David Gibson

David Gibson probably was born during the 1740s. We seek information on his origins and path to Albany.

In March 1765, he leased land next to the holdings of Thomas Wilkerson from the Albany Corporation.

In 1767, his third ward property was valued modestly. In October 1779, his name appeared on the assessment roll but no tax was specified. In 1788, his first ward holdings received modest assessments. In 1799, his lot in the pastures was taxed as a tenant of a Van Rensselaer.

His wife was Maria Egmont (Egmond). One of their children was christened at the Dutch church in 1777. He received some services there. Not until 1800, however, was Gibson counted among the members of the Albany Presbyterian church.

In November 1775, the Albany Committee paid his account for two pounds. On a number of occasions in 1776 and 1777, he was paid by the committee for riding express (delivering letters) to White Plains and around Albany County.

In June 1779, his wife, "Maritie," submitted a bill on behalf of Gibson "for riding an express" to the governor in Poughkeepsie. In November 1780, he was brought before the Albany Commissioners (on a warrant) for attempting to interfere with the apprehension of a suspect. He was examined and found to be loyal to the American cause. Gibson apologized and was discharged with a caution against like behavior in the future. Later, his accounts for 28 pounds and 5 pounds were ordered paid by the Commissioners. After the war, the name of "David A. Gibson" was included on the list of those who were accorded a land bounty right in conjunction with the Albany militia regiment.

In 1782, he first was named constable in the first ward. He served at least thru 1787 - being appointed high constable as well in 1784.

Beginning in 1799, his name was included on the Albany poor rolls. Some of the bequests thru 1802 were also for his family and his son.

In 1790, his South End household included eight members. A decade later, the census counted three older women and a young man in addition to Gibson. In 1810, the census counted an aging couple and two young boys. That was the last reference to him in the community-based record encountered thus far.

Several Gibsons (none named David or Mary) were listed in the first city directory in 1813. We seek defining information on the later life and passing of the one-time Albany resident named David Gibson.

Sources: The life of David Gibson is CAP biography number 8177. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.