Gibbon

Partial 1861 Map of Somers Township
Section 8, 80 acre parcel for A. Gibbon

Alexander Galloway Gibbon
1860 U.S. Federal Census
Alexander Gibbon, born about 1821
Elsie Gibbon (also known as Elspeth), spouse, born about 1835
David (Scott) Gibbon, born about February 24, 1858
Mary (Louisa) Gibbon, born about 1859

1870 U.S. Federal Census (one more child born)
William Shearne (misspell on report) Gibbon, born about 1865

1880 U.S. Federal Census (one more child born)
Maud Gibbon, born about 1875
This census uses Sherman as the first name for William Shearne

1930 U.S. Federal Census (David Gibbon lived in Oshkosh, Wisconsin)
David's spouse:  Mary Lincoln Bowker (daughter of Myron Bowker of Somers Township)
Mary born September 18, 1982 in Somers Township.  Died April 29, 1954 in Hennepin County (Minneapolis), Minnesota.  When Mary was widowed, she moved to Minnesota and lived with her daughter, Grace Gibbon (Mrs. John) Kuhlman.  David and Mary were married August 25, 1887 in Kenosha County, as recorded in the Wisconsin Marriages Index.
David and Mary had three children:
Grace born Sept 10, 1888 in Somers Township, Dorothy born Feb 29, 1892 in Oshkosh, and Alexander Myron born Nov. 14, 1896 in Oshkosh.

Illinois Death Index
Mary L. Gibbon
Born: April 20, 1859
Died: June 24, 1931
Death Place:  Glencoe, Cook County, Ill.
Burial Date:  June 27, 1931 at Oakwood Cemetery in Somers, Wisconsin
Death Age: 72
Parents:  Alexander and Elsbeth Spruce (should be Spence) Gibbon

Illinois Death and Census Records
William Sherman Gibbon
Died in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois April 17, 1899 age at 34.  Spouse is Fannie J. Smith.  Two children:  Margaret born April 1896 and Elsie born April 1898.
Minnesota Death Index
Alexander M. Gibbon, Born Nov 15, 1896 in Oshkosh and died Sept 11, 1985 in Hennepin, Minnesota.  Mothers Name: Mary Lincoln Bowker Gibbon and father David S. Gibbon.
Dorothy S. Gibbon, Born Feb. 29, 1892 and died Nov. 6, 1976 in Hennepin, Minnesota.  Mother Name:  Mary Lincoln Bowker Gibbon and father David S. Gibbon.

David S. Gibbon Obituary
"Oshkosh Teacher Dies at Somers, Wisconsin.  Former Principal of 11th Street School Expires.  Well known educator passes away as result of prolonged illness - had been a given a year's leave of absence from duties and was endeavoring to recuperate.
The many friends of David S. Gibbon who for the past nine years was principal in the public schools of Oshkosh, will be shocked to learn of his death, which occurred Saturday evening at this home in Somers, Wisconsin where he went at the beginning of the fall opening of school hoping of recovering from his prolonged illness through compete rest.  He died at the residence of his wife's father in Somers where his mother also lives.  For more than a month past little hope was entertained for his recovery as he grew weaker rapidly and his family revealed to him the seriousness of his condition, with the result that he made every preparation for the inevitable, although he never lost hope until the very last and was confident that he would recover.
He was taken seriously ill about a year ago in this city and for a time he hovered between life and death at his home at 371 Jackson Street.  In spite of efforts of his family and friends to get him to take a vacation and secure a much needed rest, he finished the full term although he was very weak and often was assisted in walking to and from his school.  His death was due to a general breaking down of health, largely due to overwork.
Mr. Gibbon was born in Somers, Wisconsin.  He graduated from the Oshkosh Normal School in the class of '83 and then taught school for more than 15 years.
He is survived by a widow and three children:  Grace, Dorothy and Alexander.  His mother is also living.
His life was of a peculiarly quiet and unassuming character.  He was a very conscientious and reliable man with the best of habits.  He was a hard worker and labored incessantly in his chosen profession.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of this city.  The funeral will be held next Wednesday at 2 o'clock at Somers.
(Source:  Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh November 5, 1900)

