Isaac M. Gibson

GIBSON, AULTS, SHEETS, PAUP

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 8/24/2011 at 15:00:43

History of Jackson County, Iowa, Volume 2, by James Whitcomb Ellis, 1910. Biographical Sketches

Isaac M. Gibson (I. M.)

A well improved and valuable farm of ninety acres, located on sections 1 and 2, Fairfield township, is the home of I. M. Gibson. He is the only survivor in a family of six children, whose parents were Hiram and Luemma (Aults) Gibson, the birthplace of our subject being Lancaster, Fairfield county, Ohio, and his natal day June 18, 1861. The parents, who were likewise natives of the Buckeye state, came to Jackson county during the infancy of the son and made a permanent location in Fairfield township, the father cultivating land here which he purchased. His death occurred on the home farm in 1873, while the mother surviving for a long period, was called to her final rest in 1887.

I. M. Gibson was a lad of twelve years at the time of his father's demise and he remained on the home farm with his mother, giving her assistance in the management and care of the place until he attained his majority. During the period of his boyhood and youth he pursued his studies in the common schools. When he reached man's estate he engaged in farming on his own account, operating rented land for two years. He then purchased his present farm of ninety acres, situated on sections 1 and 2, Fairfield township. Since this tract came into his possession he has made many needed improvements and now has one of the valuable properties of his section of the county. He is engaged in general farming, and his excellent knowledge of the best methods of agriculture is the means of the splendid results which he has achieved.

Mr. Gibson has found an excellent helpmate in his wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Ena J. Sheets, their marriage being celebrated in February, 1891. She was born in Jackson county in 1870. a daughter of John and Sarah (Paup) Sheets, who were natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed to the west in the early '50s and established their home in Iowa. Their family numbered nine children. Both the parents passed away in Jackson county, and thus the community lost two of its most honored and highly respected citizens.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Gibson has been blessed with six children but only five survive, namely: Hiram G., Edna M., Orvil M., Elma V. and Esther E. One daughter, Ethel M., the third in order of birth, is deceased. The parents are devoted and faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Coming to this state in his infancy, almost his entire life has here been passed, so that his interests are allied with those of Jackson county. He started out in the business world with limited means but he possessed that industry and perseverance that has eventually led to success and today he is numbered among the respected citizens of this section of the state.