George Gibson Jr.

GIBSON, George W and Ross, F.P. - IN MEMORIAM - Whereas, the members of Prairie Grove Camp of Confederate Veterans learn with poignant grief of the deaths of comrades F.P. Ross of Prairie Grove, Arkansas and George W. Gibson of Indian Territory, the first a volunteer in the army of the South from Tennessee and the second equally forward and prompt and responsive to the same call, from the State of Arkansas, and, Whereas, each of said departed comrades met well the issues of the times, stood the trials and hardships of unwonted campaigns, faced the foe with unflinching courage, never shirking duty’s clear notes, but acquitted himself most creditably upon all occasions and, Whereas, when peace came upon the land, they became active and diligent workers in the quieter walks of life, and exemplified in high and praiseworthy ways the best traits of our common humanity and in dying, still full of the line of duty, have added laurels to their wreaths of glory won in a righteous cause: Therefore, be it Resolved 1. That while we deplore the sudden taking of our honored comrades, we bow in weak submission to the behests of Him who doeth all things well. To these two brave and good soldiers and civilians of the South death is only a passing over. On the other side they augment the innumerable company of the truly great and forever blessed. 2. That to the families of our two deceased brothers in arms and in peace we extend our profound condolences. May their griefs be assuaged by the recollection that their dear dead acted nobly life’s part and that unending reunions are only a span beyond. 3. That a copy of these expressions of love alloyed with sorrow, scant tribute to worthy brothers, be sent to their families, published in the HERALD and spread upon our Camp’s records. (Signed) J.H. Marlar, R.A. Sharp, David W. Adams - Committee [Prairie Grove Herald 2/25/1904]....SCHOOLS

The various schools of Summers should receive hOllorable mention in these pages. They have provided the only formal education that most of our young people have had and have done outstanding work for over a hundred years.

The first schools were taught by "traveling" school teachers. They were of short duration (one to three months) and were subscription schools. One of the first schools was taught by Prof. W. L Rosser at Forest Hill. The first school at New Church ( Ganderville) was taught 1875 also by Prof. W. E. Rosser, a noted educator from Virginia. Sixty pupils were enrolled, of whom three are living. They are: Mary Shannon Smith, J. T. Elms, ancl Henry Elms. School was kept at Ne'N Church until 1885 when District Number 19 was formed and a school house built on land donated by E. O. Elms. This school was called Island Chapel

Mr. Wesley Drake was a staunch supported of public schools in the period just after the Civil War. He, perhaps, did more ;01' the promotion of schools, than any other one man. Several terms Ot subscription school were taught in his home, where one large room of his five-room house was set aside for a school room.

Some years after New Church was built, Capt. George Gibson, David Smith, and Robert ME;dearis built <'1 school house. They located it on the west bank of Ballard Creek at "Hardin's Ford." This spot was on land owned by Capt. Gibson, and so becanw known as Gibson 's Chapel. It was also sometimes called Goosewalk. Only subscription schools were taught at Goosewalk. Jim White taught tile first one. Mr. Harvey S. Gibson of Summers, is among those who attended school there. When School District No. 19 was formed in 1884, Goosewalk was moved about a mile southeast up Ballard Creel{ and re-erect~d on the east bank. It became Island Ch3-pel. In 1898 Island Chapel, having stood fo\' 14 years, was completely destroyed by a tornado which also demolished several other houses including those of W. D. Parks and John Thomason». "When a new school was built shortly thereafter it was located on the southwest corner of Mr. Henry Funl

POLITICAL CONTRIBUTION

It is believed that Capt. George Gibson was the first man to

be elected to public office from Summers. Capt. George was a Democrat

and was elected Sheriff of Washington County in 1860. He

served two years, at the end of Which time he enlisted in the

Confedenate Army, 34th Arkansas Infantry. The date was Sept.

18, 1862. He was given the rank of Captain and was given command

of Company "B" 34th Arkansas Infantry. His Regimental

Commandi ng Officer was a Colonel Brooks.