Samuel Gibson was born near Zanesville, Ohio, Oct. 23, 1827.

In Ohio he learned the trade of a blacksmith. He came to Mt. Vernon in 1849. Twice he moved to the country and lived on his farm.

Mr. Gibson joined the army in 1862 as First Lieutenant in the 110th Illinois Volunteers, company G. The following year he resigned on account of sickness.

He married Miss Angeline Newby Nov. 30, 1852.

To this union were born ten children, four of whom are deceased. Augustus Gibson, Mrs. Ida Palmer, John E., and Adella Gibson. The six living children are Dr. Oscar N. Gibson, Eldorado, Ill; Wm. E. Gibson, Bozeman, Mont.; Mrs. R. L. Mernagh, St. Louis, Mo.; Thos. O. Gibson, S.A. Gibson and Walter Gibson of Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Gibson was one of the oldest citizens of Mt. Vernon. He has seen the town grow from a small country village to a city of 10,000 people. There were no railroads coming into the city. He came from Ohio down the Ohio river, landed at Shawneetown, and from there he came by stage. For twelve years he was justice of the peace.

He was a member of I.O.O.F., Marion lodge.

Mr. Gibson was a faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian church. He had been an elder in the church for about sixty years. At the time of his death he was elder emeritus. He was honored with this position on account of his long and efficient service. He was thoroughly devoted to his church and was one of the leading men who made it possible for the Presbyterians to have the splendid building they now have. The local church owes much to the untiring efforts of Mr. Gibson. He was also popular with his brethren in the Presbytery, being honored by them more than once as a delegate to the general assembly, the highest church court. He was a commissioner to the assembly which met in Buffalo, N.Y., and to the Cumberland Presbyterian assembly, which met in Fresno, Cal.

For the last few years due to failing health he could not attend the services of the church but expressed what a loss it was to him to be deprived of the privileges of the sanctuary.

Mr. Gibson was bereaved of his wife Dec. 7, 1895. Since that time though many trying spells of sickness he has been tenderly and faithfully cared for by his children, who have done all they could to add to his comfort and pleasure in his old age. He was an upright citizen, a true friend and an earnest Christian.

He departed this life Thursday night October 22, at 10:35 o’clock. Had he lived until the next day he would have been eighty-seven years of age.

The funeral service will be held in the First Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock, conducted by his pastor, Rev. W. V. McAdoo.

The Odd Fellows will attend in a body and assist in the service.

The body will lie in state tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The casket will not be opened at the church.

Source: Mt. Vernon Daily Register
Date: Saturday, October 24, 1914
Submitted by: Lodi Palmer
Relationship: GGGrandfather