Kentucky: A History of the State, Battle, Perrin, & Kniffin, ed. 8-B, Pulaski County

Rob Gibson, cashier of the National Bank of Somerset, Ky., was born in Donegal, Ireland, October 8, 1827, and is a son of Stephen and Ann (Ramsey) Gibson, both of Ireland. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1837, landing at Philadelphia, Pa., where they remained only a short time and then by boat, canal, stage and horseback, they removed to Clay County, Ky.. Stephen Gibson died in 1845, having been a member of the Episcopal Church for many years before his death. He was a son of Edward Gibson, a native of Ireland, whose father was William, born in England. Ann (Ramsey) Gibson, is a daughter of Robert Ramsey. Rob Gibson received his education at the common schools. He farmed in Clay County until 1848, when he moved to Laurel County and began dealing in stock. He was also engaged in merchandising three years in Laurel County, in partnership with his brother Stephen. In 1856 he moved to Somerset, Pulaski County, where he has since resided, engaged in merchandising. In 1871 the National Bank of Somerset was organized, of which bank Mr. Gibson was a director until 1874, when he became cashier. The bank was organized with a capital of $60,000, and in April, 1871, was increased to $100,000, and in November of the same year was made $150,000. October 19, 1875, it was decreased to $100,000, and February 25, 1878, to $50,000. It now has a surplus of $66,000, dividends 6 per cent, semi-annually, and the average amount of deposits $130,000. J.M. Richardson is president of the bank; Mr. Gibson, cashier; Jas. A. McGee, assistant cashier, and the director are Dr. George Perkins, Dr. W. F. Scott, S. W. Cain and Mr. Gibson. Our subject was married January 9, 1855, to Miss Parmelia Woodcock, of Pulaski County, a daughter of William and Ann (Quarls) Woodcock. Three children have blessed their union, viz: Anna, Lucy W. and Willie E. Anna and Lucy W. were educated at the Daughters College, Harrodsburg, Ky., where Anna graduated in 1875 and Lucy in 1876. Willie E. is attending a select school in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Gibson, wife and children, are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Gibson is a Royal Arch Mason, and in political faith is Democratic.