St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1905-02-01
What One Young Man Has Done.


G. A. Gibbons was born in Shefford,
P. O., in 1876. His common school edu-
cation was completed at the age of IS,
when he entered the high school at Bee
be Plain, where he remained one year.
Learning easily, he exceled in mathemat-
les, never standing lower than second in
mental arithmetic. At the age of II he
entered the commercial department of
Wesleyan College in Stanstead, and COM
pIeted the years course in seven months.
Learning his lesson quickly, his lessons
were well learned; but young Gibbons
found quite little time to plan mischief
in school. Through all the fun there was
always the kind heart that prompted
him to assist the unfortunate school
mate, and many time he vert to the
rescue of some tormented animal.
Mr.. Gibbons, at the age of Is COM
menced his business life in the ticket office
at St. Johnsbury, where he attempted
learning biography, but owing to some
defect in hearing he was unsuccessful in
this. He next went to South Newbury
as station agent, where he remained un-
til his services were needed at Hyde Park.
After a short stay here he was transferred
to Swanton, where he did the western
billing. After several months of efficient
work here he was given the position of
billing clerk in the freight office at St.
Johnsbury, in which work he continued
until given the position as cashier in the
local freight office at Windsor, where he
remained nearly six years. The manage.
ment of the Central Vermont then trans.
ferred him to New York, where he occupied
the position of cashier in the central Of
flee OF the road. His position was one
OF great responsibility for "a man of %
years, and proved that his labors in his
previous position had been satisfactory.
His faithful service in each position re-
ceived the recognition it deserved. When
he began his labors in New York the &C.
counts werein bad condition, and there
were other obstacles to overcome Not |
one acquaintance had he in New York, !
but courage and perseverance will over. |
come all difficulties. Young Gibbons
brought order out Of disorder, overcame
other difficulties, by kindness made good |
friends OF those working under him, and |
in year was master of the situation.
While in New York he became acuuaint-
ed with some prominent railroad officials
who learned to appreciate bis abilities.
When he had occupied this position near
ly five years he was told to prepare him.
self 1or higher one, on the Mexican Ma.
tional road, by studying Spanish While
continuing his work in New York, he
studied Spanish, nights, and other leisure
time, and IN a year possessed a good
knowledge of the language. M. Gibbons
was then given the position of general
accountant of the Mexican National,
which IS one OF the two great railroad
systems OF Mexico, with headquarters in
the city OF Mexico. Here again his clear.
ness and precision in mathematics came
in play in Strengthening out the tangled
accounts OF this road. Mr.. Gibbons ar
rived IN Mexico the third of July last, to
begin his labors. His salary was much
larger than received in his previous posi-.
tons, and quite recently the manage.
WV thNA aPPtSSIdLIOu Vi us
services by an increase in salary. Like
many self made men he is decidedly mod
EST. He objects to having anything said
about his achievements, declaring be has
lone nothing-any young man could do
IS much if they wished. General account
int OF the Mexican National at the age
u 20 is worth speaking of we think, but
any boy with the same courage. perseve.
'ance, energy, and ambitious to succeed
n what he undertakes, can be as success
ul.
In every position held by Mr.. Gibbons
lie has by his faithfulness and intelligence
,een fitting himself for still higher posi-.
ion. By his humility and unostenta-
ion he has been winning friends all alongl
he way, who have heartily wished him
1od speed as he has gone on to larger
responsibilities and higher positions of
rust. Mr.. Gibbons home has for many
'ears been with his parents in St. Johns
Jury, although his labors have been in
'ther places most of the time.