Читать книгу History of Westchester County, New York, Volume 3 - Группа авторов - Страница 41

This citizen of White Plains, New York, has for a number of years been closely identified with the interests of Westchester county. During his residence here he has been prospered financially and ranks now not only as one of the leading farmers of his locality but also as one of its capitalists. His record is that of a self-made man, and briefly is as follows:

James Gibson, Sr. , was born in the city of Edinburg, Scotland, in the year 1813, was educated in the common schools of his native place, and remained there until his twentieth year. He is next to the youngest of five children, three sons and two daughters, composing his father's family, and is the only one of that number now living. James Gibson, his father, was a carpenter and builder, following that business throughout his life. The mother of our subject was before marriage Miss Margaret Wright. Both passed their lives in Scotland.

In his youth the subject of our sketch learned the baker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of four years, and shortly after completing his term of service sailed for America, landing at New York city, May 22, 1834, in the Isabella Irvine, after a long and tedious voyage, covering a period of ten weeks. In New York he secured work at his trade, saved his earnings and was soon able to start up an establishment of his own, which he did, and there he conducted a successful business until 1858, when he sold out and came to White Plains. Here he purchased a farm of seventy acres, located two miles and a half southeast of the town, and on it has since carried on general farming, his land being among the best cultivated and most desirable in the locality. From time to time he has made valuable investments and is to-day the owner of much valuable real estate. He built the Auditorium in White Plains, a fine structure of brick and stone, the first floor used for stores, the second occupied by the Young Men's Christian Association, and the opera-house. Also he owns a good business block on the corner of Lexington and Railroad avenues, which he rents.

Mr. Gibson is a man who has always kept himself posted on the topics of the day, and thinks for himself. In national and state matters he gives his support to the Republican party, but in local affairs he is somewhat independent, voting for the man he believes best suited for the office rather than adhering strictly to party lines.

From 1838 to 1858 Mr. Gibson was a member of the Scottish Presbyterian church in New York city, and since coming to White Plains has been identified with the First Presbyterian church of this place, to which his family also belong and in which he has served for a number of years as a trustee. He is the oldest trustee now serving in the First Presbyterian church at White Plains. He is also school trustee of district No. 2, having held that office since 1862, and he has also been road commissioner.

In 1838 he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Jackson, who was a companion contributing to the happiness of his life for almost forty-four years, departing from the scenes of this world May 15, 1882. He has had three sons and two daughters, namely: John, James, Jr., Mary Ann, Margaret and Thomas. John died March 14, 1896; James, Jr., is married and a resident of New Rochelle. The daughters are unmarried and reside with their father. Thomas is married and resides at the parental homestead.