James E. Gibson

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

James E. GIBSON, who for a quarter of a century has served in the capacity of boss heater in the Ulster Iron Works, was born in Port Carbon, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, September 19, 1855, son of James and Mary (McCORD) GIBSON, the former named a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Port Carbon, Pennsylvania, he a shoemaker by trade. Children of James and Mary GIBSON:

Emma, wife of Joseph SIMPSON;
Charles;
Rebecca, wife of Thomas PHILLIPS;
John;
Benjamin;
James E.;
Clara, wife of Louis MARQUARDT;
Lydia, deceased;
George, deceased;
Margaret, deceased;
Mary, wife of Milton LEWIN;
Joseph.

James E. GIBSON secured a practical education by attendance at the common schools in his neighborhood, completing his studies at the age of sixteen and for two years prior to leaving school, during the summer vacation, acted as driver on the canal. He also worked for his father on the farm, thus demonstrating that he possessed a spirit of determination and considerable energy, characteristics which have been apparent throughout his entire career. He then worked in a rolling mill until the year 1876 when he changed his occupation to that of coal miner, but after six years service in the mines he returned to his work in the rolling mill, which line of work he has since followed. He came as a rougher on rolls or assistant roller, and for twenty-five years has been the boss heater, a most important position, one that requires a man of unusual skill and ability, a thoroughly practical man, understanding all the details of the work. He has been constantly in the employ of the Ulster Iron Works for thirty-one years. During the Spanish-American War Mr. GIBSON displayed his patriotism by enlisting in Company M, Second New Jersey Volunteers, he being the oldest man to offer his services. He was faithful in the discharge of his duties, and was highly commended for the work performed. He was elected on the Republican ticket to the offices of justice of the peace, overseer of the poor and constable, but would not serve, preferring not to enter public life. He is a member of the B.P.O.E., I.O.R.M., Pocahontas Tribe, and K.M.

Mr. GIBSON married (first) in 1880, Lydia HINKEL, a native of Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Michael and Lydia (McCORD) HINKEL, the former named a coal miner, and they were the parents of seven children:

Elizabeth, wife of John D. FRANK;
William;
Daniel;
Lydia, wife of Mr. GIBSON;
Samuel;
Elmer;
James.

Children of Mr. and Mrs. GIBSON:

Samuel J., a sketch of whom follows this;
Edna, wife of George THOMPSON;
Ida, deceased;
Emory,
Flossie, wife of Allen VAN DERVERE,
Elmer,
Elsie.

The mother of these children died in 1890. Mr. GIBSON married (second) Emma GRIFFIN, born in Newark, daughter of John GRIFFIN. They are the parents of one child,

Wilbur J.

Mr. GIBSON is a law-abiding, substantial citizen, a noted man in his locality, keeps thoroughly posted on all great questions of the day, and is respected for many sterling qualities.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).