Gilbert Sage Gibson
Utica Saturday Globe, February 1917
Gilbert Sage Gibson
1896 - 1917
Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]: The first death of a Norwich boy in the service came as a shock to the entirety when it was announced at the Junior Red Cross entertainment at the High School, Wednesday evening that a telegram had just bene received telling of the death of Gilbert Sage Gibson son of Superintendent of Schools and Mrs. Stanford J. Gibson, which occurred at Camp Jackson, Columbia, South Carolina. Late Wednesday afternoon, Supt. Gibson received the telegram from the commandant at the camp, stating that his son had died that day and asking as to the disposition of the remains. Mr. Gibson wired for the War Department to send the body home and also wired the captain of his son's company asking for information as to the cause of his son's death, but at this writing no particulars have been received. Tuesday and Wednesday the parents received letters from their son, written on Friday last, to whichrt he said he was well. Gilbert S. Gibson was the third son of Superintendent and Mrs. Gibson and was born in this city August 10, 1896. He graduated from Norwich High School in the class of 1916, and was president of the class during one year. He was taking a course in landscape and architectural art at Cornel University at the time of his enlistment last may, about three months before his 21st birthday. In September he was called to service in the Signal Corps and was assigned to Company B, Three Hundred and Sixth Field Signal Battalion at Camp Jackson, where he was at the time of his death. Deceased was a young man of much promise, and was highly regarded among his companions and schoolmates. He was a member of the First Baptist Chruch and the Y.M.C.A., and his death is the cause of deep regret by all. Besides his parents he is survived by three brothers, Dr. Edwin F. Gibson, now at Fort Benjamin Harrison in the medical branch of the service; Casson G. Gibson, Ph.D., now doing government work at Washington, ,D.C., and Stanford J. Gibson, Jr. at home.
Gilbert Gibson has just been notified that he is to report for service in the signal corps, October 1. He enlisted in this branch of the army while at Cornell university last June. Superintendent Gibson of the Norwich schools now has three sons in the service of Uncle Sam, Kasson in the war problem bureau at Washington, Dr. E.F., a lieutenant in the medical corps stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind., and Gilbert who will train with the 308th battalion at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Walter Kent, who enlisted a few days earlier than Gibson, expects his summons to go nay day.
Norwich's first war tragedy has occurred. Gilbert S. Gibson, third son of Superintendent of schools Stanford J. Gibson and Mrs. Gibson, is dead and the entire city is in mourning for its first soldier dead in the great world war.
Late Wednesday afternoon Mr. Gibson received a telegram from the commandant at Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C. stating that his son, Gilbert S. Gibson, had died that day and asking as to the disposition of the body. Supt. Gibson immediately wired that the war department send the boy's body home and wired also to the captain of his son's company asking for information as to the cause of his death.
The telegram was the first intimation his parents had had as to anything having gone amiss with their son. Wednesday morning and on Tuesday also they had received letters and Christmas gifts from him and in both communications he had written that he was well. These letters were both written on Friday of last week. At the hour of going to press, no information had been received as to when the body would arrive or what was the cause of the young man's death.
Gilbert S. Gibson is the third son of Supt. and Mrs. Gibson and was a student in Cornell university when he enlisted in early June, two months before his twenty-first birthday. In September he was called to service in the signal corps and was assigned to Co. B, 306 Field Signal Battalion at Camp Jackson where he was stationed until his death.
Lovable, active, happy in disposition and friendly toward everyone, Gilbert Gibson was a prime favorite with his elders as well as with his schoolmates and the younger generation He was a member of the First Baptist church and the Y.M.C.A. here, and everywhere the deepest grief is expressed and felt because of the young man's untimely demise. True sympathy and heartfelt condolences are extended to the bereaved father and mother and the other members of the young man's family.
The body of Gilbert S. Gibson arrived here Saturday morning on board the 6 o'clock Lackawanna train and was accompanied by Sergeant Weller, Corporal Nelson and Private Swanson of the young man's company in the signal corps.
