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HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS AND
HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY Volume II - Biographical
Chicago: Munsell Publishing Company, Publishers 1912

This biography was submitted by a researcher and are abstracted from the above named publication.. Errors could occur, so one should always verify the correctness by obtaining copies of vitals and performing all necessary research to document what is contained herein.


GIBSON, DAVID L., an enterprising and public-spirited citizen of Springfield, Ill., May always be counted on to do his share in promoting any movement which is for the general welfare of the public. Mr. Gibson was born in Mercer County, Ky., September 21, 1840, son of James B. and Fannie Violett Gibson, the former a native of Owen County, Ky., born in 1805, and the latter of Virginia. The father was a farmer and moved with his family to Missouri in 1846, and the mother died there the following year. James B. Gibson moved to Decatur, Ill., in 1867 and died there in 1872. The father of James B. Gibson was a native of North Carolina and was an early settler in Kentucky.

The childhood of David L. Gibson was spent on a farm in Clark County, Mo., and he there attended the country schools. Upon leaving school he assisted his father with the work of carrying on the farm. He served from June to September, 1861, in the Home Guards of Missouri, and enlisted at Clinton, Ill., in August 1862, in Company D, One Hundred and Seventh Illinois Infantry, under Colonel Snell, serving three years and being mustered out at Salisbury, N. C., June 26, 1865. Mr. Gibson proved himself to be a brave and faithful soldier and in the performance of duty participated in the battles of Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, Raleigh, Salisbury, Knoxville, and many others. He was with Sherman's army. Mr. Gibson is reasonably proud of his record and won the highest esteem of his comrades. He belongs to Stephenson Post G.A.R. Upon his discharge from the army he returned to Clinton. In 1872 he moved to Kansas, thence to Missouri in the same year, and returned to Illinois in 1874, having since lived in Sangamon County. He learned the trade of carpenter and now follows same with excellent success. In early life he devoted his attention to farming. In politics he is a Republican and he is a member of the Christian Church.

Mr. Gibson was married in Macon County, Ill., January 25, 1869, to Miss Jemima Simpson, born in Sangamon County, Oct. 25, 1850, daughter of Jordan and Clarissa (Sayer) Simpson, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of New Jersey. Six children blessed this union, namely: Frank, born September 14, 1869; Lydia B., January 16, 1872; Emma, Aug. 27, 1879; Grace, November 13, 1883; George William, born March 3, 1874, died November 29, 1894; Nellie, born 1876, died in March, 1879. Mr. Gibson is a man who takes great interest in the welfare of his family and friends, and is a favorite among his acquaintances on account of his cheerful disposition and sterling traits of character. He is genuinely liked by all who have had dealings with him and has won many personal friends in Springfield. He lives in a very comfortable home at 1118 North West Grand Avenue.


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