Early Memories of Saugatuck, Michigan : 1830-1930
Author: Heath, May Francis
Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Grand Rapids, Mich: 1930

WILLIAM GIBSON

William and Rachel (McVea) Gibson were natives of the Emerald Isle, where also were born their two oldest children. Alex and William; they came to America in 1856 thinking this a country of greater opportunity. He had learned the wagon maker's trade in Ireland. He first located on the lake shore, until 1861 when he bought a large tract of unimproved land in the east part of the township and while the land was being cleared he cared for his family by sailing on the lakes, Michigan, Superior and Erie. He had sailed five years on the ocean visiting many principal ports of the world.

He was a man of large heart and generous nature and many a wagon he made during the winters for which he never received any pay, for money was scarce in those days.

He died in 1892, his widow in 1906, survived by two sons, Alexander and Samuel, who too are now deceased.