WILLIAM M. GIBSON is a prominent and well known farmer residing on section 34, Loami Township, and is justly classed with the best citizens of the county. He is a native of this part of the State and was born in the pioneer home of his parents January 1, 1834. His father, David E. Gibson, was born April 16, 1811, near Lexington, Ky., and his mother, whose maiden name was Mary Greenwood, was born in Virginia in 1809.

David Gibson came to Sangamon County in 1828 and located nine miles west of Chatham, he being one of the early settlers of that vicinity. He did good work here in assisting in the development of the county and is now a resident of Waverly, Morgan County, Ill. His wife's death occurred March 22, 1842.

The father of our subject was twice married and William is a son of the first marriage. He lived on his father's old homestead, near Chatham, till the age of nineteen years. He was bred to the life of a farmer and was educated in the old fashioned log schoolhouse of his day, where he learned to read and spell in the winter term, as he was obliged to work in the summer. His first purchase of land comprised a tract of eighty acres on section 34, Loami Township. That formed the nucleus of his present valuable estate. He has since added to it other land from time to time so that he now has two hundred acres of the choicest land to be found in the township.

The marriage of our subject to Miss Elizabeth Fowler was consummated May 11, 1854, and has been one of peace and contentment. Mrs. Gibson was born in Lincolnshire, England, December 4, 1833. She is a woman of much capability, is an excellent housewife and has not only contributed her share to bring about her husband's prosperity, but she has been potent in making their home one of comfort and the center of a cheerful, abundant hospitality. She is the mother of the following six children, Mary, Joanna, David E., Thomas, William M. Jr., and George.

Born here in pioneer times our subject has witnessed much of the growth of the county, and has been a factor in its upbuilding. He is a man of high character, well endowed with sagacity and tenacity of purpose. He occupies a high place in the estimation of his fellow citizens. He has been School Director for fifteen years, was Road Commissioner three years and represented Loami Township on the County Board of Supervisors one year. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and his daily life is guided by the highest Christian principles.