GIBBS, Charles 1831-1911

GIBBS, JOYCE, CHRISTOPHER

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 9/29/2013 at 23:51:54

[Waterloo Evening Courier, Friday, December 15, 1911]

Charles Gibbs, a pioneer of Black Hawk County of the year 1855, a lifelong member of the Methodist church, and a resident of Waterloo for over 20 years, passed away this morning at 3 o'clock at his home, 202 Mulberry Street.

In spite of his advanced years, Mr. Gibbs enjoyed good health and was able to be down town less than two weeks ago. For several days, however, he had been quite sick and the end was not unexpected. It is nevertheless a source of deep grief to the many old friends, who remember the kindly old man, and who regret that he is gone.

Decedent was born in Wedmore, Somersetshire, England. Nov. 15, 1831. With his parents, he came at the age of 10, to this country and lived at Jordan, N. Y. until the fall of 1855 when he came to Iowa and purchased from Milton Smith the farm in section No. 1, Mt. Vernon Township, known as the "Seven-Mile House." That same winter he returned east where he was married March 17, 1856, to Mary Jane Joyce, bringing her to Iowa where they lived for 32 years on the same farm. In the fall of 1888, they moved to Waterloo and she died here March 6, 1909.

The only son, F. J. Gibbs, had made his home with his father since the death of his wife. His children are the only grandchildren. These are Mrs. R. E. Christopher of Norfolk, Va.; Dewitt, who is completing his civil engineering course at Cornell, Mr. Vernon; and Roy F., bookkeeper at the Litchfield factory. The only great-grandchild is the little son of Mr. and Mrs. Christopher, born on Tuesday of this week. One sister, Ann Gibbs of Jordan, N. Y., survives at the advanced age of 90 years.

Mr. Gibbs became a member of the Methodist church wile a young man in New York State and before his marriage. During all these years, he had lived a consistent Christian life. While residing in the country he was an active worker in the church and in the Waterloo church he was class leader and worked in many other ways for its upbuilding.

The funeral arrangements have not been completed but the services will probably be held on Sunday afternoon from the Grace M. E. Church and the burial will be in the Janesville Cemetery.