William S. Gibbons
William S. Gibbons, police officer, Ravenna, was born in Salem, Columbiana Co., Ohio, August 23, 1843. His father, Hugh Gibbons, came to this county in about 1853, and after living some years each in several townships to the eastern and northeastern parts of the county, finally moved, in about 1874, to Akron, Ohio. Our subject enlisted in April, 1861, in Company G, Seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and re-enlisted in the same regiment two months later for three years service. He served in the Army of the Potomac, and took part in most of the fierce engagements in the Virginia campaigns. He received three wounds at the battle of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862, compelling him to remain in hospital eight months. He also received several slight wounds at other times. At the expiration of his time he re-enlisted in the Eleventh Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, serving till the close of the war in the Army of the Cumberland. In the famous march to the sea he had command of a foraging company with the rank of Sergeant. He made an honorable record as a brave and faithful soldier, receiving his final discharge at Washington, June 11, 1865. Returning to Ravenna our subject worked here about twelve months as glass-blower, also in Pittsburgh, Penn. He was Deputy Sheriff of this county under the administration of O.B. Payne and O.C. Risdon. In 1871 he was appointed police officer and elected Marshal of Ravenna, and since then has been at the head of the police system of Ravenna most of the time. He is a faithful and fearless officer, discharging his duties to the satisfaction of the people. Mr. Gibbons has been successful in acquiring property. He is one of the principal stockholders of the Crown Flint Glass Works, of which he held the position of Director two years. Mr. Gibbons married, August 9, 1866, Miss Margaret E. Cline, born in Ravenna, December 14, 1844. Her father, William Cline, a native of Pennsylvania, married Miss Amanda Sapp. Mrs. Cline died July 30, 1884. Mr. Cline still resides at his home on South Walnut Street, Ravenna. Our subject is a member in high standing of the I.O.O.F; also a member of the R.A. and G.A.R.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885