George H. Sibley Will Be 85 Aug 25

George H. Sibley, one of Clarkston's oldest and most highly esteemed citizens and a veteran of the Civil War, will observe his 85th birthday, Monday, Aug 25. For nearly 61 years he has been a resident of this community, coming here from Ne York state, where he was born. The past half century he has lived a peaceful life, engaged in farming and other occupations, but in his early manhood he participated in many exciting adventures. Following an active service in the army during the Civil War, he went west and for the nest seven years, he led a colorful life. He worked on the construction of the Union Pacific railroad at Leavenworth, Kas., when the indians were stirring up trouble and occasionally the redskins drove the from the job. The he drove a stagecoach from Trinidad, Colo., to Mexico, later quitting that job to go gold digging. After an absence of seven years he returned home. A little later he planned going back to the west and joining his chum who he had shared his previous joys and hardships in that wild country, and had his bag all packed to go, but an accident to his mother changed his plans. He was married not long after this and in the spring of 1871, he came to Clarkston. MAny years later he did revisit the west, however going over the old scenes, now greatly changed, accompanied by his son, Herman. They were gone six months. Mr. Sibley early in his career here owned what is now the home of Washington Irish. He had a farm a short distance from the village, on which there were no buildings, so he finally sold his town home and built on the farm. Many years ago, however, he bought another home in town and came back. Mr Sibley has one daughter, Mrs. M. H. Wendell, of Holly, and two sons, Herman, of Pontiac and Lloyd M. , at home. He expects to have them here on Monday to help him celebrate his birthday. He always enjoyed good health until about two months ago. and still takes an active interest in affairs.