James Hibbs

HIBBS, HURST, COOLEY, FARMER, ELLIS, HALL

Posted By: Polly
Date: 5/14/2007 at 20:49:59

JAMES HIBBS

Among the many worthy and esteemed residents of Appanoose county who make up the farming class, and by their substantial citizenship and progressive ideas have made the county one of the foremost agricultural sections of the state, is Mr. James Hibbs, who now resides in Numa, but for many years served in an official position, was active in the mercantile business, and also as a leading farmer.

His parents were Mahlon N. and Elizabeth (Hurst) Hibbs, who were both natives of Tennessee, and when young were taken by their parents to Putnam county, Indiana, where they were married. Mr. Hibbs was a lifelong farmer. In 1847 he came to Iowa with his family and located in Wapello county, and there he died about 1850. Shortly afterward his wife, with her children, moved to Appanoose county and located on a farm two miles south of what was known as Hibbsville, where Mrs. Hibbs died.

James Hibbs, the immediate subject of this sketch, was the eldest of eight children, six of whom are still living. He was born in Putnam county, Indiana, April 15, 1826. He early displayed the energy and honesty of purpose which have characterized is entire career, and not only was he successful in his private affairs, but entered heartily into any enterprise directed toward the common good. When he, with his mother and family, settled in Appanoose county, he was instrumental in having a postoffice established near their farm, and in his honor it was named Hibbsville. Dr. Hall, now deceased, was the first postmaster of this place, but after his incumbency Mr. Hibbs was appointed to the office and conducted it in connection with a general store until 1901, when the postoffice was abolished. Mr. Hibbs still owns the old farm south of Hibbsville, but makes his home in Numa.

In 1856 Mr. Hibbs was married to Martha E. Cooley, who is a native of Indiana, and was born in 1840. When only six months old she came west with her parents and has made her home in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hibbs became the parents of eight children, of whom six are now living: Mahlon E., James W., Mrs. Martha Farmer, George, Mrs. Nancy Jane Ellis and Samuel. This family hold a very influential position in the social and business life of their community and justly command the high regard of many friends and acquaintance.

source: Biographical & Genealogical History of Appanoose & Monroe Counties, Iowa; 1903