Charlie P. Gibson
Charlie P. Gibson, 58, prominent Peniel resident, was instantly killed shortly after 6:00 AM, Tuesday, September 29, 1931, when a southbound MKT passenger train struck the car which he was driving at a crossing near the business section of Peniel and only a short distance from his home. Mr. Gibson's body was thrown more than a hundred feet down the track, his head badly crushed, and his left arm was completely severed just above the elbow.
Mr. Gibson was en route to Greenville to pick up some cotton pickers who were to work on his farm, when the tragedy occurred. His car was completely demolished and was carried a considerable distance down the track by the train. Mr. Gibson was thrown clear of the car and his body was picked up in front of the wreckage on the west side of the track. It is evident that the train struck Mr. Gibson's car broadside.
Mr. Gibson was born in Virginia on July 29, 1873, and moved to Texas when a young man., settling first near Merit in 1894. He had been engaged in farming most of his lifetime and was one of the most progressive farmers of his community. He resided near Merit for a number of years and about seven years ago moved to Peniel, where he had since made his home. He was one of the foremost leaders in the community in which he lived and was ready to help in any movement that was progressive.
Being a man of splendid character and personality, Mr. Gibson won the admiration of everyone he came in contact with. He was a conscientious Christian gentleman. He had been an active member of the Harrell Chapel Methodist Church for many years and was always ready to serve the Master.
Surviving are his widow and two children, Raymond Gibson of Peniel and Mrs. Arland West of Crescent near Celeste; two brothers, F. M. Gibson and J. W. Gibson, both of Merit; and a sister, Mrs. L. Dickerson, of Virginia.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, September 30, 1931, at the Peniel Tabernacle with burial following in McWright Cemetery.
(September 30, 1931, The Greenville Morning Herald)
Submitted by Sarah Swindell
