This is a superb grouping of items belonging to Confederate soldier John T. Gibson. It includes an artillery fuse box, CDV, patented Goodyear rubberized drinking cup, cap box and two books belonging to Gibson.

The artillery fuse box is in good condition overall. Outer flap has brass crossed cannons and the letters, “L A”. Unfortunately, the “R” was lost over time. Leather has light crazing but is supple. Reverse has a single belt loop. Inner flap is present but most of the stitching has come loose. Brass finial is present. Interior of box has tin insert.

The CDV is a waist- up view of Gibson. He is wearing a light colored civilian frock coat and vest. Image is clear and contrast is good. Reverse does not have a photographer’s imprint but has a handwritten inscription in period ink that reads, “MISS MAGGIE DUVALL, KIND REMEMBRANCES OF COL. J. GIBSON”. This is most likely a post war image.

Goodyear rubberized folding drinking cup is made of canvas duct with a rubberized coating applied. The Goodyear patent of 1851 brought a whole new aspect to the line of products available to the soldier. There is a note of documentation that this cup was carried by Gibson during the war.

Cap box has moderate to heavy crazing. Latch tab is complete and brass finial is present. Reverse has both belt loops. One loop is torn at the top. Inner flap is complete with both ears. Underside of inner flap is marked in handwritten period ink with, “GIBSON”.

The two books included in this grouping are, “Elements of Logic” by Richard Whately, Archbishop of Dublin. This volume was published in Boston in 1844. Gibson signed his name at two different places inside of book. Gibson used this book while a student as the one signature is marked, “Jefferson College, 1846”. The other volume is, “The Virginia Text-Book Containing a History of Masonry” published in Richmond in 1866. This book was inscribed to Gibson in 1894, and Gibson wrote his own name as well in pencil.

John Thomas Gibson was born on January 3, 1825 in Romney, New Hampshire County, Virginia. He was a graduate of the University of Virginia where he studied law. He was a member of the Virginia legislature from 1851-53, and again from 1859-60. At the start of the Civil War he was a resident of Charles Town, West Virginia. He enlisted on August 14, 1861 at Centreville, Virginia as a Private and was mustered into “1^st” Co. Virginia Rockbridge 1^st Light Artillery. On November 12, 1861 he was transferred into Field & Staff 55^th Virginia Militia Infantry where he was promoted to Colonel. He also had service in Co. “I”, 1^st Virginia Engineer, where he served as 1^st Sergeant. After the war, Gibson served as the Mayor of Charlestown, West Virginia. He died on January 29, 1904 and is buried in Edge Hill Cemetery in Charlestown.   [sm]

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