THOMAS J. MCKIBBEN
Independence Daily Reporter, Friday, December 15, 1916, Pg. 1:
Honored Citizen Passed Away This Morning
HAS LIVED HERE 20 YEARS
Served as Police Judge Several Years
Made Splendid Record in the Civil War
Captain T. J. McKibben died this morning at his home in this city, 319 North Twelfth, at 8 o’clock, after an illness of several months. He was an old and highly honored citizen, having resided in this city for about twenty years. From 1906 to 1910 he was police judge of this city, a position he resigned to go to Colorado for the benefit of his health. He was 80 years, 1 month and 21 days old, having been born Oct. 24, 1836, at Danville, Ills. He is survived by his wife and five children. His children are Ross, living in New York City; Frank of Mason City, Iowa; Mrs. Jane A. Clark of Tulsa; Mrs. Robert Moses of this city and Miss Stella McKibben who still lives at home. His brother Joe resides in this city but is in Texas at the present time to spend the winter. One sister, Mrs. S. W. Cochrane, resides in this city.
Captain McKibben had a fine military record and served in the Civil war for over three years. He was first lieutenant in Company B, 25th regiment of Illinois Volunteers, and was mustered into service in August 1861. As a result of meritorious service he was made captain of his company in 1863. His regiment saw a great deal of hard service. He participated in the battles of Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge and many other historical and critical battles in the Civil war, and had a record for gallant service and efficiency as an officer.
Captain McKibben was married twice. It is a peculiar coincidence that his death occurred on the anniversary of his first marriage. Four children were born to this union, one of whom, Ross McKibben, still survives. His second wife was Rachel Vandusen and he was married to her in Chautauqua county, Sept. 7, 1880. Five children were born to this union who with their mother survive him.
Mr. McKibben was an exceedingly fine looking man of large stature, of commanding appearance and military bearing. He was a genial companion, a kind neighbor and friend and a citizen who stood high in this community. The funeral arrangements will not be announced until the absent children are all heard from. His son Frank visited here a few weeks ago and it is not sure that he or his brother Ross, who lives in New York City, will be able to get here for the funeral. Rev. W. P. Wharton will have charge of the religious services, Captain McKibben having been a member of that church from his boyhood. The funeral will be in charge of the Masonic order of this city of which he was one of the oldest members. The time and place of funeral will be announced later. The members of the G. A. R. post will attend in a body.
Contributed by Mrs. Maryann Johnson a Civil war researcher and a volunteer in the Kansas Room of the Independence Public Library, Independence, Kansas.