SGT William Offutt Cobbs

SGT William Offutt Cobbs was born in 20 Sep 1890 in Lynchburg, Virginia to John Henry and Mary Edmonia (Offutt) Cobbs.  William was the 2nd of 3 children and the oldest of the 2 boys.  His father worked in a dry goods store.  By 1910, sister Josephine was working as a stenographer, William was managing the Belvidere movie theater and youngest child James was working as a stock clerk. In 1915, William was working as a clerk for Craighill and Jones.

After entering the Army William was assigned to L Company 116th Infantry. He sailed with the unit to France on board the USS Finland.  Arriving 28 Jun 1918, the unit underwent more training before moving into the line.  SGT Cobbs was killed in action on 15 Oct 1918.

SGT Cobbs rests forever in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery.

Mary would make the Gold Star Mothers' Pilgrimage to visit her son's grave in France. William's father served in the Civil War in the 58th Virginia Infantry Regiment.