Alfred F. Hibbard

FINLEY, GRISHAM, HIBBARD, HUBBARD

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 9/2/2004 at 12:46:27

Alfred F. Hibbard is the owner of a valuable and productive farm embracing one hundred and sixty acres on section 19, Madison township, and in its operation has won well merited success. His birth occurred in Wisconsin in October, 1856, his parents being Samuel and Margaret (Finley) Hibbard, who were of Irish and German descent respectively, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Pennsylvania. Samuel Hibbard, who was a millwright by trade went to Ohio in an early day and there worked at his chosen occupation for several years. Subsequently he followed farming in Wisconsin for ten years on the expiration of which period he came to Iowa, locating in Guthrie county and purchasing and improving a farm near Casey, which he operated until his demise in 1874. His wife passed away July 18, 1913, having survived him for nearly four decades.

Alfred F. Hibbard was reared and educated in Ohio and Wisconsin and remained with his mother until he had attained his majority. Subsequently he operated a gristmill for his grandfather for three years and on the expiration of that period turned his attention to railroading, firing an engine for the Chicago & Alton Railroad out of Bowling Green for six years. He then removed to Stuart, Guthrie county, Iowa, and entered the service of the Rock Island as fireman, while a few years later he was promoted to the position of engineer being employed as fireman and engineer altogether for a period of twenty years In March, 1901, he came to Madison county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 19, Madison township, which he has cultivated continuously since and on which he has made extensive improvements, his residence being one of the finest in the county and thoroughly modern in every respect In connection with the production of cereals he devotes considerable attention to live stock, raising high grade Aberdeen Angus cattle and thoroughbred Poland China hogs, and in both branches of his business has met with success.

In May, 1893, Mr. Hibbard was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Gresham, who was born in Boone township, Dallas, county, Iowa, in June, 1869 her parents being David and Rebecca (Hubbard) Gresham, the former a native of Dallas county, Iowa, and the latter of Lee township, this county. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Hibbard took up his abode in Dallas county in 1847, when Des Moines had not yet sprung into existence, there entering a tract of land which he cultivated until 1887, when he moved to Lee township, Madison county where he passed away in 1908, when he was in his ninetieth year. David Gresham turned his attention to agricultural pursuits as soon as his age and strength permitted and throughout his active business career operated the farm in Dallas county which had formerly belonged to his father. His demise occurred in Stuart, Iowa, in April, 1891, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Hibbard have an adopted son, Ira A., who is now eleven years of age and is attending school.

In politics Mr. Hibbard is a republican, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. He also has membership relations with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. He is recognized throughout Madison county as a progressive farmer and public-spirited citizen and commands the confidence and respect of the entire community.

Taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915”