Biographies - Hon. Barnett Gibbs

             Barnett Gibbs is the son of Judge D. D. Gibbs and Mrs. Sallie Dorsey Gibbs, of Mississippi. He is a grandson of General George Gibbs, of Tennessee; was born in Yazoo City, Mississipi, May 19, 1851. He was educated at Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama, and at the University of Virginia. He received his professional education at the Law School of Lebanon, Tennessee. He immigrated to Texas in 1873, and located in Dallas.

             Colonel Gibbs is essentially a self-made man; both his fortune and eminent position were acquired by his own unaided exertions, the former by the exercise of a remarkable business sagacity. He came to Texas a young man without means or prestige of influential friends, and with nothing but his profession, a strong constitution, a clear head and an indomitable ambition to rise in the world, and today he has $350,000 invested in real estate, stocks, etc., and there is no man in Texas, not even considering his comparative youth, who is better known and respected in social, business and political circles.

             It will be seen from the date of his birth, that Mr. Gibbs is too young to have participated in the memorable struggle of 1861-65. His father, however, died in the Confederate army, and his brother lost a leg.

             The citizens of Dallas early showed their appreciation of Mr. Gibbs' legal talent, by electing him city attorney. This position he held six years. He was then elected to the State Senate, from which position he was advanced, by the popular will, to the exalted and honorable position of Lieutenant-Governor of the State. This office he filled during the incumbency of the gubernatorial chair by Hon. John Ireland, from 1882 to 1886. During the absence of Governor Ireland, it often became necessary for the Lieutenant-Governor to assume the reins of government, and as acting Governor of Texas he acquitted himself with great credit, evincing remarkable qualities as a statesman and politician. Colonel Gibbs is the youngest Lieutenant-Governor Texas ever had, the youngest acting Governor, the youngest Senator, and represented the largest Senatorial District in the State.

             It is unnecessary to say that he is a staunch Democrat; and the above record furnishes an indication of the very active part he has played in the political history of the State. His friends, recognizing in him the requisite qualities to represent the great State of Texas with credit and ability, brought him out for Congress, and he made the race before the Convention, with Colonel Wellborn for the lower house. The contest resulted in locking the Convention, and, as usual, a compromise was effected by bringing in the traditional "dark horse," named by Gibbs; and he withdrew in Mr. Abbott's favor.

             The active part Mr. Gibbs took in the memorable canvass known as the "prohibition" campaign is a part of the history of Texas. He was incessant in his effort to defeat the measure, and the laying of that spectre was, in a large measure, due to his powerful influence.

             Mr. Gibbs having shown himself to be so public spirited and so keenly alive to the interests of his adopted State, it is quite natural that he should have taken an active part in the gigantic scheme of securing a suitable harbor on the coast of Texas. Indeed, he was the prime mover, and was largely instrumental in bringing about the several conventions known as Deep Water Conventions, at Fort Worth, Denver and Topeka.

             Colonel Gibbs is an eminent Odd Fellow, being Past Grand Master of the Order in Texas.

             His wife was Miss Sallie Haynes, a daughter of the late J. W. Haynes. They have two children living, Sallie and Willie.

             In personal appearance, Mr. Gibbs is no ordinary man. Large, fine looking, dignified, and of commanding presence, he would be observed in any assembly of men. He is rather blunt in his manners, especially to strangers, but among friends genial, companionable and of a convivial turn. He is six feet one inch in height, and weighs 220 pounds; has large, dark eyes of great depth, surmounted by a heavy brow and shock of coarse, jet-black hair, dark complexion, and features indicative of character and great strength of purpose. Should he continue to give his attention to political matters, a brilliant future awaits him. He is the idol of his friends and the terror of his enemies.