IRA N. GIBSON, of Browning, Illinois, was born January 1, 1843, near New Castle, Pennsylvania, his parents being John and Mary F. (Fervor) Gibson. They were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Morris, Illinois, stayed there seven years; thence they went to the army; at the close of the war, went to Peoria, when the subject was twelve years of age. Both parents are still living.

Ira Gibson grew to manhood in Peoria, but in the fall of 1863, while prospecting in Iowa, he enlisted in the Iowa Cavalry, at Sioux City. He was sent out on the plains, where he remained fighting Indians and guarding the frontier until the close of the war, when he was mustered out, at Davenport, in 1865.

He returned to Peoria and engaged in milling, where he remained seven years. He was head miller in the mill of Frank Fields, for two years.

Quitting the milling, he engaged in the fishery business on the Illinois River, and this has been his occupation since. In it he has acquired a comfortable living and a nice property in Browning, Illinois. He furnishes his stock both winter and summer to J. W. Peters, at St. Louis, where he finds a ready sale for all his products. He puts up his own ice and operated the business in a systematic manner.

Mr. Gibson has been twice married. His first venture into matrimony was when twenty-four years of age, to Miss Frances Smith of Peoria. At her death she left four children: Alice, Frank, Louisa and Viola.

Mr. Gibson was married a second time in Browning, to Miss Mary Williams, who was born in Fulton County, Illinois, in 1858. To this union there are two children: Frances and Ethel, bright little girls, at home.

Mr. Gibson is a Democrat in politics, and is a member of Browning Lodge, No. 309, I.O.O.F. He was formerly a member of the G.A.R., but the post disbanded and he has not yet joined any other.

His first wife was a Roman Catholic in religion, but the present Mrs. Gibson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.