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biography from Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
J. R. LIBBY, of Madison Township, one of the pioneers of 1840, and now living retired from active labor, was born in the State of Delaware, Aug. 25, 1816, being a son of Elijah and Celia (Tull) Libby, both of whom were natives of Delaware. His father was born in 1780, and died in 1849. His mother, born in 1782, died in 1851. The subject of this sketch after coming to Iowa located at Muscatine for one year, and then removed to Lee County, where he lived until 1843. In May of that year he came to this county, settled in Monroe Township, where he located a claim, upon which he lived until 1849, and then removed to Madison Township, where he now resides. He was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Higginbotham, Jan. 18, 1846. Mrs. Libby is a native of Kentucky, was born in 1819, and is a daughter of James and Sarah (Miracle) Higginbotham. Her parents were natives of Kentucky. Her father died in 1857, and her mother in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Libby are the parents of nine children, as follows: Mary, wife of P. Fox, lives in Oregon; William is in Adair County, Iowa; Harriet J., Mrs. H. C. Lighter, lives in Cass County, Iowa; James H. is in Nebraska; Charles, in Bourbon County, Kan.; Celia is the wife of J. F. Wells, of Cass County, Iowa; Ida is the wife of J. P. Price, and resides with her father; Esther E. married J. L. Barrett, of Chariton County, Kan.; Jerry lives in Cass County, Iowa. Politically Mr. Libby is a member of the Democratic party, and has held the offices of Road Supervisor and School Director. His home farm consists of 142 acres, in good cultivation. He is in comparatively easy circumstances financially, and is enjoying the well-earned repose to which the struggles and trials of pioneer life have justly entitled him. Among his large circle of friends and acquaintances he is highly esteemed for his many excellent qualities. Mrs. Libby is a member of the Christian Church.
Portrait & Biographical Album of Mahaska Co., Iowa, 1887
Mahaska County, Iowa Genealogy