[p. 572] a progressive farmer and proprietor of a sawmill in Shenango Township, was born on the parental homestead in this township, February 5, 1865, son of George B. and Matilda (McCaslin) Gibson. He is a grandson of George Gibson, a native of the North of Ireland, who, when a boy, came with his parents to America, they settling in Hickory Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, where they engaged in agriculture. George Gibson, when old enough learned the trade of miller, which he followed until about the time of his marriage. He then bought a farm in Hickory Township, where he engaged in farming and stock raising for the rest of his life. He married Ann Vincent, a daughter of James Vincent, of Noblestown, Pa., and they became the parents of twelve children, of whom ten grew to maturity. They were: Nancy, who married John Young, of Hickory Township (both deceased); Margaret, who became the wife of I. P. Rose (both deceased); James V., Mary, John C., George B., all deceased; Samuel S., who is a resident of New Castle; William Y., residing in New Castle; Alexander and Isaac, deceased; Sarah J., who died in infancy, and Martha Ann, also deceased. In 1853 Mr. and Mrs. George Gibson removed to Shenango Township, settling on a farm of about 250 acres on the Butler Road. Here the father died in the spring of 1854. He was one of the largest farmers and stock raisers in the township in his day.
George B. Gibson was born August 18, 1833, in Hickory Township, Lawrence County. He received a good education and was called into public life almost as soon as he reached manhood becoming an active worker in the Democratic party. He served in various township offices, and in November, 1875, was elected county auditor, being re-elected to that office in 1878, a circumstance which proved that he had made a satisfactory record as a public servant. In 1884 he was elected county commissioner, and for seven years he was chairman of the Democratic County Committee. On April 20, 1893, he was appointed postmaster at New Castle, receiving a hearty endorsement from nearly all the leading citizens, regardless of party, about nine-tenths of the entire business interests recommending his appointment. During his term of four years in this office he improved the service in many ways, and was one of the most popular post-masters that New Castle ever had. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at New Castle.
George B. Gibson was twice married. His first wife was in maidenhood Matilda McCaslin, of which union there were four children, namely: George Warren, subject of this sketch; James, who married Jennie Armstrong and resides in Lawrence County; Mamie E., who died in 1891, and is survived by her husband, Dr. Edward McKey, and a son, Warren, residing at Maple Grove; and Cora A., who married James McCune. Mr. Gibson married for his second wife Arretta Tidball, who was born July 28, 1855, daughter of Robert and Mary Ann Tidball, of Lawrence County. There were two children of this second union—Lula, born in 1876, who died at the age of one year, and Charles R. Mrs. Arretta Gibson is still living. Mr. George B. Gibson died in Shenango Township, February 19, 1905, universally respected and deeply mourned by all who knew him.
G. Warren Gibson was reared and educated in his native township. He remained on the home farm until he had arrived at the age of twenty-three years, when he went to Pittsburg, where he resided for about six months. He then returned to Shenango Township, Lawrence County. In 1880 he came into possession of his present farm of twenty-five acres, which he has under careful cultivation, three acres being devoted to a plum and apple orchard. From 1888 until 1904, or for a period of about sixteen years, he was engaged in the sawmill business, carried on under the name of Book & McKnight, of which he was the sole proprietor. He still owns the mill, which he rents out.
Mr. Gibson married Elizabeth, daughter of Hugh McKnight, of Shenango Township, of which there is one daughter, Alice. The family are members of the Neshannock United Presbyterian Church. In political opinions Mr. Gibson is a Democrat.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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