Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 311
SAMUEL M. McKIBBEN, deceased, one of the early settlers of Muscatine, Iowa, was born in Cumberland County, Pa., June 4, 1821, and was a son of Ezekiel and Elizabeth ( Fontz ) McKibben. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and there received a common-school education. In 1850 he followed the human course of migration which was steadily flowing westward, and took up his residence in Muscatine, where he soon after engaged in the lumber business, in company with Thomas M. Isett for a few years, when he disposed of his business, and in company with Fred Geisenhaus embarked in the pork packing business. His health failing him, he had to abandom this, and for several years was scarcely able to do any work at all.

While on his way to the West Mr. McKibben had formed the acquaintance of Miss Margaret L. Storer, who later became his wife. She is a daughter of Richard and Mary M. ( Snyder ) Storer, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and emigrated to Burlington in 1850, locating upon a farm a few miles outside the city limits. They were the parents of the following children: John, who is living in Burlington; William, a resident of Pennsylvania; Hannah, now the wife of Wilson Hall, a resident of Elizabethtown, Pa.; Martha, widow of Jacob Snyder, is living in Keosauqua, Iowa; Charlotte, wedded George Snyder, of New London, Iowa; Mary C. is the widow of Frank Perry, and resides in Burlington; Margaret L., the honored wife of our subject; and Nicholas, also a resident of Burlington. The death of both Mr. and Mrs. Storer occurred in Des Moines County, Iowa, where they were laid to rest. For many years they were members of the Baptist Church, and were held in high esteem by all who knew them.

By the union of Mr. and Mrs. McKibben eight children were born, six of whom are living; Frank, Samuel, George, Edward, Jennie and Nellie, the wife of Morris Ryerson, of Omaha, Neb. On the 7th day of October, 1888, Mr. McKibben was called to his last rest. For several years he had been in delicate health, and gradually the tide of life ebbed out until he closed his eyes in the last long sleep. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, always ready to respond when duty called, and when summoned from this earth gladly responded to the call of his Maker. He had no enemies--everyone was glad to speak a good word of him. To his neighbors he was always kind and considerate, and to the poor he gave heartfelt sympathy, and many substantial gifts found their way to the homes of the needy. In his own home circle he was the light and life, a kind and loving husband, and an indulgent and affectionate father. He took especial pride in his boys, whose welfare he always had in view, and of whom he never tired of talking. In his death Muscatine County lost one of her best citizens, who was mourned by many warm friends as a brother. Mrs. McKibben, his true and faithful wife, is still living in Muscatine with her family. She also is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a most estimable lady.

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