James served as an Ensign in the 5th Pennsylvania Battalion in 1776. After being captured and exchanged, he was commissioned in the 6th Pennsylvania Battalion, eventually rising to the rank of Major. He took a leading part under Gen. "Mad Anthony" Wayne in the daring and successful night-time assault at Stony Point, New York in 1779, opening up a key crossing point for Continental troops on the Hudson River.
He later served for many years as the collector at the Port of Richmond. Both of his sons served in the U.S. Navy; one died in the Richmond Theater Fire of 1811.
He was an Original Member of the Pennsylvania state society of the Society of the Cincinnati, founded by and for commissioned officers of the Continental Line. When he moved to Richmond about 1787, he transferred his membership to the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia. He served as acting Treasurer, Treasurer, and longtime member of the Standing Committee, until the Virginia Society dissolved in 1824.
He is buried near his wife and their son Frederick in the plot he owned. The Virginia Conservation Corps placed an additional commemorative marker at his grave in 1946.
James served as an Ensign in the 5th Pennsylvania Battalion in 1776. After being captured and exchanged, he was commissioned in the 6th Pennsylvania Battalion, eventually rising to the rank of Major. He took a leading part under Gen. "Mad Anthony" Wayne in the daring and successful night-time assault at Stony Point, New York in 1779, opening up a key crossing point for Continental troops on the Hudson River.
He later served for many years as the collector at the Port of Richmond. Both of his sons served in the U.S. Navy; one died in the Richmond Theater Fire of 1811.
He was an Original Member of the Pennsylvania state society of the Society of the Cincinnati, founded by and for commissioned officers of the Continental Line. When he moved to Richmond about 1787, he transferred his membership to the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia. He served as acting Treasurer, Treasurer, and longtime member of the Standing Committee, until the Virginia Society dissolved in 1824.
He is buried near his wife and their son Frederick in the plot he owned. The Virginia Conservation Corps placed an additional commemorative marker at his grave in 1946.
Inscription
'This marble covers the body of Maj. James Gibbon, distinguished for his gallantry in the War of the Revolution; for thirty-six years collector of the port of Richmond. He died on the 2d day of July, 1835, in the 77th year of his age.'
Gravesite Details
'Revered as the 'hero of Stony Point.'
Family Members
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