Background
McKibbin was born 1824 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
McKibbin was born 1824 in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.
He received a common-school education then attended Princeton College 1840-1842. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1852, practicing in Downieville.
He moved to California in 1849 during the California Gold Rush, settling in Sierra County. He lost his bid for re-election in 1858. During the Civil War McKibbin enlisted in the Union Army in 1861 and was one of the first six Cavalry officers appointed by President Abraham Lincoln.
He served as a colonel and aide-de-camp on the staffs of Major General Henry West. Halleck and Major General George H. Thomas.
After the Civil War, McKibbon settled in Washington, District of Columbia as a general contractor. He purchased the property at Marshall Hall, Maryland, in 1883.
McKibbin died on July 1, 1896 in Marshall Hall, Maryland and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.
McKibbin was a member of the California State Senate in 1852 and 1853, then elected as a Democrat to the 35th Congress, and served during 1857-1859.