James Gibson (November 19, 1849 – December 12, 1918) was an American lawyer, judge and politician. He served as Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri in 1883.

This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (February 2024)

Quick Facts 23rd Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, Preceded by ...

James Gibson
Sketch of Gibson, 1896
23rd Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri
In office 1883–1884
Preceded by	Thomas B. Bullene
Succeeded by	Leander J. Talbott
Personal details
Born	(1849-11-19)November 19, 1849 Cooper County, Missouri, U.S.
Died	December 12, 1918(1918-12-12) (aged 69) Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Resting place	Mount Washington Cemetery Independence, Missouri, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mary Todd Pence ​ (m. 1880)​
Children	2
Occupation	Lawyer judge politician

Close

James Gibson was born on November 19, 1849, in Cooper County, Missouri to John Gibson.^[1][2] Gibson was descended from John Bannister Gibson and Edward Rutledge. He attended Kemper Military School in Boonville.^[1]

In 1871, Gibson moved to Kansas City, Missouri. In 1877, Gibson was elected as city attorney of Kansas City and he was re-elected in 1878. In 1880, Gibson served as a presidential elector. In 1883, Gibson was elected as Mayor of Kansas City.^[1][3] Gibson was a Democrat.^[1]

Gibson was a member of the Jackson County Circuit Court from 1889 to 1904.^[1]

Gibson married Mary Todd Pence of Weston, Missouri, on November 18, 1880. They had one son and one daughter, James E. Gibson and Mrs. Burris McGie Little. His son was the general manager of the Kansas City Railways Company.^[1]

Gibson died on December 12, 1918, at his home on 2934 Tracy Avenue in Kansas City.^[1] He was buried at Mount Washington Cemetery in Independence, Missouri.^[4]