HIBBITT, Edward R. - Putnam

The true western spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly exemplified in the lives of such men as Edward R. Hibbitt, whose energetic nature and sticktoitive qualities have enabled them to conquer many adverse circumstances and advance steadily to leading positions in their respective lines of endeavor or in business life. Mr. Hibbitt is a worthy representative of this class and is now doing a very satisfactory- business in harness and leather goods, maintaining an up-to-date shop and store in Greencastle, which is known throughout this and adjoining counties.

Mr. Hibbitt was born May 30, 1861, in Louisville. Kentucky, the second son of Edwin Augustus and Mary (King) Hibbitt, an excellent Kentucky family, the father having been born in Louisville, September 19, 183 1. His parents emigrated to this country from England, the father dying when Edwin A. was twelve years of age; consequently, he was thrown upon his own resources, but. being a lad of grit and ambition, he soon succeeded in making his way, apprenticing himself to the harness-making trade at which he worked in Louisville until he came to Putnam county, early in the sixties. He located near Limedale and later moved to Greencastle where he continued his trade and engaged in the harness business until his death, which occurred February 11, 1902, at an advanced age. He was a fine old character whom everybody respected and admired for his industrious, sober and honest life, being kind, generous to a fault and interested in the welfare of his neighbors. He enjoyed a large trade and always handled a good grade of material, of the highest class workmanship. Politically he was a Democrat, and in his lodge relations held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

August 25, 185S, Edwin A. Hibbitt married Mary King, a native of Louisville. Kentucky, who preceded her husband to the grave many years, dying February 26, 1885.

Edward R. Hibbitt was educated in the common schools of Greencastle, receiving a very good education. He learned the harnessmaker's trade and the "ins and outs" of the leather business under his father, and he successfully engaged in business at Bainbridge, Rockville and Noblesville and with his father in Greencastle, and he is now carrying on a very satisfactory trade in his father's old stand, which is the largest store or shop of its kind in the county and which is patronized extensively at all seasons, some of his regular customers coming from remote sections of the county, for here they are sure of obtaining full value and the best leather goods which the market affords. The store is well arranged and well kept and his shop is provided with the latest model machinery and tools and none but skilled artisans are employed.

Mr. Hibbitt is a prominent member of the Masonic lodge and the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is a Democrat and a Methodist in his religious beliefs. He was married on May 30, 18S2. to Julia Williams, representing a highly respected Greencastle family. This union has resulted in the birth of two children. Ethel and Ralph.