C. P. GIBSON. Among the most noted and representative business men of the flourishing city of Ozark stands the name of C. P. Gibson, who is senior member of the firm of Gibson Bros., tobacco manufacturers. He is a man of keen business ability and his high reputation and material prosperity came as the reward of unusual natural abilities, industriously applied.
Mr. Gibson was born in Tennessee, and is a son of John A. and Mary J. (Wilks Gibson, and the grandson of John K. and Ann (Knox) Gibson), natives of the State of North Carolina, but early settlers of Tennessee. The father of our subject came with his mother to Missouri when ten years of age, and is now living on a fine farm in this county. He started to manufacture tobacco soon after the war, and continued this successfully for many years. In 1893 his sons took up the business, and using the flavor and brands of the father are doing an excellent business. Our subject is one of nine children, seven of whom are living, as follows: William, a farmer of this county; C. P.; L. P.; A. B.,who is living on a farm in Greene County; M. A.; M. E.; C. E., who died when nineteen years of age, and John and Thomas who died young. The father is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Christian Church and a most excellent citizen.
The early life of our subject was spent on the farm and in his father’s factory, where he became thoroughly familiar with the business. He attended the district school, but supplemented the same by attending school at Springfield and Drury College. When twenty-one years of age he branched out for himself as a manufacturer of tobacco with his father, and continued it for two years after his father retired. After that he engaged in farming, also followed milling, and in 1890 was elected sheriff of Christian County, holding that position for two years and filling it in a very creditable manner. During that time he had a number of noted criminals under his charge. Like his father he supports the principles of the Democratic party and has voted with the same ever since his majority. He is a wide awake, thoroughgoing young business man and is bound to make his mark in the world. In the year 1887 he was married to Miss Lou Spivy, who died in 1891 leaving him two children: Robert and Bessie. Socially Mr. Gibson is an Odd Fellow, a member of Lodge No. 205, and also a member of the A. O. U. W.