Tebbs was born in Prince William County, Virginia, and upon reaching adulthood began studying medicine.
In 1854, he and his brother Obidiah opened a hotel in Jefferson County, Kansas, in the rapidly expanding town of Ozawkie.
Tebbs entered into politics, serving on the territorial Legislature, and initially was successful in having the town of Ozawkie named as the county seat.
H. Manning in the recruitment and organization of the 3d Arkansas Infantry Regiment, in which Tebbs was initially elected a captain.
The regiment was then assigned to General Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, and soon after attached to the Texas Brigade.