From the young men and the letter from the commanding officer it was learned that Gilbert was taken ill last Monday evening and died Wednesday morning at 11:45 o'clock. The cause of his death was cerebrospinal fever. His body was encased in two hermetically sealed caskets, placed on board the train Thursday evening and forwarded to this city. The seals will not be broken under military orders. Because of the uncertainty of the hour of arrival there was no crowd at the Lackawanna station and the casket was removed at once to the undertaking rooms of Lawrence & DeVine at 91 South Broad street.
Private services will be conducted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stanford J. Gibson at 46 Fair street at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon and public services at 3 o'clock in the First Baptist church of which the young man was a member. Rev. H.R. MacMillan will officiate and a full military service will be held. The body will not be taken from the caisson in front of the church during the service, to which the friends of the young man and his family are invited. Every precaution is being taken, in paying the young man the last homage of respect, to keep the services in harmony with military and state health board rules. The cortege will be escorted to the cemetery by the Home Defense Corps accompanied by Johnson's band and such soldiers and sailors as may be home on leave of absence. Citizens along the line of march are requested to display the national colors. Judge Ray has requested the members of the board of education to be present. All members of the school faculty and of the high school are requested to assemble at the high school building at 2:30 o'clock and attend the funeral in a body. Quasi military organizations of the city, other than the home guards will also be in attendance. This is the funeral of the first soldier form the city of Norwich in the present war for liberty and democracy who has died in the service, and there should and will be a large turnout, not only out of respect to the deceased, but as an indication of the loyalty and patriotism of the citizens of the city of Norwich.
Much rumor has been rife concerning the cause of Gilbert Gibson's death, but the truth of the sad story is contained in the following letter received by Supt. Gibson on Saturday morning.
U.S. Signal Corps
Co. H 306th Field Signal Battalion
Camp Jackson, S.D.
Dec. 20-, 1917
My Dear Mr. Gibson--
Though it is small comfort that words can give, yet I want to extend to you the sympathy of the officers and men who knew your son Gilbert. As you know his death was caused by cerebrospinal fever. It was a great shock to all of us. He was as well as usual on the 17th, but became sick during the night. He was taken to the base hospital on the morning of the 18th, where, in spite of the best efforts on the part of the doctors and nurses, he died at 11:45 a.m. on the 19th.
He was always cheerful, willing and obedient. He was a friend to everyone in the company and everyone was his friend. he was a good soldier and performed promptly and thoroughly every task assigned to him. He was conscious when I visited him at the hospital on the night of the 18th and he made the Great Sacrifice as a soldier. I would be pound to be father to such a son.
Sincerely yours,
Robert A. Jones, First Lieut. Sig. R.C., Commanding Co. B.
The above letter and the accompanying messages of the friends who formed the escort brought some comfort to the sorrowing hearts of Supt. and Mrs. Gibson, who even in their sorrow have been mindful of the best interests of the community as a whole and have unhesitatingly complied with the health rules, which even deprive them of the privilege to gaze upon their son's face again in its mortality. Dr. Kasson Gibson is expected home from Washington, D.C., this evening and it is believed now that Lieut. Gibson who is at the head of the divisional sanitary detachment at Camp Merritt, N.J., will reach home in time for the funeral.
"In the death of Gilbert s. Gibson, there is brought home to us fully for the first time the realization of the sacrifices that our community and our school will be called upon to make in these times. Those of us teachers who were privileged to know Gilbert Gibson, well know how great this sacrifice is. We have known him as a boy of lovable disposition, whom to know was to love and we have seen him grow to be a young man of rare Christian character, guided by the highest and noblest ideals of life and conduct. The eagerness with which he responded to the call to the young manhood of his country, and the nobility of his death testify to these ideals. These tender memories and the love and respect which we bear for our superintendent and his family, prompt us, the teacher, of the Norwich school, to extend to them the sincere assurance of our most profound sympathy, and the hope that they may in measure be comforted by the thought of the influence that such a young life will have upon the young manhood of his town and by the nobility of the sacrifice of his death. Lillian O. Fort, Kate A. Griffin, H.M. Robb, Mary J. Devine
The last volley has been fired, taps blow, and the final prayer of the church said over the grave of Norwich's first young soldier to make a glorious sacrifice of life in the war in which his country is engaged for democracy.