U.S. Naturalization Record Index
Alexander Gibbon, born about 1820, arrived July, 1838 in New York.  Born Aberdeenshire, Scotland.  Witnesses:  William Smith and Charles Leet

U.S. Civil War Draft Reg. Records
Alex G. Gibbon, Class 2

In The News
"Prof. David S. Gibbon departed this life Saturday afternoon, November 4, after a lingering illness of many weeks.  Prof. Gibbon has been in school work for the past twenty-five years, as principal of Racine, Brandon, and Oshkosh schools.  He was a citizen highly honored and respected and his demise has cast sadness over the entire community.  He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.  The deceased leaves a wife, one son and two daughters, a mother and two sisters, besides many friends to mourn his death.  The funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of Mr. Myron Bowker, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Smith of the First Presbyterian Church of Oshkosh."
(Source:  Racine Daily Journal, publication date November 7, 1900)

"Mrs. David Gibbon of Oshkosh is visiting with her father, Myron Bowker"
(Source:  Racine Journal Feb. 11, 1897)

"Mrs. W.S. Gibbon spent Thanksgiving with her sister, Miss Edith Smith, who is still ill at the hospital in Chicago."
(Source:  Racine Journal Dec. 3, 1896)

"Miss Maude Gibbon of the Phillipps, Wisconsin public schools is spending her vacation at home"
(Source:  Racine Journal Dec. 27, 1900)

"Misses Dorothy and Grace Gibbon of Oshkosh are visiting their grandmother, Mrs. Gibbon.  Misses Margaret and Elsie Gibbon of Kenosha visited with their grandma, Mrs. Gibbon this week."
(Source:  Racine Journal Aug. 12, 1904)

"Miss Maude Gibbon departed Tuesday for Ashland where she has recently been appointed first assistant in the Ashland High School."
(Source:  Racine Journal Sept. 10, 1901)

"Misses Grace and Dorothy Gibbon and brother Alexander of Sparta visited the home of Mrs. Elsie Gibbon this past week."
(Source:  Racine Journal July 8, 1914)

"The well drillers struck a good flow of water at a depth of 300' for Mrs. Gibbon last week."
(Source:  Racine Journal March 14, 1911)

"Miss Minnie Gibbon met with a distressing accident on a day last week.  While she and Mrs. John Gray were driving over the St. Paul Rail Road tracks in the village the roach of the buggy broke throwing them out.  Miss gibbon has a dislocated shoulder.
(Source:  Racine Journal July 9, 1913)

"Prof. David Gibbon of Oshkosh, who is recovering from a severe nervous prostration, is at his mother's."
(Source:  Racine Journal, Nov. 2, 1899)

"Miss Maud Gibbon closed her school in Distr No. 7 on Friday afternoon."
(Source:  Racine Journal,  Feb. 20, 1895)

"Rev. and Mrs. Geo. R??, Mr. and Mrs. D.S. Gibbon, Elmore Cooper, and Pierre T. Ozanne leave on Wednesday morning of this week on a visit to Niagra Falls"
(Source:  Racine Journal, Aug. 15, 1895)

"Miss Minnie Gibbon of Milwaukee spent Thanksgiving with relatives in this place."
(Source:  Racine Journal, Dec. 5, 1894)

"Miss Fannie Bowker returned from Oshkosh Thursday where she was called on account of the illness of her brother-in-law, Prof. Gibbon."
(Source:  Racine Journal, October 12, 1899)





