JOSEPH GIBBONS, of Davis, is the scion of an old Pennsylvania family which, for several generations, has been widely and favorably known in the Keystone State, where the first representatives in this country settled upon their emigration from England. The paternal grandfather of our subject during his early life, was a resident of York County, whence he removed later to Centre County, where he spent his last days. He did not live to be aged, but was stricken down in the prime of life. It is believed that his occupation was farming.

The maternal grandfather of our subject emigrated from his native Ireland prior to the Revolutionary War, and catered with all the zeal of his warm-hearted race, into the struggle of the Colonists for their liberties. He also, after the conflict had ended, retired to Pennsylvania, where he spent the balance of his life, and died at an advanced age. The father of our subject, Joseph Gibbons, Sr., was born in York County, Pa., where, with the exception of a few years spent in Centre County, he passed his entire life. He was a tailor by trade, and the father of a large family, by two wives. The first wife became the mother of three children, and the second of nine. He also lived to a good old age. The mother of our subject was in her girlhood, Miss Polly Murphy, and Joseph, Jr., was her third child. She was born in York County, Pa., and died there while still a young woman.

Joseph Gibbons was but three years of age when he was deprived of the affectionate care of his mother. His father afterward married Miss Sarah Barger, who was born in York County, Pa., and is still living in Lancaster, Pa., with her children, being now over eighty years of age. Joseph Gibbons, Sr., departed this life Aug. 10, 1857. Our subject remained a member of his father’s household until a youth of seventeen years, when he became the apprentice of Philip Graham, at the shoemaker’s trade in York County. He remained with this gentleman three years, and was afterward associated in partnership with him for a time, and then took up his residence in Lower Windsor, where he lived eight years. In August, 1853, he came to Illinois, where he followed his trade for a time, and afterward turned his attention to religious matters. He had always been of a serious turn of mind, and now began studying for the ministry. He became a member of the Evangelical Conference of Illinois. He followed preaching in this State, Wisconsin and Iowa, and after retiring from the ministry, established himself at Davis as a dealer in and manufacturer of boots and shoes. Since that time, with the exception of a few years, he has carried on his business by himself, and built up a profitable trade.

The marriage of Joseph Gibbons and Miss E. J. Mease, took place at the bride’s home in Freeport, April 16, 1857. Mrs. Gibbons was born in Centre County, Pa., in 1834, and when seven years of age, came to this county with her father, J. C. Mease, who is now deceased. The mother, who in her girlhood was Miss Elizabeth Eby, died at the home of her daughter in Rock Run Township, when over eighty years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons became the parents of twelve children, five of whom are deceased. Those surviving are recorded as follows: Sarah, the wife of Watson Hitchcock, is a native of St. Louis, Mo.; Elizabeth E. married Robert Frazier, a conductor on the C.B. & Q. R.R., who resides at Rock Island; William J. is at present in the far West; Emma M., Oliver, Jessie and Beatrice, are at home with their parents. Mr. Gibbons politically, is a true-blue Republican, and a man of good abilities, who has at different times, held the minor offices of his township.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. 1888