Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 546
SYLVESTER B. KIBLER

Sylvester B. KIBLER, of the firm KIBLER Bros., proprietors of the most extensive general merchandising house at Woodbine, and who has been closely identified with the pubic welfare of Harrison County for many years, is another sturdy son of the old Buckeye state, who came West to grow up with the country, as the common phrase would have it.

He was born in Portage County, Ohio, July 22, 1846, and remained in that county until 1854, when his parents became pioneers to Harrison County, settling at Six-Mile Grove, Cass Township. Sylvester remained at home and worked for the general interest of the family, and then purchased a farm adjoining his father's land, consisting of one hundred and thirty acres, on section 21, of Cass Township. This he improved and lived upon until the spring of 1873, when he removed to Woodbine, engaging in the mercantile business, in company with his brother George.

A new era marked this worthy gentleman's life January 28, 1868, upon which day he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline ELLISSON, with whom he has shared the realities of life ever since. Their home has been blessed by the birth of four intelligent children, Irvine E., born February 28, 1871; Maggie P., October 5, 1873; Lyda V., September 23, 1876 and L. W., July 14, 1878. Irvine E. died September 5, 1872.

Mrs. KIBLER, wife of our subject, a daughter of the Prairie State, was born in Pike County, Ill., September 6, 1844, and at the age of five years, emigrated with her parents to a point near Council Bluffs, Iowa, where they remained one year, and then removed to Harrison County, settling in Six-Mile Grove, Cass Township, where Mrs. KIBLER remained until hr marriage union. She united with the Latter Day Saint Church in 1861, and is still a consistent member of the same. Her husband after an investigation, covering a period of nearly a score of years, finally united with this church, together with his children, on October 8, 1886.

Politically, Mr. KIBLER is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, always taking an active part in the upbuilding of Harrison County's institutions, including her public schools. In his business relations there is no better type found within the county. Commencing with a small stock of goods, the firm to which he belongs has gradually grown in popular favor until it now has assumed large proportions.

In 1877, their present large and substantial brick business house, one of the best in the county, was erected. It is a double store room, divided in departments, in which is carried a large line of fancy as well as staple goods. By their fair dealing and good judgment their trade has constantly increased, and is second to none in the county.

Whether one meets this gentleman in his counting-room or in his warehouse midst boxes and barrels, or at his beautiful home, surrounded by his interesting family, he is impressed with this plain practical business man, who friends in Harrison County may be called Legion.

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