Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va) 1886-1890, 1890-01-18
SUDDEN DEATH.
ONE OF ROANoKE'S PRoMI-
NENT CITIZENS DEAD.
HENRY GIBSON DIES IN RICHMOND.
General surprise mad Regret on the
Receipts OF tho News Nere...Mr. Glib
sons Standing as = Mason. Lawyer
and Cittsep.
Special to The TIN Es.

anu SAstnoBs
Special TO The TIMES.
RICHMOND, January 17.-City Solic-
itor Henry Gibson died here at six
o'clock this evening. He was here to
look after a bill to amend the charter
of Roanoke, and was on the floor OF
both houses OF the assembly today.
Feeling weary this afternoon, he pro-
cured cab and went out into the
country and got out of the vehicle and
walked around q short time. On the
return to the city tho driver noticed
that Mr.. Gibson was reclining in the
cab and appeared to be i'll; he hur-
ried to the city but death had ensued
before the hotel was reached. Apo
plexy was the cause OF the suddenly
taking off. Mr.. Gibson was we'll
known here where he once resided.
lie will be buried in this city. The
funeral will be from st. James Epis-
copal church Sunday morning.
These few words flashed over the
wire last night shortly after supper
told briefly and coldly OF the sudden
death at the capital OF the state. of
Roanoke's popular and able city soli-
citor. Everywhere last night the in
telligence was received with the
greatest surprise and regret. Mr..
Gibson left here last Tuesday night.
He was then in the best health and
spirits. The object Of his visit to
Richmond was to attend the business
OF the city at present before the legs-
allure, and the three lasr days Of his
life were spent in the performance Of
that work.
He was son OF R. H. Gibson, sec
rotary OF the Virginia Underwriters
association, and therefore died in the
home Of his boyhood. He was born
in Richmond about thirty.one years
ago. He was educated at the Rich
mond High school, and afterwards
read law at the University OF Virginia.
He was thoroughly selfmade man,
and his first experience in business
was as book keeper for SPOTS & Glib
son, wholesale grocers at Richmond.
He came to Roanoke in 1882 and
engaged in the practise OF law, in
which he has been eminently success
full. Since 1887 he has been city solic-
itor continuously. He was a Mason
in good standing, and leaves wife
and one child.
Three private kilograms, one to
BudweIl & Christian, one TO DR.. w.
H Meade. who broke the sad news TO
Mrs. Gibson, aud one to A. L. Payne.
Mr.. Gibson's law partner, we're re-
ceived during the evening. They
gave only the briefest intelligence as
to the death, however. and those who
received them were overrun with
questions as to particulars.
Messrs. A. L Payne and j. F. Chris
tian left on the 10 o'clock train for
Richmond, and Mrs. Gibson was also
wired to come.
Young, gifted, popular, with q
future promising even greater things
than highly successful present; in
the front ranks OF the legal profess
sion of the city admired for his ability
aud loved for his genial qualities,
his death in the midst OF his useful
ness, and the prime Of his manhood
seems inexplicable His death is not
only a loss TO his family and relatives,
but to the city, the legal profession
and progressive manhood.
After he telegram announcing the
death OF Mr.. Gibson had been re-
ceived, TIMES reporter conversed
with several OF the leading citizens,
and the expressions OF deep regret
were general. Following are some Of
the testimonials, and show the high
esteem in which he was held, both as
a citizen and as an officer Of the city:
8. W. Jamison-"1 am panied be-
yond expression to hear OF his death.
The city loses one OF her most efficient
officers, and one who was strictly con-
scientious in all that he did"
j. Allen Watts-"Mr. Gibson made
an excellent officer, and served the
city well. His loss will be sadly felt
in Roanoke. All OF his dealings were
characterized by strict integrity. He
was an eloquent speaker, a close
reasoner, and every effort showed
marks of continued improvement. Of
course the bar Of the city will draft
suitable resolutions and appoint u
committee to attend the funeral"
DR.. q. A. Sims: Henry Gibson was
an able man and I am satisfied the
CITY loses its most valuable officer.
He was bold. fearless exponent OF
the law. 1t pains me much to hear OF
his sudden demise.
Councilman E. r. Woodward: l
couldn't he any more srieyed il he
were my brother. He was the
slnartest man that ever entered the
CITY of Roanoke, and his place cannot
be filled"
Captain r. b. Norman: Il don't
know when l was ever as much shock
ed at any thing. He was not only an
efficient officer, but also a conscienti-
GUS one, and the city Of Roanoke will
find his loss almest irreparable."
Charles D. Fox: "a bright and
promising young man and tried and
true city officer"
The city council meets this morn
ing at ten o'clock to take suitable
action in regard to Mr. Gibson's death,
and will doubtless appoint a commit
tee to attend the funeral.
Asks for Conference.
By Associated Press.
PARIS, January 1.-THE Figaro
Gays that Portugal has complained to
Prince Bismarck that Great Britain