Kibbee, Henry Clinton

The following data is extracted from A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans.

Henry Clinton Kibbee. Among the representative business men of Topeka, Henry Clinton Kibbee occupies a foremost place and is well known in financial circles not only in Kansas but over a wide territory. He came to this great state in 1887 and, with the whole world as his field of choice, has never found a more desirable section in which to live. His business concerns for thirty consecutive years have caused him to travel the country over, hence this is a proof of some value that Kansas can offer many attractions in the way of comfortable living and preservation of health.

Henry Clinton Kibbee was born at Port Huron, Michigan, May 24, 1859, and he is a son of Doctor Jared and Fanny E. (Gillingham) Kibbee. Dr. Jared Kibbee was a graduate of the old Cleveland Medical College, entering that institution after preparatory reading and study in his native state, Vermont. He practiced in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and was its first postmaster. Thence he went to Detroit and finally to Port Huron, Michigan. He returned to Cleveland and graduated in dentistry and continued during his active years to practice in that profession.

In the public schools of Port Huron, Henry C. Kibbee completed his educational course and had his health been robust, would probably have learned some trade as his natural inclination was in the directions of mechanics. In 1880 he left Michigan for Colorado and for three years he was engaged there in mercantile pursuits, mainly at Denver. In 1883, desiring an outdoor life, he went to Dakota Territory, now the State of South Dakota, and preempted land in Hand County with the expectation of making ranching his future business. Circumstances caused him to look further after two seasons, and he went then to Miller, the county seat, and accepted a position as clerk in a store as a temporary occupation.

In 1886 Mr. Kibbee became general agent and examiner of securities for the Mortgage Trust Company of Pennsylvania and has been identified with this corporation ever since. In its interest he has traveled all over the Middle West and with the officials and their patrons he is alike held in great respect. A confidential position held for thirty years is a testimonial to fidelity and efficiency of service that cannot be questioned. In 1887 he moved to Hutchinson, Kansas, where he resided until 1900 when he removed to Topeka, which city has been his home for the past sixteen years. He has been active as a good citizen, in encouraging and assisting in many admirable public movements, but he has never been unduly active politically, limiting his efforts to casting his vote for the candidates of the democratic party.

Mr. Kibbee was united in marriage on October 4, 1889, to Miss Louise Halbig, who was a daughter of Christian and Louise Halbig, residents of Miller, South Dakota, at that time. Mr. and Mrs. Kibbee are members of the Episcopal Church. He is prominent in Masonry, has attained the thirty-second degree of Scottish Rite Masonry, and belongs to the Mystic Shrine.

Source: A Standard History of Kansas and Kansans

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