Sunday was a solemn day of mourning in every household in Norwich and throughout the county wherever the news had winged its way that the body of Gilbert S. Gibson had been brought home, his casket draped in the colors he loved and died for. Shortly after 2 o'clock the citizens began to assemble in the center of the city, not out of idle curiosity to see a soldier's funeral but by their grave silent presence to honor the brave lad, who was known and loved by all. At 2:30 o'clock the Home Defense Corps, the G.A.R., Spanish War Veterans, two score or more soldiers and sailors on furlough, the members of the board of education and Johnson's band, marched to the undertaking rooms of Lawrence & Devine at 91 South Broad street and formed an escort of honor for the funeral cortege which passed through the main streets where the flags were displayed at half mast. Members of the school faculty and of the student body were drawn up in front of the First Baptist church and there with wet eyes and bowed heads they stood with a great multitude of people as the soldier lads of the community halted before the church and stood guard around the remains of their dead playmate and comrade. Throughout the services they, with the Home Defense Corps and Spanish War veterans kept watch over their friend.
Within, the church which was not half large enough to accommodate all those who would have participated, the service was one of dignity, sorrow and patriotism. A few of the many floral offerings, which had been made in token of the sympathy extended Supt. and Mr. S.J. Gibson and their family were arranged about the pulpit platform, where sat the pastor, Rev. H.R. MacMillan, Rev. R.L. Clark, Rev. W.L. Bennett and Rev. S.T. Harding. Rev. Dr. Clark read the scripture lesson from the sixth chapter of St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians and the Rev. Mr. Bennett invoked divine blessing and comfort upon the bereaved family and friends. Rev. Mr. MacMillan stated that in view of the signal occasion he had invited every clergyman in the city to be present and assist in the service and read the letter of regret because of his church duties sent him by Rev. Fr. Tiernan.
[Sermon delivered by Mr. MacMillan, published in total in newspaper is not replicated here]
A special meeting of the board of education was held at the office of president, George W. Ray, on Saturday evening, December 22, 1917. Present, George W. Ray, president, William Mason, clerk, W.C. Hartigan, D.B. Cushman, J.O. Hill Reed and Michael Finigan. The meeting was called for the purpose of taking appropriate action on the death at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, December 19, 1917, of Gilbert S. Gibson, a graduate of our high school, and son of our superintendent of schools, Prof. S.J. Gibson. He was also the first soldier from the city of Norwich to give his life for his country in the present war with Germany. The following testimonial and resolution as prepared and presented and on motion of Mr. Mason, duly seconded by Mr. Hartigan, unanimously adopted and ordered entered in the minutes of the board.
The board of education of Norwich high school extends to our respected and beloved superintendent of schools, Prof. S.J. Gibson, and to his devoted wife and all the family, its deep sympathy in this their hour of affliction, as does each member of the board. The death of Gilbert S. Gibson, the first soldier from the city of Norwich to give his life in the present war, is a heavy blow to these devoted parents, and all the family, to our high school and to this community. He was born in this city but little more than twenty-one years ago, educated in our schools, graduated from our high school and, at the time of his enlistment in the national army in June last, was a first class student tin Cornell university. He was an honorable, upright, studious, reliable and promising young man of correct habits and clean life. He was a member of the First Baptist church and Sunday school in this city of Norwich and true to their teachings and principles. He was a patriotic soldier and citizen and when the war was forced upon us, was ready and willing and anxious to offer his services and devote his life to his country. This was evidenced by his voluntary enlistment when still under the age of twenty-one years and his eager solicitation to be assigned at once to active duty in the field. His commanding officer says of him "He was always cheerful, willing and obedient. he was a friend to every one in the company and every one was his friend. he was a good soldier and performed promptly and thoroughly every task assigned to him. I would be pound to be father to such a son." Gilbert S. Gibson was worthy of these words of commendation. His teachers and associates in our schools, in Cornell university, and those who knew him everywhere sincerely spoke of him when living and speak of him now he is dead, with the highest terms, of praise and commendation. He had two uncles, Captain Edwin O. Gibson and Dwight T. Gibson who served with honor as volunteers in the late civil war, and has an older brother, Lieutenant Edwin F. Gibson, now in the service of the United States as an enlisted officer and still another brother serving in the war department at Washington, D.C. He came of and belongs to a patriotic family and in his death the country and the cause of liberty and democracy suffers a great loss.
