John Gibson (Governor)

John Gibson (born around 1740 in Lancaster , Province of Pennsylvania , † April 10, 1822 in Pennsylvania) was an American politician and territorial governor of Indiana twice in the early 19th century .

Early years

Gibson's exact date of birth is unknown. The sources assume the year 1740. He grew up in his hometown of Lancaster. Since 1758 he took part on the British side in the fighting of the Seven Years' War in America. Under General John Forbes he took part in an expedition against Fort Duquesne . After the war he stayed at this place, which was now called Fort Pitt and from which the city of Pittsburgh was to emerge. In the years after the war he traded with local Indians. During an Indian revolt, he fell into their hands and only under adventurous circumstances and at risk of death could he escape the Indians. Subsequently Gibson lived with the Mingo tribe and even married the chief's sister.

Political rise

When the American War of Independence broke out , Gibson joined the American freedom movement. At first he was a negotiator between the American Army and the Indians. Then he served in the Continental Army, in which he rose to colonel. After the war, he became a judge in Allegheny County , Pennsylvania . In this state he also became major general of the militia and in 1790 a delegate to the constituent assembly of that state.

Career in the Indiana Territory

In 1800, John Gibson was named Secretary of State for the Indiana Territory . Despite his age, Gibson took this office and held it until Indiana joined the United States in 1816. During this time he had to represent the Territorial Governor William Henry Harrison twice , as he was on other missions outside the Territory. The first representation took place between July 1800 and January 1801 and the second between June 1812 and May 1813. Although Gibson is listed on many lists as the second Territorial Governor of Indiana, he never held that office. He only temporarily represented the governor as State Secretary.

According to him, Gibson County named in Indiana.

Another résumé

After Indiana joined the United States as a regular state in 1816, Gibson returned to his native Pennsylvania. He died there in April 1822. The exact place of death is not known.

Web links

• Indiana Governors (English)
• Indiana Historical Bueau (English)
• John Gibson in the database of Find a Grave (English)