Private Henry Sibbel was born on March 25, 1892 in Halbur, Iowa. Their family then moved to Boyd County in 1907 to farm after the death of his father. Henry left Butte on May 27, 1918 to join the war. He became a member of the 355th Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, and was fighting 30 days later in France.

            He wrote a letter back to the local newspaper at home on August 7, 1918, just months before his death. He told of the scenery and the weather, and how he had spent his 4th of July in London. Later, in his death notice in the paper, he would be described as “a fine upright young man and had the esteem of all who knew him”. 

            Henry Sibbel was killed in action on November 11, 1918 in France on the last day of the war. He is buried in plot F, Row 37, Grave 10 in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in Romagne, France. He also has a memorial grave in the Butte Cemetery. His death was announced in the Gazette newspaper back home on December 12, 1918. 

            Somewhere in England, August 7, 1918

            Dear Friend: As I have been over the sea a little(censored)let you folks know I am getting along fine: never been sick a day since I have been in the army. The weather is quite damp here: have had 24 days rain out of 30, but there is sure a pretty country here. Lots of old buildings and churches, some built about 900 years ago; that seems quite old. I have had a good time and seen a lot of good country and big cities. Was in London on the 4th of July, and it is sure some place, something like New York. I have received my first mail yesterday since across sea, and it was a bundle, too- 38 letters, at one time, and I was glad to hear some news from the old home town. Well, I must close for this time, wishing you folks all a good time and sending my best regards to all the Gazette readers, and asking all of you folks to write to me. I remain, your friend,

             Pvt. Henry Sibbel,

             Co. A, 355th Inf. A. E. F. via N.Y.

                        The Butte Gazette

                        December 12, 1918

                                           HENRY SIBBLE KILLED IN FRANCE

     Last Thursday evening the terrible news came to Mrs. Anna Sibble that her son Henry had been killed in battle in France Nv. 11, the last day of the war.

      Henry went to France with the famous 89th Division and was in the thick of the fighting.  He left Butte May 27th and thirty days later was on his way to France.

      Henry Sibble was born in Halbur, Iowa, March 25, 1892.  He came to Boyd County with his parents on the farm.  He was a fine upright young man and had the esteem of all who knew him.  He leaves surviving him his mother, a brother, August Sibble, and a sister, Mrs. Ben Tunink of Butte.

*note:  Sibble is

actually spelled

Sibbel