US Congressman. He taught school in Allegany County and studied medicine before relocating to Franklin, Pennsylvania, where he became active in oil refining and other business ventures and also operated a farm. Sibley became wealthy by developing several unique products, including a lubricating oil for the engine valves of railroad locomotives. He was active in the Venango County Agricultural Society, Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association, American Jersey Cattle Club, and National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders, and served as a member of Pennsylvania's Board of Agriculture. He served as Franklin's Mayor in 1879. Originally a Republican, in 1892 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Democrat and served one term, 1893 to 1895. He was an unsuccessful candidate in 1894 and 1896. He was elected to Congress again in 1898 as a Democrat and reelected three times as a Republican, serving from 1899 to 1907. In his final two terms he was Chairman of the House Committee on Manufactures. Sibley was nominated for Congress again in 1910, but declined after being accused in the media of spending exorbitantly to obtain the nomination, and because of ill health. He then returned to his business interests and the operation of his farm, "River Ridge". River Ridge, including Sibley's home, "The Castle", is now owned by Life Ministries, Inc. and is used for retreats and other events.
US Congressman. He taught school in Allegany County and studied medicine before relocating to Franklin, Pennsylvania, where he became active in oil refining and other business ventures and also operated a farm. Sibley became wealthy by developing several unique products, including a lubricating oil for the engine valves of railroad locomotives. He was active in the Venango County Agricultural Society, Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association, American Jersey Cattle Club, and National Association of Trotting Horse Breeders, and served as a member of Pennsylvania's Board of Agriculture. He served as Franklin's Mayor in 1879. Originally a Republican, in 1892 he was elected to the US House of Representatives as a Democrat and served one term, 1893 to 1895. He was an unsuccessful candidate in 1894 and 1896. He was elected to Congress again in 1898 as a Democrat and reelected three times as a Republican, serving from 1899 to 1907. In his final two terms he was Chairman of the House Committee on Manufactures. Sibley was nominated for Congress again in 1910, but declined after being accused in the media of spending exorbitantly to obtain the nomination, and because of ill health. He then returned to his business interests and the operation of his farm, "River Ridge". River Ridge, including Sibley's home, "The Castle", is now owned by Life Ministries, Inc. and is used for retreats and other events.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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