Bio: R. T. Gibbs, Desoto Parish La.
Source: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Northwest Louisiana, The
Southern Publishing Company, Nashville & Chicago, 1890
Submitted by: Gaytha Thompson


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R. T. Gibbs, of the drug firm o foster & Gibbs, of Mansfield, La. He is an
example of the success attending hard work and honest dealing, and his trade
is solidly established and extends over a large area.  He and his partner
carry an excellent and select stock of goods, and their store has ben
established since 1888.  Mr. Gibbs was born in Alexandria, Va., April 11,
1866, to Dr. R. T. and Eliza K. (Douglass) Gibbs, also natives of Virginia. 
The father removed to Louisiana about 1850, and located in the town of
Mansfield.  He had previously graduated from the University of Virginia, also
the Jefferson University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, and practiced the
profession of medicine at Mansfield up to the time of his death, which
occurred in 1887. He was one of the first physicians of the town, and during
his long years of residence here he became exceptionally well known as a
successful and skillful practitioner of the healing art.  During the Mexican
War he was employed by the United States Government as a surgeon, and also
served in that capacity during the Rebellion.  Prior to his marriage, which
took place in Alexandria, VA., he practiced for several years in Mansfield,
but after that event he returned here.  He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and
the Episcopal Church, and in every walk in life he proved himself to be an
honorable, upright and public spirited citizen.  His widow, who survives him,
resides in Mansfield, being the mother of three children: Mrs. E.M. Foster,
R.T. and I.D. (Cashier of the Corsicana Bank, of Corsicana, Tx).  The subject
of this sketch received his schooling in the Male college, of Mansfield, but
at the early age of sixteen years he entered a drug store as clerk, becoming
well posted on all the intricacies of this work. For a number of years he
acted as traveling salesman for the wholesale drug house of I. L. Lyons, of
New Orleans, but in 1888, he and his partner established their present
business, their success being fully assured.  Although young men they have a
proper amount of energy and business ability to make a success of what they
undertake, and their establishment, which is the best appointed in Mansfield,
is fully stocked with a choice selection of drugs, chemicals, and the most
popular patent medicines.  In 1888 Miss Hattie L. McDonald became the wife of
Mr. Gibbs, and their union has resulted in the birth of one child: Hattie P. 
Mr. Gibbs is one of the directors of the Traders' Bank, of Mansfield, and is
also a member of the city council.