Dr. Edward Gibbons was the 9th Mayor of Oakland, from March 1864- March 1865.
He was on the Oakland City Council in 1861, 1862, 1863, 1865, and 1866, and served as the President of the Council each of these terms. Gibbons was an Independent,3 and was elected State Senator in 1873.4
Gibbons served as City Clerk 1857-1861.1
Gibbons arrived in Oakland in 1851 and lived at the corner of Ninth and Washington Streets.2
In 1850 Gibbons came to California on the steamer Republic with his brother Rodmond (AKA Rodman). They went to the gold fields for a short time, then returned to San Francisco.
DR. EDWARD GIBBONS.5
He Passes Away at the Age of 68 - Biographical.
Dr. Edward Gibbons, a former prominent citizen of this county, died at home, Kenesaw Place, Knight's Valley, Sonoma county, Sunday, May 30th. Dr. Gibbons was 68 years of age, and for twenty-five years was a leading citizen of this city and county. He was one of the noted Gibbons family, his brothers, Dr. William Gibbons, the late Henry Gibbons and Rodman Gibbons being well known in various walks of life. For many years the deceased was the leading physician in this county, where he hold a large and lucrative practice until his retirement from the labors and duties of his profession.
He entered political life in this city when elected a member of the City Council, in March, 1856, serving as such the terms of 1856-7, 1861-2, 1862-3. 1863-4, and 1866-7. He was also a member of the City Council during 1865-6. In 1858-9 he was City Clerk and Treasurer, and in 1864-5 was Mayor of Oakland. In 1873 he was chosen State Senator to represent Alameda for two years, which term he served with ability, and was the promoter of several important laws bearing directly upon the welfare and prosperity of this city and county. In 1860 he was a Bell and Everett Elector.
Dr. Gibbons was a man of deep learning, possessed of a fine education and was noted as one of the pleasantest and best-informed conversationalists and logical reasoners this county has ever honored with public office. In all his professional and business dealings he was the soul of integrity, and no man can point even with suspicion to a single act of his life.
About six years ago, failing health led him to invest in a beautiful country seat situated in Knight's Valley, Sonoma county. This he named Kenesaw Place, where he has since resided. Gradually his health failed and his decease finally occurred from general debility at the advanced age of 68 years. He died full of learning, and respected by all those living of the thousands with whom ho had come in contact during a busy and eventful life. Many friends in this city will learn with regret, and sorrow of his decease. He leaves a widow and one daughter, the latter the wife of Wm. F. Booth, of Berkeley. The funeral services over the remains of the deceased ex-Senator will be held to-morrow (Wednesday) from Rev. Dr. Benj. Akerley's church, on Grove street, at 11 o'clock A.M
References
- Shutes, Milton Henry and Frank Roscoe Makinson. A History of the Alameda County Medical Association. 1947.
- Wood, MW. History of Alameda County, California, Vol 2. M W Wood: 1883.
- Baker, Joseph Eugene. Past and Present of Alameda County, Vol 1. SJ Clarke: 1914.
- Bancroft, Hubert Howe et al. History of California, Vol 24. History Company, 1890.
- DR. EDWARD GIBBONS. Oakland Tribune, 01 Jun 1886, Tue, Page 3
