Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1915
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 525
GEORGE H. GIBSON

In the attempt to condense the life history of any living citizen into a brief sketch, the biographer finds a most difficult task, both on account of lack of space and words, but more especially because of the fact that it is impossible to gain a perfect and rounded conception of his whole life. The underlying motives and principles which govern a man's life are discernible to those who know him in his outward life and achievements. A short sketch of the career of George H. GIBSON, one of the leading business men of Little Sioux, Harrison county, Iowa, will disclose to the reader the fact that he is a worthy man, possessing ambition, perseverance and honesty in a commendable degree. George H. GIBSON is a native son of Iowa, born in Clinton county on March 10, 1857, a son of Harvey and Minerva H. (CHASE) GIBSON, both of whom were natives of Wyoming county, New York. Subject's father was reared on a farm in his native state and in search of greater opportunities in his chosen field of endeavor, he came westward in 1854, settling in this state. In 1871 the family removed to Harrison county, locating in Union township where the father in partnership with his eldest son Merritt P., purchased a tract of land. This son Merritt was a veteran in the Union army during the Civil War, having enlisted for service with a California regiment, and after the close of hostilities he returned to his father's home.

George H. GIBSON remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority when he began life on his own account by renting a farm of forty acres in Jackson township. He continued farming until 1898 when he moved to Little Sioux and assumed the management of the H. A. Quinn lumber yard. He remained in this connection for five years, establishing for himself among the business men of Little Sioux a reputation for business ability of a high order. Of unquestioned integrity and pleasing in manner, he had won many friends who were glad to see him assume the position of assistant cashier of the Payton bank when such a vacancy occurred in that institution. That position he efficiently filled for five years, at which time he became cashier, in which capacity he is serving at the present time.

On December 31, 1880, Mr. GIBSON was united in marriage with Effie M. SILSBY, born March 10, 1861, in Essex county, New York, a daughter of Milton and Abigail (CLIFFORD) Silsby, natives of Vermont and New York respectively. Not long after her birth her father enlisted for service in the Union cause during the War of the Rebellion. Mrs. GIBSON's death occurred on May 29, 1913, and besides her husband, she left two daughters. Philena A., who was born May 4, 1882, is the wife of John P. Baker and since the death of the mother they have made their home with Mr. GIBSON. They are the parents of two children, Eleanor M., born February 1, 1912, and Alice E., born April 26, 1913. Blanche P., the youngest daughter, born April 18, 1893, remains with her father. Both daughters have been well educated, being graduated from the Little Sioux high school. On September 27, 1914, Mr. GIBSON was married, secondly, to Mrs. E. J. Bonney, who was born in Little Sioux, a daughter of Mrs. Eliza Cooper.

Mr. GIBSON and his family hold their religious membership with the Methodist Episcopal church, his daughter Blanche being especially active in the work. His fraternal affiliation is with Little Sioux Lodge No. 389, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the Modern Woodmen of America and Mondamin Encampment No. 156. Politically, he endorses the principles of the Democratic party and has long been active in local political circles. For the past ten years he has been township clerk of Little Sioux township and acts as treasurer for the town of Little Sioux.

While there are no startling or striking incidents in the life of the subject of this sketch, no great or sudden step into fame, there is something better still than either of these, a constancy of purpose and a fidelity to higher motives which is inspiring to any one who is struggling on the rugged pathway of life. Mr. GIBSON, during the years of his labors, has accumulated something along material lines and owns a commodious home located in the northeast part of Little Sioux, but more valuable still than material success is the enviable position he holds in the hearts of friends and acquaintances.

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