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WILLIAM D. GIBSON.  The subject of this sketch is engaged in the tobacco and cigar business at Washington C. H., where he is building up a lucrative trade, carrying the best grade of goods to be found in the city.  He is a very pleasant and genial gentleman, whose friends are as numerous as his acquaintances.  He is the son of William Gibson, who was born in South Carolina, his parents being respectively Scotch and Welsh.  The elder Mr. Gibson later removed to this State, locating in Greene County in 1832.  He was married to Miss Margaret Dougherty, who was of Welsh descent, and who bore him six children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, but only one of whom is living at the present time.  They bore the respective names of Eliza, James, Jane, Joseph, Rebecca and William D.      The father of our subject, when first locating in Greene County, purchased a tract of one hundred and three acres upon which he resided until his death.  In politics, he was a Republican, and in religious matters was a member of the Presbyterian Church, in which denomination he held the office of Elder.  He was an active worker and liberal contributor to the support of his denomination, and passed from this life firm in his faith.      William D. Gibson was born Nov. 1, 1820, in York, S. C., being educated in the schools of that district and in his new home in this State.  When fourteen years of age, he began clerking in a dry goods store, holding that position for about three months, when he started in that line of business for himself, being backed by a wealthy gentleman, who furnished him with a capital of $3,000.  He opened his store at Jamestown, and at the early age of fourteen, had the responsibility of running a large establishment, employing two clerks.  A year later, he went to New York City and bought a fresh stock of goods and continued to have the support of his wealthy friend for six years.      In 1848, the original of this sketch removed to Bloomingburgh, where he continued in the drygoods business until 1871.  At that date, he came to Washington C. H. and clerked in the store of J. L. Van Deman & Co., and for other firms, until 1888, when, after a rest of two years, he started out in the retail cigar and tobacco trade.      Mr. Gibson was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda Strong Nov. 23, 1842.  Mrs. Gibson was a native of Ohio, and passed from this life Mar. 12, 1848.  Sept. 12, 1849, he married Miss Sarah A. Sheets, by whom he became the father of four children, all deceased; Ella B., Ada, Frank and James.  She died Sept. 10, 1857.  The present wife of our subject, to whom he married Aug. 9, 1858, bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Pinkerton.  They are the parents of the following-named children: William A., who is a music teacher in the city; Walter, a telegraph operator at Musselman; Lyda M., married J. M. Mintura, who is a book-keeper for Dahl & Baer, at Washington C. H.; Joe M., is a broker, in business at Richmond, Ind.; Lena Louise, at home; Harry E., residing in Mobile, Ala.; Roy S., at home, and Lucy Irene, who died May 22, 1870.      In his political relations, our subject is a Republican, and takes an active interest in all local affairs.  He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which denomination his wife also belongs.  He ahs made a success of his business, and ranks among the well-to-do and progressive citizens of the place.  Mr. Gibson was a strong Unionist during the war, and was only prevented from offering his services to defend his country's honor on account of physical disability.  He was very patriotic, however, and hired a substitute for $600.  He is the possessor of considerable real estate in this city, and is in fair circumstances. Source:  Portrait and Biographical History of Fayette,  Pickaway and Madison Counties, Ohio. Publ. Chicago: Chapman Bros. - 1892 - Page 354

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