James M. Rybolt, of the firm of Hinds & Rybolt, who represent the grocery trade at Lena, is a gentleman in the prime of life and a partner in a good business among the friends whom he has known from boyhood. He is a native of this county and was born in Oneco Township, Nov. 13, 1847. His father, Henry Rybolt, was born in Brown County, Ohio, in 1818, and having been deprived of a father's care when an infant, was reared by strangers. He lived on a farm in his native county until a youth of sixteen years and then began an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, serving out his time and following this occupation in Ohio until 1843. Then believing that he could better his condition in Northern Illinois he started overland in company with a friend, Lewis Gibler, and took up his residence in Oneco Township, this county. Here he followed his trade, and being skillful with his rifle often realized both pleasure and profit from excursions into the woods and fields in search of wild game. He possessed many excellent traits of character, and gathered about him a large circle of friends and acquaintances, among whom he lived worthily until called hence, on the 27th of January, 1875. In the meantime he had married and reared a family, and established himself on a good homestead where he spent his last years.
The mother of our subject who, in her girlhood, was Miss Elizabeth McMear, was a native of Kentucky and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. Her parents emigrated to this country and were settlers of Dubuque, Iowa. The parental household included nine children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth. His early studies were conducted in the district schools, and at an early age he learned to make himself useful on his father's farm. After being graduated from the common school he spent a year each at Dubuque and Jefferson, Wis., in the pursuit of more knowledge, and when twenty-two years old had developed into a competent teacher. He followed this profession continuously until the spring of 1887, being mostly employed in the schools of this county. He closed his last term in March of the year mentioned, and established himself in his present business. His upright methods and courteous treatment of his patrons are building up for the house a good patronage which bids fair to steadily extend.
James M. Rybolt was united in marriage with Miss Idella May Hinds, May 11, 1879, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride in Green County, Wis. Mrs. R. was born in Oneco Township, and is the daughter of Andrew Hinds, of whom a sketch is given elsewhere in this work. Of this union there are two children, a daughter and son -- Minnie and Homer. Mr. Rybolt is Democratic politically, and while a resident of Winslow represented the township on the County Board of Supervisors. He was also connected with Winslow Lodge No. 564, A. F. & A. M. Both he and his estimable lady are valued members of the Christian Church.
Contributed by Karen Hammer
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888 p. 261