Resolved, that this expression of our affection and esteem be published, entered in the minutes of the board of education and that a copy be sent to the parents of the dead soldier.
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Supt. Gibson Has Three Sons in Service
Norwich Sun, September 24, 1917
Gilbert Gibson has just been notified that he is to report for service in the signal corps, October 1. He enlisted in this branch of the army while at Cornell university last June. Superintendent Gibson of the Norwich schools now has three sons in the service of Uncle Sam, Kasson in the war problem bureau at Washington, Dr. E.F., a lieutenant in the medical corps stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind., and Gilbert who will train with the 308th battalion at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. Walter Kent, who enlisted a few days earlier than Gibson, expects his summons to go nay day.
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Gives His Life in Cause of His Country
Norwich Sun, December 20, 1917
Norwich's first war tragedy has occurred. Gilbert S. Gibson, third son of Superintendent of schools Stanford J. Gibson and Mrs. Gibson, is dead and the entire city is in mourning for its first soldier dead in the great world war.
Late Wednesday afternoon Mr. Gibson received a telegram from the commandant at Camp Jackson, Columbia, S.C. stating that his son, Gilbert S. Gibson, had died that day and asking as to the disposition of the body. Supt. Gibson immediately wired that the war department send the boy's body home and wired also to the captain of his son's company asking for information as to the cause of his death.
The telegram was the first intimation his parents had had as to anything having gone amiss with their son. Wednesday morning and on Tuesday also they had received letters and Christmas gifts from him and in both communications he had written that he was well. These letters were both written on Friday of last week. At the hour of going to press, no information had been received as to when the body would arrive or what was the cause of the young man's death.
Gilbert S. Gibson is the third son of Supt. and Mrs. Gibson and was a student in Cornell university when he enlisted in early June, two months before his twenty-first birthday. In September he was called to service in the signal corps and was assigned to Co. B, 306 Field Signal Battalion at Camp Jackson where he was stationed until his death.
Lovable, active, happy in disposition and friendly toward everyone, Gilbert Gibson was a prime favorite with his elders as well as with his schoolmates and the younger generation He was a member of the First Baptist church and the Y.M.C.A. here, and everywhere the deepest grief is expressed and felt because of the young man's untimely demise. True sympathy and heartfelt condolences are extended to the bereaved father and mother and the other members of the young man's family.
__________________________________________
He Was a Friend to Every One
Norwich Sun, December 22, 1917
The body of Gilbert S. Gibson arrived here Saturday morning on board the 6 o'clock Lackawanna train and was accompanied by Sergeant Weller, Corporal Nelson and Private Swanson of the young man's company in the signal corps.
From the young men and the letter from the commanding officer it was learned that Gilbert was taken ill last Monday evening and died Wednesday morning at 11:45 o'clock. The cause of his death was cerebrospinal fever. His body was encased in two hermetically sealed caskets, placed on board the train Thursday evening and forwarded to this city. The seals will not be broken under military orders. Because of the uncertainty of the hour of arrival there was no crowd at the Lackawanna station and the casket was removed at once to the undertaking rooms of Lawrence & DeVine at 91 South Broad street.
