Surname: Gibson, Heaton, Davis, Chessman, Madden, Moore, Smith, Maddy History Of Delaware County Indiana 1881 T. B. Helm Surnames in this biography are: Gibson, Heaton, Davis, Chessman, Madden, Moore, Smith, Maddy SAMUEL GIBSON The gentleman whose life forms the subject of this biographical notice is a native of the county whose citizens have called him to the responsible position he now holds. His father, Robert Gibson, was a native of Scioto County, Ohio, where he was reared on a farm. He came to Delaware County when quite a young man, and entered a tract of land in Monroe Township, where he married Miss Heaton, who bore him three children—Lydia, Taylor and Amelia, of whom the latter is The only survivor. The father was an industrious, honest farmer, and an active participant in the scenes of pioneer life, which were enacted in Monroe Township. Having cleared his farm, he continued to cultivate it until his decease, in the year 1857. His first wife died in 1840 or 1841, after which he was married to Miss Nancy Davis, the mother of William, Mary, Borter and Samuel. Death bereaved him of her companionship in 1844, and two-years later he gave his hand in marriage to Mary Chessman who survives him. Samuel, the subject of this sketch, was born August 26, 1843, in Monroe Township, Delaware Co., Ind, and passed the days of his boyhood and youth assisting his father on the home farm until the latter was called away by death, He then found a home with his uncle, Borter Gibson, working on the farm, and attending the district school during the winter. Subsequently he accepted a similar position with Thomas Madden, in Center Township, and one year later entered the employ of Parker Moore, with whom he remained for five years. During these engagements his only opportunities for acquiring an education, were such as the common schools of that day afforded, and the period during which these limited privileges were enjoyed was two or three months each winter. Diligent study in leisure hours and subsequent experience with the world added to the foundation thus laid, and gave him a fund of knowledge, comprehensive and practical.February 22,1864, he enlisted as a private soldier in Company K, Nineteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, he received a gunshot wound in the chest, and was confined to the hospital until the following August. He then rejoined his regiment, and participated in the capture of the Weldon Railroad, at the battle of Yellow House, August 25, 1864, and the next day was taken sick, and was returned to the hospital, where he remained until the 15th of March following. He was then with his regiment until the close of the war, and was present at the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. In February 1866, he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy E., daughter of John and Harriet Smith, of Center Township. He remained with his father-in-law for a year and a half, and, at the end of that time, removed to La Suenr County, Minn, where he was engaged for two years in the pursuit of farming, and subsequently in the sale of merchandise and grain. Returning to Muncie in 1872, he accepted a clerkship in the boot and shoe store of G. S. Maddy, and six months later, accepted a similar position with the dry goods firm of Bratton, Wilson & Co.At the county convention of 1876, he was nominated by the Republicans for the office of Treasurer of Delaware County and the people, many of whom had known him from boyhood, paid a just tribute to him by confirming his nomination at the polls, and electing him to the office by a majority of 420 votes. At the expiration of his first term—in 1878—he was nominated a second time, and the ability, efficiency and fidelity to trust which had characterized his administration of the office, met a hearty approval, and he was again elected with a majority of 871. He has transacted the duties of his office with dignity and with an unassuming simplicity quite in harmony with ‘his nature; and when he surrenders’ the office to his recently elected successor, it will be with a pure record, and the good wishes of all with whom he has been associated will follow him and extend to any pursuit in which he may engage. He was reared by pious parents, and surrounded with good influences in early life; and as his mind developed, the spiritual nature developed proportionally. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which both himself and wife are active and consistent members. Their home is made happy by four bright, promising children—Frank S., Hattie I., Annie L. and Earl V.