Bartholomew-Lawrence-Madison County IN Archives Biographies.....Fitzgibbon, T. F. 1861 - 
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Author: B. F. Bowen (1904)

p. 190-192

T. F. FITZGIBBON.

   Although Prof. T. F. Fitzgibbon has been a resident of Columbus for only a
little more than two years, he has been so closely and prominently connected
with educational work and intellectual advancement during this period as to
leave the impress of his individuality for good upon the community, and
therefore he is entitled to representation in this volume. It is a widely
acknowledged fact that the most important, work to which a man can direct his
energies is that of teaching, whether it be from the pulpit, from the lecture
platform or in the school-room. Its primary object is ever the same—the
development of one's latent powers that the duties of life might be bravely met
and well performed. During his incumbency as superintendent of the Columbus
school Professor Fitzgibbon has instituted a number of methods which have proven
of marked benefit to the educational system of the city and the general public
is fast becoming cognizant of the excellent results which are attending his labors.

   Professor Fitzgibbon was born at Fort Ritner, Indiana, on the 22d of July,
1861, and is the third son of Michael and Ann Fitzgibbon. His father died when
the son was only five years of age and soon after the mother with her four boys
removed to a farm near Sparksville, Indiana. There he engaged in the pursuits
usual to a farm boy of that time. His early education was very meager,
consisting of the training received in the winter term of the country school—in
those days from three to five months long. He displayed special aptitude,
however, with his studies and was desirous of enjoying better educational
privileges. During the year 1877-8 he had opportunity to partially satisfy his
longing in this direction by attending school at Campbellsburg, Indiana, for
five months. He continued his work in the common branches of learning and also
studied algebra to some extent. James G. May, a pioneer educator of southern
Indiana, then a venerable gentleman in his seventy-fifth year, was in charge of
the Campbellsburg school at that time. In the winter of 1878-9 Professor
Fitzgibbon attended school at Leesville, Indiana, for a period of five months,
boarding at home and riding each night and morning to and from school, a
distance of five miles. He continued his studies in algebra and in the common
branches and this was the entire preparation which he had for a college course.

   Throughout his entire business career Professor Fitzgibbon has engaged in
educational work. He was first employed as a teacher in the country schools of
his own township in September, 1880, and for six years he continued his labors
as an instructor during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he
carried on farming. With a clear comprehension of the duties of the profession
and believing that the teacher should make most careful preparations for his
work, Mr. Fitzgibbon then entered the State Normal School at Terre Haute,
Indiana, in the fall of 1886, and was there graduated on the completion of the
four years' course in June, 1890. He then became superintendent of the schools
of Elwood, Indiana, entering upon his duties in September of the year of his
graduation. There he continued to serve most acceptably until August, 1901, when
he assumed the superintendency of the schools of Columbus, Indiana. He had,
however, been granted a leave of absence from his work at Elwood for the year of
1896-7 in order that he might attend the Indiana University, in which he was
graduated in the department of philosophy in June, 1897. For many years he has
been active in the educational associations of the state and for nine years has
been a member of the National Educational Association. His zeal and interest in
the work is deep, sincere and abiding and has been an inspiration and aid to the
teachers who have and are serving under him. He is continually thinking out new
plans and methods for the benefit of the schools and already Columbus has felt
the stimulus of his exertions in an educational way.

   Realizing that it is not good for man to be alone, Mr. Fitzgibbon won the
hand of Miss Frances A. Moore, who was one of his classmates in the State Normal
School. They were married in May, 1892, and unto them have been born three sons:
Paul, whose birth occurred March 9, 1898; and Robert M. and Russell H., twins,
born on the 29th of June, 1902. Mr. Fitzgibbon has been a member of the
Presbyterian church for many years and is a well known Mason, having advanced
through the various degrees to that of Knight Templar. A gentleman of broad
humanitarian principles, his efforts have not been confined alone to the line of
intellectual development, but have also been put forth in behalf of his fellow
men in many ways. He was president of the Associated Charities of Elwood,
Indiana, from the time of its organization until his removal from that city and
since coming to Columbus he has been secretary of the Society of Associated
Charities here from its organization to the present time. He attributes his
success in life most largely to his mother's wise and careful training, saying
that it is due to that cause more than to all the other causes combined. At this
point it would be almost tautological to enter into any series of statements as
showing the Professor to be a man of broad intelligence and genuine public
spirit, for these have been shadowed forth between the lines of this review.
Strong in his individuality, he never lacks the courage of his convictions, but
there are, as dominating elements in his individuality, a lively human sympathy
and an abiding charity, which, as taken in connection with the sterling
integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained to him the respect
and confidence of men.

Additional Comments:
Extracted from

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD OF BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY
INDIANA

INCLUDING BIOGRAPHIES OF THE GOVERNORS AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS OF INDIANA

ILLUSTRATED

1904

B. F. Bowen PUBLISHER

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