When it comes to old timers, Matt Phibbs’ name must be included as one of the first settlers.
Matthew Phibbs was born to Irish parents in Canada. He married Mary Alice Dudley who was born in Shandon, Ohio. About 1894, she came to Minnesota and taught near Fosston for three years. On December 14, 1896, she was married in Duluth to Matthew Phibbs and they homesteaded near Blackduck until June, 1897, when they moved to Bemidji. Mr. Phibbs was in the real estate business for many years and was appointed register of deeds when the county was organized, holding that position for a number of years.
Mrs. Phibbs was a charter member of the Methodist Church and Matt Phibbs was a Trustee. They continued as active members. Mrs. Phibbs was the first president of the Ladies Aid, first superintendent of the Primary department in the Sunday school and of the Cradle Roll, and conducted the first teachers training class of the church.
Matt Phibbs was Register of Deeds through 1904. In the 1900 election, the editor of the Pioneer wrote: Matt Phibbs will be re-elected to the office of register of deeds. It is all right to cry, “turn the rascals out,” but Mr. Phibbs has proven not a rascal. While sticking faithfully to business in the court house he has made hosts of friends who will stick to him in the hour of trial by ballots. He has that rare ability of making friends without making enemies. He treats all men fairly, and a fairly-treated man remembers his friends on election day. Anton Erickson, his opponent, will show up with a large vote, no doubt, but we believe Mr. Erickson would really feel more disappointed than happy to see his friend Matt defeated. (Oct 25, 1900)
Along with Porter Nye, Matt Phibbs was one of the original members of the Old Settlers Association which held its first meeting on Sept 5, 1901.
Mary Ann Phibbs purchased Lots 1 and 2, Block 8, original townsite on April 10, 1901 for $550. This was the southwest corner of Sixth and Beltrami. Their home address was 523 Beltrami Avenue. They raised five children here: Fred, Frank, Pearl, Clifford, and Bertha.
Matt Phibbs formed a business with Anton Erickson. That partnership was dissolved in 1908 when Mr. Erickson assumed his duties as postmaster of the city of Bemidji. W. C. Klein and Matt Phibbs then formed a co-partnership under the firm name of Phibbs & Klein as of April 1, 1908. Mr. Klein had been employed as chief lineman for Warfield Electric company for some time past. The real estate firm of Phibbs & Klein was located at 204 Beltrami Avenue.
After the sale of their home at 523 Beltrami avenue, they moved to their farm in Rockwood township for a few years. They lived for a time at 1015 Dewey Avenue, and in 1930, they were at 609 4th Street. Eventually they built a home on Birchmont Drive.
Mrs. Phibbs died Oct 9, 1938. As a widower, Matt Phibbs lived on Birchmont Road with his son Frank and family. Frank was manager of the bowling alley. His wife was a stenographer for county office.
Matt Phibbs still lived in Bemidji at the time of his brother Thomas Phibbs’ death in November 1944.