"Well Known Somers Woman Passes Away"
Mrs. Elspeth Spence Gibbon, wife of the late Alexander G. Gibbon, died Wednesday afternoon, September 20 at Somers, Kenosha County, after an illness of some months.
Elspeth Spence was born at Insch, Scotland, January 10, 1835 and with her parents came to this country in 1845.
In 1856 she was united in marriage to Alexander G. Gibbon whose death occurred some years ago.  Five children were born to this union, two of them surviving - Miss Mary L. Gibbon of the Milwaukee Public Schools, and Miss Maude M. Gibbon, of Somers.
The eldest son, Prof. David S. Gibbon, died November 3, 1900; William Sherman Gibbon died April 17, 1899.
The deceased was one of the early pioneers of Somers and had watched with interest the development of the town during her long residence in the county.
At an early age she united with the Presbyterian Church, thus beginning a long, useful life of consecration and devotion.  In her life was exemplified the highest type of gentle helpfulness.  Forgetful of self, her life was made up of doing these little things which contribute to so much toward making the lives of others better and happier.
Besides the two daughter, there survive five grandchildren viz: Miss Grace Gibbon of Minneapolis, Minn., Miss Dorothy S. Gibbon of Marble, Minn., Alexander M. Gibbon of Sparta, Wis., and Misses Margaret and Elsie Gibbon of Kenosha; one brother, William G. Spence of River Falls, and once sister, Mrs. John Gray of Somers.
The funeral services were held from the late home in the village on Friday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Phipps.  Internet was in the family plot in Oakwood Cemetery.
Among those who came from away to attend the funeral were Mrs. Mary L. Gibbon and Miss Fannie B. Bowker of Oshkosh, Mrs. Fannie S. Gibbon and daughters of Kenosha, Miss Grace Gibbon of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes of Gurnee, Ill., Mrs. Melisa Lytle and Miss Anna R. Smith of Racine, Miss Belle Booth of Chicago, and William G. Spence of River Falls.
(Source:  September 27, 1916 publication date Racine Journal)

Alexander G. Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source:  Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

David S. Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Elspeth Spence Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Fannie J. Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Irene (grave located with other Gibbon graves)
information unkown
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Mary Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Maude Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Township
(Source: Photo Courtesy of Larry & Linda Kopet US GENWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

Spence

Alexander Spence
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Alexander Spence
After an illness of about two weeks, Mr. Alexander Spence passed away at his home at 1 o'clock Friday morning, December 28, at the age of 88 years.  The deceased was born in the parish of Inch, Abordeenshire, Scotland, December 22, 1806.  He married Miss Mitchell, June 2, 1836, and immediately started for the new world.  They spent two years in Canada coming to the town of Pike (Somers) in the summer of 1838.  The town was at that time but sparsely settled and the deceased can be truly classed among those old pioneers through whose untiring efforts and perseverance a foundation laid, upon which rests our prosperity of today.  He purchased a farm which he worked until a few years ago when he sold it and moved to the village where he has since resided.  One of most noble characteristics was honesty, which he practiced in all his dealings with his fellow men.  His devoted Christian life dates back to his early years when yet in his native country he was converted.  He was instrumental in the organization of the Presbyterian Church in 1839 being one of its original members, and for over half a century has been one of its most efficient workers.  He leaves a wife, four daughters and two sons to mourn his death.
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication dated December 31, 1894).

Additional Information about Alexander Spence
He obtained a common school education and was identified with farm work in Scotland until 1836, when at the age of about thirty years he crossed the Atlantic to Canada. In 1838 he arrived in Kenosha County, establishing his home in Somers here he settled among the earliest residents. From his brother-in-law, John Mitchell, he purchased eighty acres of land for a dollar and a quarter per acre. Such was the unsettled condition of the country that there was little demand for property and therefore prices ranged at that low figure. With characteristic energy he began the cultivation of his farm, which he converted from a tract of raw prairie into highly cultivated fields. He continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits until 1876, when he removed to Somers and five years later he sold his farm. His remaining days were spent in the enjoyment of well earned and well merited rest, his death occurring in Somers on the 27th of December, 1894.
In early manhood Mr. Spence had wedded Isabelle Mitchell, a daughter of John and Janet (Gordon) Mitchell. They became the parents of seven children. Isabelle, who was a teacher in the schools of Chicago for several years and afterward did Missionary work in that city for several years, was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery. Elspeth died when four years of age. George F. married Etta Gould, of Iowa, and they became the parents of two children: Clara, the wife of O.P. Malcolm, of Pocahontas, Iowa, by whom she has three children, Homer, George F. and Ruth; and Walter A., who is married and two children, Marietta and George W. Mary E. became the wife of William Booth, of New Britain, Connecticut, and they had one daughter, Belle Booth, now a teacher of Chicago. The mother died in 1907. James A., the fifth of the family, married Frances Strong and both are now deceased. They had a daughter, Florence, who is the wife of Edwin S. Bishop, a teacher in the Chicago University School, and they have two sons, James Spence and Edwin Sherwood. Annie J. who completed her education in the Racine High School, has since made her home in Somers. Harriet M. attended the Racine High School and the Oshkosh Normal School and for several years was successfully engaged in teaching.
Mr. Spence was a member of the Somers Presbyterian Church. In fact, he and his wife were among the original members of the church which organized in 1839.
(Source: The City and County of Kenosha Wisconsin, Vol. II, S.J. Clark Publishing Co. 1916

