FD Gibbons, 1882 - 1883

The eldest son of Henry Gibbons, FD Gibbons was initially educated by a clergyman and later at Aldridge Grammar School, Walsall. After leaving school he was apprenticed to GL & W Underhill, a company of iron merchants. He stayed with the firm for eighteen years, eventually becoming manager and travelling extensively in order to promote the company. His father owned a large chemical manure works, Gibbons & Wills. When Henry Gibbons died his son acquired the business and developed chemical research techniques to improve agriculture. Gibbons entered Wolverhampton Council in 1872, representing St Peter's ward. He had a particular interest in sanitation and was Chairman of the Sewerage Committee. He represented the council at annual events in various towns for the Royal Institute of Public Health & Sanitary Institutes. As a chemical researcher he was often consulted by other corporations to offer advice concerning sanitation. During his term of office as mayor, 1882 to 1883, he played an active part in social events, including supporting the one thousand pound collection for the Hay Memorial Home for Friendless Girls. In 1887 he was appointed as Justice of the Peace.
J Jones The Mayors of Wolverhampton Vol 2 (Whitehead Brothers, Wolverhampton)
Photograph Index - Y1/OWE, Y1/MAY/1 and OV/ 54, 55
There are also announcements of his father's death in Wolverhampton Chronicle 2nd January 1895 and 9th January 1895