Ephraim Kibbey facts for kids

Ephraim Kibbey (born 1754 or 1756 – died 1809) was an important figure in early American history. He was a brave soldier in the American Revolution and a skilled frontiersman. A frontiersman is someone who explores and settles new, wild lands.

Ephraim Kibbey was also one of the first people to settle in Ohio. He led a famous group of scouts for General Anthony Wayne during the Northwest Indian War. Later, he became a member of the first government of Ohio, called the 1st Ohio General Assembly. People often compare him to famous pioneers like Daniel Boone in Kentucky. Kibbey, along with his friend Benjamin Stites, helped build the first settlements in southwest Ohio.

Who Was Ephraim Kibbey?

Ephraim Kibbey came from a family that had been in America for a long time. His ancestor, Edward Kibbe, moved to the Massachusetts Bay Colony from England around 1639.

Ephraim Kibbey's Adventures

Serving in the American Revolution

In 1777, Ephraim Kibbey joined the Continental Army in New Jersey. This was the army that fought for America's independence from Britain. He was part of the 4th New Jersey Regiment.

Kibbey survived the very harsh winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge. This was a difficult time for George Washington's army, with many soldiers suffering from cold and hunger.

Settling the Ohio Frontier

After the American Revolution, Kibbey explored the wild lands of southwestern Pennsylvania. He then moved to Ohio with Benjamin Stites and other pioneers. In 1788, they helped start a settlement called Columbia, Ohio. This town was located near where the city of Cincinnati is today.

Today, only the Pioneer Memorial Cemetery, Cincinnati remains from this early settlement. There is a large monument there that honors "The First Boat-Load" of settlers.

Leading Scouts in War

Ephraim Kibbey became a captain and led a group of skilled scouts. These scouts were very important to General Anthony Wayne and his army, known as the Legion of the United States. They fought against a group of Native American tribes called the Western Confederacy.

Kibbey's scouts were known for being excellent frontiersmen and fighters. They helped the Legion win important battles, including the famous Battle of Fallen Timbers.

Building New Communities

Around 1795, Kibbey was one of the first people to settle in Deerfield. This area is now known as South Lebanon, Ohio. He helped protect these new settlements. He also worked on surveying land and building roads.

One famous road he helped create was called Kibbey's Road. This was the first road to cross the state of Indiana all the way to Vincennes, Indiana.

A Leader in Government

Ephraim Kibbey was elected to the government of the Northwest Territory in 1798 and again in 1802. Later, from 1803 to 1804, he served in the very first government of the new state of Ohio, the 1st Ohio General Assembly.

Ephraim Kibbey passed away in Deerfield, Ohio, in 1809.

Ephraim Kibbey's Family

Ephraim Kibbey and his wife, Phebe Ann (Crane), had seven children together. Their children were named John Crane, Elisabeth, Joseph, Julia Ann, Jerusha, Ephraim, and Phebe.