Iver Hiibacka, a merchant tailor of Rock Springs, conducting one of the well appointed establishments of that character in his city, has by individual effort, intelligently directed, won a substantial measure of success. He was born in Finland, Russia, June 10, 1882, a son of John Hiibacka, who was also a native of Finland and was a merchant tailor by trade, as was his father, Thro Hiibacka. John Hiibacka lived and died in his native land and was quite successful in his business. He passed away in 1908 at the age of forty-eight years and his widow, who bore the maiden name of Lena Make, is still living on the old homeplace there.
    Iver Hiibacka was the eldest in a family of nine children. He was educated in the public schools of his native country and when a youth of seventeen started out to earn his own living, having served an apprenticeship under his father at the tailoring trade. He learned all branches of the business and when a youth of sixteen determined to try his fortune in the new world, believing that he would have better business opportunities on this side of the Atlantic. Accordingly he bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for America, arriving on the 23^d of May, 1899. He made his way to the west, first settling in Helena, Montana, where he was employed as laborer in the lumber mills, following that kind of work for two and a half years. He afterward came to Rock Springs, where he arrived on the 20th of September, 1901, here entering the mines of the Union Pacific Coal Company as an employe. He continued to engage in mining for five years, during which time he was injured on three occasions, barely escaping with his life. This led him to return to his original vocation and in 1906 he entered the employ of E. S. Wesman, a pioneer tailor of Rock Springs, with whom he worked for three years. In June, 1909, he established his present business, beginning in a very small way but gradually developing his interests until he now has the leading merchant tailoring establishment in Rock Springs, employing three expert workmen. He has a trade which extends all over this section of the state and his shop is noted for excellent workmanship and for high standards in styles. Mr. Hiibacka is also a stockholder in the Working Men's Commercial Company of Rock Springs.
    Mr. Hiibacka has been married twice. On the 16^th of April, 1905, he wedded Miss Tilda Buchto, who passed away at Ely, Minnesota, April 23, 1906. On the 3d of July, 1908, Mr. Hiibacka was again married, Miss Hannah Mackey, of Rock Springs, becoming his wife. She is a native of Finland and a daughter of Matt and Susie Mackey, both of whom passed away in Rock Springs, where they located at an early period in the development and upbuilding of the town. The father was a pioneer carpenter and builder here, arriving in Rock Springs in 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Hiibacka have become the parents of two sons: George, born in Rock Springs, July 4, 1909: and Tarmo, born July 23, 1912.
    Mr. Hiibacka, conforming to the requirements of law, became a naturalized American citizen on the 20th of October, 1904. He has since supported the socialist party but has never sought or desired office. His success is due to his own efforts. He came to America a poor boy and is a self-made man, his industry, perseverance and indefatigable effort being the salient features in his growing success.