J. L. HIBBS was born in this precinct and county, November 30, 1825, and is a son of Zachariah C. and Sallie (Crossley) Hibbs. The father was also born in this county, November 17, 1799. His father, Jonah Hibbs, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to this county about 1797. He remained here until about 1832, when he moved to Arkansas, where he died. The father grew to manhood in this county, and in about 1823, he was married to Miss Crossley, who was born in Christian County, Ky., January 1, 1800. He settled down in this precinct, and first bought about 300 acres, and finally owned about 800 acres. He died May 8, 1858, a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The death of the mother occurred April 12, 1878. Subject is the second of a family of three children, of whom two are now living: Nancy (wife of Buford Jimeson, and J. L. The latter remained at home until the age of twenty-two, and then commenced life for himself. He moved to St Francis County, Ark., when he was twenty-three years of age, and remained there three years. He then returned to this county, and settled on a farm near the present site of Birdsville. Here he first bought about 250 acres, and now owns about 1,200 acres, with about 400 acres in cultivation. In 1860 he commenced merchandising, and erected the first store in Birdsville. He remained in business until 1864, when, owing to the war, he was compelled to close. In 1882, he began merchandising again, and is still in the business. He carries a general stock, averaging about $2,000. He is also the grain buyer at this point, handling about 5,000 bushels a year. In past years he has engaged quite extensively in tobacco speculating. Mr. Hibbs was married March 7, 1848, to Miss Emma Lena Branch, a daughter of Jesse Branch, of North Carolina. Mrs. Hibbs was born in North Carolina, November 25, 1825, and to her and husband have been born ten children, of whom but eight are now living. Mr. Hibbs and family are members of the Baptist Church. He has served as magistrate in the Dyer's Hill Precinct. In 1869 and 1870 he represented this county and Marshall in the legislature. He is a member of Salem Lodge, No. 81, A. F. & A. M.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Page 822.