Private services will be conducted at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stanford J. Gibson at 46 Fair street at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon and public services at 3 o'clock in the First Baptist church of which the young man was a member. Rev. H.R. MacMillan will officiate and a full military service will be held. The body will not be taken from the caisson in front of the church during the service, to which the friends of the young man and his family are invited. Every precaution is being taken, in paying the young man the last homage of respect, to keep the services in harmony with military and state health board rules. The cortege will be escorted to the cemetery by the Home Defense Corps accompanied by Johnson's band and such soldiers and sailors as may be home on leave of absence. Citizens along the line of march are requested to display the national colors. Judge Ray has requested the members of the board of education to be present. All members of the school faculty and of the high school are requested to assemble at the high school building at 2:30 o'clock and attend the funeral in a body. Quasi military organizations of the city, other than the home guards will also be in attendance. This is the funeral of the first soldier form the city of Norwich in the present war for liberty and democracy who has died in the service, and there should and will be a large turnout, not only out of respect to the deceased, but as an indication of the loyalty and patriotism of the citizens of the city of Norwich.
Much rumor has been rife concerning the cause of Gilbert Gibson's death, but the truth of the sad story is contained in the following letter received by Supt. Gibson on Saturday morning.
U.S. Signal Corps
Co. H 306th Field Signal Battalion
Camp Jackson, S.D.
Dec. 20-, 1917
My Dear Mr. Gibson--
Though it is small comfort that words can give, yet I want to extend to you the sympathy of the officers and men who knew your son Gilbert. As you know his death was caused by cerebrospinal fever. It was a great shock to all of us. He was as well as usual on the 17th, but became sick during the night. He was taken to the base hospital on the morning of the 18th, where, in spite of the best efforts on the part of the doctors and nurses, he died at 11:45 a.m. on the 19th.
He was always cheerful, willing and obedient. He was a friend to everyone in the company and everyone was his friend. he was a good soldier and performed promptly and thoroughly every task assigned to him. He was conscious when I visited him at the hospital on the night of the 18th and he made the Great Sacrifice as a soldier. I would be pound to be father to such a son.
Sincerely yours,
Robert A. Jones, First Lieut. Sig. R.C., Commanding Co. B.
The above letter and the accompanying messages of the friends who formed the escort brought some comfort to the sorrowing hearts of Supt. and Mrs. Gibson, who even in their sorrow have been mindful of the best interests of the community as a whole and have unhesitatingly complied with the health rules, which even deprive them of the privilege to gaze upon their son's face again in its mortality. Dr. Kasson Gibson is expected home from Washington, D.C., this evening and it is believed now that Lieut. Gibson who is at the head of the divisional sanitary detachment at Camp Merritt, N.J., will reach home in time for the funeral.
Resolutions of Respect
The following are the resolutions of respect prepared by a committee of teachers in the Norwich public schools and are expressive of the sentiment of all who knew the patriot dead."In the death of Gilbert s. Gibson, there is brought home to us fully for the first time the realization of the sacrifices that our community and our school will be called upon to make in these times. Those of us teachers who were privileged to know Gilbert Gibson, well know how great this sacrifice is. We have known him as a boy of lovable disposition, whom to know was to love and we have seen him grow to be a young man of rare Christian character, guided by the highest and noblest ideals of life and conduct. The eagerness with which he responded to the call to the young manhood of his country, and the nobility of his death testify to these ideals. These tender memories and the love and respect which we bear for our superintendent and his family, prompt us, the teacher, of the Norwich school, to extend to them the sincere assurance of our most profound sympathy, and the hope that they may in measure be comforted by the thought of the influence that such a young life will have upon the young manhood of his town and by the nobility of the sacrifice of his death. Lillian O. Fort, Kate A. Griffin, H.M. Robb, Mary J. Devine
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Last Sad Rites Solemn and Impressive
Norwich Sun, December 24, 1917
The last volley has been fired, taps blow, and the final prayer of the church said over the grave of Norwich's first young soldier to make a glorious sacrifice of life in the war in which his country is engaged for democracy.
