His family was originally prosperous but later suffered heavy financial losses, and Hebblethwaite practically educated himself by gaining scholarships.
Hebblethwaite was at St John's College, Battersea, London in 1877-8, and entering on a teaching life became headmaster of a board school, and lecturer in English at the Harris Institute, Preston.
[1] In 1892 Hebblethwaite emigrated to Tasmania for health reasons, and obtained a position on the staff of the Friends' School, Hobart.
Apparently immersed in a world of dreams, he never allowed himself to neglect his work as a parish clergyman.
He was interested in his young men and their sports, and his own simple and sincere piety earned him much respect and affection.