.

Rev. Bobbitt had many friends in this community. While he has not lived here for the past thirteen years, he has always called Payette his home, and has spent his summer vacation here almost every year. He was a man of rare ability and was widely known throughout the north-west and particularly in the state of California where during the past ten years he has received many calls to speak on important occasions. He was broad-minded in his views and influential in bringing those with whom he came in contact to live a better life.

By his death this world has lost a valuable man. According to the message, the funeral will be held at Woodland, California, where he was pastor of the Christian Church for many years.

Payette Enterprise (January 28, 1926)

14 YEARS PASTOR IN WOODLAND

Rev. William Ernest Bobbitt, for fourteen years beloved pastor of the First Christian church of this city, passed away at 4 o'clock yesterday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leo D. Conrad, 133 Gum Avenue, at the age of 55 years, after a long and vigorous battle against the ravages of disease which seemed to attack him soon after his resignation from the pastorate of the local church to go to Klamath Falls, Oregon, where he was called to take charge of a new church and a large and prosperous congregation.

The funeral will take place at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon from the Christian church in this city with the Rev. Robert Davis of Turock, life long friend of the deceased and who officiated at the funeral of the first Mrs. Bobbitt. Interment will be made in Woodland cemetery by Ross C. Wilson, with the officers and members of the Woodland Lodge of Elks, of which the deceased was a member, attending the funeral in a body and officiating at the grave. Will Browning, who sang the hymns over Mrs. Bobbitt, will also render favored sacred songs at the service Friday.

The Casket Bearers

The casket-bearers have been selected to be Warren A. Rown, Frank L. Morris, Richard Howard, Leo Conard, Lawrence E. Wraith, Raymond Butzbach and George Cobb.

Sick For Years

Deceased had been ailing for a year. He traveled back and forth between the old friends and haunts of Woodland to Klamath Falls, in the hope to gain strength and recover a failing health. Cancerors conditions followed a general breakdown. His strength failed toward the last and for days he was in a state of coma at the Conard home, where everything possible was done for the beloved pastor. He was a mere human skeleton when death came to close an eventful, worth while career.

Two Survivors

She, with a sister, Mrs. Ida Shepherd of Santa Cruz, survive the deceased.

Hunter, Sportsman

Mr. Bobbitt was specially close to the youth of Woodland district. For many years he was coach of the Woodland high school football team and for thirteen consecutive years delivered the baccalaureate sermons at the annual commencement exercises. HE loved the open and was a true sportsman, spending several months each year with old friends in the mountains of California, Oregon and Idaho, while pursing game.

A True Friend

Rev. Bobbitt was a thinker, a true friend and preacher of rare ability. His services were sought in the large centers, an Oakland church having made him several very lucrative offers. But he liked the small centers where men made friends and hold them, where there was opportunity to do most good.

Death Keenly Regretted

Although his death was expected, it is with keenest regret that it is accepted by every man, woman or youth who knew the sterling character devoted to everything that was best for human and municipality.

The above article was taken from a Woodland paper sent to Dr. I. R. Woodward, who was a very intimate friend of Rev. Bobbitts, and with whom he enjoyed his summer vacations up in the mountains for the past number of years.

Payette Enterprise (Thursday, December 28, 1922

RECEIVES A SAD MESSAGE

This entire community was deeply saddened Wednesday afternoon when the sad news by wire, received by Dr. I. R. Woodward was quickly spread announcing the death of Mrs. W. E. Bobbitt of Woodland, California. According to the message her death occured Tuesday evening at 10 o'clock. The news came as a shock to the people here where Mr. and Mrs. Bobbitt lived for many years and where they were truly loved by all who knew them. A letter had been received by the Doctor on Tuesday announcing her serious illness, but her death was unexpected.

Rev. Bobbitt was pastor of the Christian church at this place for several years and prior to their marriage Mrs. Bobbitt was teacher in the Payette schools. It was here they met and spent their happiest days. They were both loved and highly appreciated for their worth in the community and it is with the deepest sorrow that we are called upon to make this sad announcement. On receiving the message Dr. Woodward, a very dear friend of Mr. and Mrs. Bobbitt left Wednesday evening for Woodland, to be present at the funeral which will be held Friday afternoon.