Mr. Cribbs was born in Monroe township, Clarion county, in 1842, and is a son of David and Catherine (Near) Cribbs.  The birth of the father occurred January 6, 1816, in the same township, of which the grandfather, John Cribbs, was one of the very earliest settlers.   The latter was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., and became actively and prominently identified with the early history of this section, serving as the first county treasurer, and aiding materially in the growth and development of the county.   He was always an ardent Democrat in politics, and was one of the most influential citizens of his county.  His death occurred in Monroe township.  In his native township David Cribbs was reared and married, and there continued to engage in farming and teaming until his removal to New Bethlehem in 1853.  He died at that place July 10, 1880, and his estimable wife in 1891.   In their family were six children:  John L.; Charles W., a resident of New Bethlehem; Sarah, wife of R. B. Lyle, of Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn., who was a Union soldier in the Civil War; Mrs. Mary C. McCormick, of Driftwood, Penn.; David F., of New Bethlehem; and Mrs. Jane E. Dales, of Kittanning, Pennsylvania.

    John L. Cribbs was ten years of age when he accompanied his parents on their removal to New Bethlehem, and there he secured his education in the public schools.  At that place he enlisted, July 4, 1861, in Company E, 62nd P.V.I., for three years, and served in the Second Brigade, First Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac.  He participated in the siege of Yorktown, the seven-days' fight on the Peninsula, the second battle of Bull Run, the engagements at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg, and later in the Grant campaign around Petersburg.   His term of service having expired, he was honorably discharged at Pittsburg, July 13, 1864, and returned to New Bethlehem.  For a number of years he worked in a flouring-mill, but since then he has successfully engaged in contracting and building.

    In 1865, in New Bethlehem, Mr. Cribbs was united in marriage with Miss Susannah C. Mohney, a native of that place and a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Kaster) Mohney, who were born in eastern Pennsylvania and became pioneers of New Bethlehem.  Mr. and Mrs. Cribbs have a family of seven sons, namely: Edward V., who is married and lives in Ridgway, Penn.; Curtis C. and Frederick M., both residents of Sistersville, W. Va.; and John L., Ross, Daniel O. and Mead A., all at home.

    Socially, Mr. Cribbs is a member of the Veteran Legion at Brookville, Penn.; New Bethlehem Lodge No. 522, F. & A.M.; New Bethlehem Lodge No. 725, I.O.O.F.; and Dorset Lodge No. 434, K.P.  Politically, he is an active and effective worker in the interests of the Democratic party, was a popular and influential member of the General Assembly in 1891 and 1892, and capably filled a responsible position in the adjutant-general's office in Harrisburg in 1894, 1895, and 1896.  He is possessed of a sturdy American character and stalwart patriotism, and as a private citizen, brave soldier and able statesman, he certainly merits the respect and esteem which is so freely accorded him.  He is emphatically a man of enterprise, positive character, indomitable energy, strict integrity and liberal views, and is thoroughly identified in feeling with the growth and prosperity of his native county and state.