More about the Spence Family



Isabelle Mitchell Spence, wife of Alexander Spence
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)



George Spence
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)



Belle Spence
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)



Janet Mitchell, wife of John Mitchell and mother of Isabelle Mitchell Spence, wife of Alexander
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Mrs. Mary Spence Booth
Kenosha County loses one of its pioneer residents and well known women in the death of Mrs. Mary Spence Booth whose death occurred Sunday morning at the home of her sister, Mrs. William E. Booth in the Town of Somers. Deceased was 63 years of age and for some time previous to her death had made her home in Chicago. On last Tuesday, a brother, George Spence, died at his home in Iowa at the age of sixty. Another brother, James Spence, is seriously at his home. The funeral of Mrs. Mary Spence will take place Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock from the house at Somers.
(Source: Racine Journal March 4, 1907)




Mary Spence Booth, wife of William Booth
Belle Booth, daughter of Mary and William Booth
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

James Alexendar Spence
"James A. Spence, one of the oldest and best known residents of Kenosha county, died at his home in the village of SomersSomers.
James Alexander Spence was sixty years of age.  He was a son of Alexander and Isabella Spence and was born in the Town of Somers, March 6, 1848.  He had lived at the old Spence homestead and had engaged in the occupation of farming up to a short time ago when he gave up his active work and moved to the village of Somers to spend his declining years.  Mr. Spence never held a public office, but he had always been regarded as one of the most influential men of the Town of Somers and had taken a deep interest in the development of the educational and social life of the town and of the county.  He is survived by a widow and one daughter, Mrs. Edwin Bishop.  The funeral will be held from the late residence on Thursday morning at half past ten o'clock and the remains will be laid at rest in the family plot at Oakwood Cemetery."
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication dated July 7, 1908).




Elspeth Spence Gibbon
Oakwood Cemetery
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

More About Mrs. Elspeth Spence
"Mrs. Elspeth Spence Gibbon, wife of the late Alexander G. Gibbon, died Wednesday afternoon, September 20, at Somers, Kenosha County, after an illness of some months.
Elspeth Spence was born at Insch, Scotland, January 10, 1835, and with her parents came to this country in 1845.
In 1856 she was united in marriage to Alexander G. Gibbon, whose death occurred some years ago.  Five children were born to this union, two of the surviving - Miss Mary L. Gibbon of the Milwaukee Public Schools and Miss Maude M. Gibbon, of Somers.
The eldest son, Prof. David Gibbon, died November 3, 1900; William Sherman Gibbon died April 17. 1899.
The deceased was one of the early pioneers of Somers and had watched with interest the development of the town during her long residence in the county.
At an early age she united with the Presbyterian Church, thus beginning a long, useful life of consecration and devotion.  In her life was exemplified the highest type of gentle helpfulness.  Forgetful of self, her life was made up of doing those little things which contribute so much toward making the lives of others better and happier.
Besides the two daughters, those survive five grandchildren: Miss Grace Gibbon of Minneapolis, Minn.; Miss Dorothy S. Gibbon of Marble, Minn.; Alexander M. Gibbon of Sparta; and the Misses Margaret and Elsie Gibbon of Kenosha.  One brother, William G. Spence of River Falls; and one sister, Mrs. John Gray of Somers.
Funeral services were held from the late home in the village on Friday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Phipps.  Internment was in the family plot in Oakwood Cemetery.
Among those who came from away to attend the funeral were Mrs. Mary Gibbon and Miss Fannie B. Bowker of Oshkosh, Wis.; Mrs. Fannie S. Gibbon and daughters of Kenosha; Mrs. Grace Gibbon of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes of Gurnee, Illinois. Mrs. Melissa Lytle and Miss Anna R. Smith of Racine; Miss Belle Booth of Chicago; and William G. Spence of River Falls."
(Source: Racine Journal Times, publication date September 27, 1916)