Sunday was a solemn day of mourning in every household in Norwich and throughout the county wherever the news had winged its way that the body of Gilbert S. Gibson had been brought home, his casket draped in the colors he loved and died for. Shortly after 2 o'clock the citizens began to assemble in the center of the city, not out of idle curiosity to see a soldier's funeral but by their grave silent presence to honor the brave lad, who was known and loved by all. At 2:30 o'clock the Home Defense Corps, the G.A.R., Spanish War Veterans, two score or more soldiers and sailors on furlough, the members of the board of education and Johnson's band, marched to the undertaking rooms of Lawrence & Devine at 91 South Broad street and formed an escort of honor for the funeral cortege which passed through the main streets where the flags were displayed at half mast. Members of the school faculty and of the student body were drawn up in front of the First Baptist church and there with wet eyes and bowed heads they stood with a great multitude of people as the soldier lads of the community halted before the church and stood guard around the remains of their dead playmate and comrade. Throughout the services they, with the Home Defense Corps and Spanish War veterans kept watch over their friend.
Within, the church which was not half large enough to accommodate all those who would have participated, the service was one of dignity, sorrow and patriotism. A few of the many floral offerings, which had been made in token of the sympathy extended Supt. and Mr. S.J. Gibson and their family were arranged about the pulpit platform, where sat the pastor, Rev. H.R. MacMillan, Rev. R.L. Clark, Rev. W.L. Bennett and Rev. S.T. Harding. Rev. Dr. Clark read the scripture lesson from the sixth chapter of St. Paul's letter to the Ephesians and the Rev. Mr. Bennett invoked divine blessing and comfort upon the bereaved family and friends. Rev. Mr. MacMillan stated that in view of the signal occasion he had invited every clergyman in the city to be present and assist in the service and read the letter of regret because of his church duties sent him by Rev. Fr. Tiernan.
[Sermon delivered by Mr. MacMillan, published in total in newspaper is not replicated here]
A special meeting of the board of education was held at the office of president, George W. Ray, on Saturday evening, December 22, 1917. Present, George W. Ray, president, William Mason, clerk, W.C. Hartigan, D.B. Cushman, J.O. Hill Reed and Michael Finigan. The meeting was called for the purpose of taking appropriate action on the death at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, December 19, 1917, of Gilbert S. Gibson, a graduate of our high school, and son of our superintendent of schools, Prof. S.J. Gibson. He was also the first soldier from the city of Norwich to give his life for his country in the present war with Germany. The following testimonial and resolution as prepared and presented and on motion of Mr. Mason, duly seconded by Mr. Hartigan, unanimously adopted and ordered entered in the minutes of the board.
The board of education of Norwich high school extends to our respected and beloved superintendent of schools, Prof. S.J. Gibson, and to his devoted wife and all the family, its deep sympathy in this their hour of affliction, as does each member of the board. The death of Gilbert S. Gibson, the first soldier from the city of Norwich to give his life in the present war, is a heavy blow to these devoted parents, and all the family, to our high school and to this community. He was born in this city but little more than twenty-one years ago, educated in our schools, graduated from our high school and, at the time of his enlistment in the national army in June last, was a first class student tin Cornell university. He was an honorable, upright, studious, reliable and promising young man of correct habits and clean life. He was a member of the First Baptist church and Sunday school in this city of Norwich and true to their teachings and principles. He was a patriotic soldier and citizen and when the war was forced upon us, was ready and willing and anxious to offer his services and devote his life to his country. This was evidenced by his voluntary enlistment when still under the age of twenty-one years and his eager solicitation to be assigned at once to active duty in the field. His commanding officer says of him "He was always cheerful, willing and obedient. he was a friend to every one in the company and every one was his friend. he was a good soldier and performed promptly and thoroughly every task assigned to him. I would be pound to be father to such a son." Gilbert S. Gibson was worthy of these words of commendation. His teachers and associates in our schools, in Cornell university, and those who knew him everywhere sincerely spoke of him when living and speak of him now he is dead, with the highest terms, of praise and commendation. He had two uncles, Captain Edwin O. Gibson and Dwight T. Gibson who served with honor as volunteers in the late civil war, and has an older brother, Lieutenant Edwin F. Gibson, now in the service of the United States as an enlisted officer and still another brother serving in the war department at Washington, D.C. He came of and belongs to a patriotic family and in his death the country and the cause of liberty and democracy suffers a great loss.
Resolved, that this expression of our affection and esteem be published, entered in the minutes of the board of education and that a copy be sent to the parents of the dead soldier.
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