A. W. Gibson
New Ipswich Historical Society
Photo of A.W. Gibson and his home, may be related to George Stillman.
Obituary - George Stillman Gibson
It is not clear that A.W. Gibson was related to George Stillman Gibson, but as noted in the obituary “For a number of years past he had been gathering data for the genealogy of the Gibson family, and had nearly perfected the records for publication”.
This is another example of a style of writing that you do not see in modern obituaries. Seldom do you see mention of person’s ability as a conversationalist or their cheerful temperament.
1897
IN MEMORIAM.
Mr. George Stillman Gibson, a native of this town, died at Boulder, Colorado, on Feb. 12th, of acute pleuropneumonia, aged 65 yrs. and 11 mos. His father was Col. George C. Gibson, a son of Dr. Stillman Gibson, and his mother was a sister of the late Hon. John Appleton, for many years Chief Justice of the State of Maine.
After attending the public schools of this town and graduating from New Ipswich Academy, he taught school in his native town and vicinity for several years. A portion of the time he worked in his father's carriage shop. About 1855 he went to Canton, Ill., where he remained several years and also engaged in teaching there during part of his residence.
Returning to New England, he settled in Fitchburg, Mass., and entered into partnership with F. Sheldon, un- der the name of F. Sheldon & Co., millwrights, in which firm he remained until compelled by ill health to seek a more congenial climate. He chose Boulder, Colorado, where he has since resided, occasionally making tours East.
Mr. Gibson possessed a cheery disposition, took an optimistic view of the world and endeavored to exercise philanthropy throughout his life. Cordial, courteous and affable in both speech and manner, he won the friendship of all with whom he came in contact. Distrust, doubt and discord never slumbered in his heart, ever alert and energetic, shielded by the principles of truth and integrity, guided by wisdom and justice, never exasperated but crowned with the Christian graces, the subject of our sketch passed an honor- able life replete with good acts and kindness.
While in Fitchburg, in 1879-81, he was a worthy member of the school committee, resigning in Feb., 1881, when he started westward. He was also a deacon of the C. C. church in that city, and an active member.
In Boulder he was a prominent and highly esteemed person, and was associated with the National Bank as vice president at the time of his death.
This cultured gentleman had no enemies. Everyone seemed to venerate and adore him. His strong personality and vivacity of temperament made him a social and charming conversationalist, whose presence was ever welcome.
Mr. Gibson carried religion into his daily life and practiced true Christianity in all his dealings with his fellow-men. The Bible was his compass and he inculcated its precepts. Few 'men can be cited so praiseworthy and so genial, so trusty and so loyal. He had traveled in all parts of the United States.
For a number of years past he had been gathering data for the genealogy of the Gibson family, and had nearly perfected the records for publication.
Nature richly endowed him and he never betrayed her trust, but added laurels to his scholarly works and served his probation in life like a hero of the Cross. He made friends in every community in which he resided, and was noted for his personal interest in the sick and poor. Our lives are made better by the examples of such worthy men. Mr. Gibson was unmarried.
Of his immediate family, the following survive him: Two brothers, Chas. A. Gibson, president of the Hinckley & Egery Iron Works of Bangor, Me.; Samuel A. Gibson, superintendent of the Kalamazoo Paper Mills of Kalamazoo, Mich.; a sister, Miss Elvira V. Gibson, now at the last named city; a half sister, Mrs. Fred Appleton-of Bangor, Me., and a step-mother, Mrs. George C. Gibson, who resides with Mrs. Appleton.
His funeral took place in the Boulder Congregational church, which was very dear to him. Beautiful floral tributes were in abundance, and kind friends attended the last sad rites of the respected brother. The interment will be in Boulder, Colorado.
James Roger diary entries
5th November 1912 (Tuesday)
Very fine day, mild and sunny wind west to south. David ploughing ground for potatoes next year in the forenoon and carting manure onto the old potato patch in the afternoon. I burned weeds in afternoon and attended to the hall in the forenoon, This is Election Day and a large turnout of voters. Poll to close at 6 oclock. Representative vote: W.E. Davis 75, Ed Wheeler 59, License yes 32, no 86 closed about 9 30 pm
Active and real civic engagement on both accounts re Gibson and Roger. They couldn’t have predicted our current Age of Imitation wherein people are absorbed in electronic self-worlds, where it’s no longer what was said but who said what. Education and critical thinking and caring for the community are the only ways out of this soulless cyberswamp.
Alvah W Gibson lived in Rindge. I've not come across his name before today in any town report or newspaper article dealing with New Ipswich. If Alvah is related to Stillman it must go back 100 yrs.
James mentions Ed Wheeler. He was an example of public servant like Ashley was. He was Chief of police at the time of James writing. Dixon Wheeler was Fire Chief. I wonder what the vote against 'License' was about.