Ellen Strong Spence
Oakwood Cemetery, Somers Cemetery, Kenosha County
(Source:  Larry & Linda Kopet USGenWebArchivesProjectWisconsin)

 

November 9, 1898
"Mrs. William Spence departed this life at her home in Spring Valley on Friday afternoon after a long and painful illness.  The remains were brought to her old home and interred in Oakwood Cemetery on Monday."
(Source:  Racine Journal Nov. 9, 1898)

Spence, Gibbon

Oakwood Cemetery-Spence
(Source:  Photo by Jacqueline Klapproth Nelson.  Copyright October 2011)

Spence, Frances
"The funeral of the late Mrs. Frances (James Alexander) Spence was held from the home of Misses Harriet and Anna Spence on Wednesday afternoon at 1 o'clock.  Internment was held at Oakwood Cemetery.  Attending the funeral were Judge D.H. Flett of Racine, Mrs. Fannie Gibbon of Kenosha, Miss Belle Booth (niece of Mrs. Spence) of Chicago, Mrs. Alice Rhodes of Kenosha, Mr. William Spence of River Falls who also visited his sister, Mrs. John Grey, Mr. and Mrs. George Strong of Lake Mills (cousin of Mrs. Spence) and M.O. Myrick of Paris Township (his sister-in-law)."
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication date of April 24, 1912)

Additional Obituary of Frances Strong Spence
"Mrs. Frances Strong Spence is the latest to answer the call of the Death Angel and she has departed while as yet it was only the mid afternoon of her life.  On April 22, 1912, she passed peacefully at the residence of her only daughter, Mrs. Edwin S. Bishop.
Frances Strong was the daughter of the late Alvin and Melissa Strong and born in Somers, Wisconsin on March 14, 1854.  For a number of years she was one of Kenosha County's most successful teachers.  In her girlhood she became a member of the Presbyterian Church of Somers.  November 1, 1876, she was united in marriage to James A. Spence whose death occurred June 30, 1908.  One daughter was born to this union.  One sister, Mrs. M.O. Myrick and one brother, Albert Strong, also survive.  She was tenderly laid to rest beside her husband in Oakwood Cemetery.  Here about these two graves, may the sun shed his purest, softest rays, here the birds carol their sweetest notes, and the winds of heaven breath their gentlest sighs."
(Source:  Racine Journal Times, publication dated April 22, 1912)

Frances Strong Spence Obituary
One by one the pioneers of Somers are fast passing to that realm from whence no traveler has ever yet returned and toward which all who live are rapidly moving.  Mrs. Frances Strong Spence is the latest to answer the call of the Death Angel and she has departed while as yet it was only the mid afternoon of her life.  On Monday morning, April 22, 1912, she passed peacefully away at the residence of her only daughter, Mrs. Edwin S. Bishop, in Chicago, after an illness of several weeks' duration.
Frances Strong was a daughter of the late Alvin and Melissa Strong and was born in Somers, Wisconsin, March 14, 1854.  She received her education in the district school, also attended the Racine High School and the State Normal School at Oshkosh.  For a number of years she was one of Kenosha County's most successful teachers.
In her girlhood she became a member of the Presbyterian Church at Somers and was always deeply interested in its work.  November 1, 1876, she was united in marriage to James A. Spence, whose death occurred June 30, 1908.  One daughter was born to this union, who remains to cherish the memory of an honorable father and a noble mother.  Since the dath of her husband she has made her home with this daughter in Chicago.  One sister, Mrs. M.O. Myrick of Bristol, and one brother, Albert Strong, also survive.  The funeral services were held from the home of the Misses Spence in Somers on Wednesday afternoon, April 24, conducted by the Rev. Stevenson of Hyde Park Presbyterian Church of Chicago.  She was tenderly laid to rest beside her husband in Oakwood Cemetery.  Here about these two graves may the sun shed his purest, softest rays, here the birds carol their sweetest notes and the winds of heaven breathe their gentlest sighs. (April 30)