The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]
Mr. Richard Edward Gibbs
Mr. Richard Edward Gibbs, Old Colonist, Kaeo. The late Mr. Gibbs, who was for several years a successful storekeeper at Kaeo, was born in the Isle of Wight in 1838, and was employed at his father's grocery business till he came to New Zealand per “John Duncan” in 1860, when he engaged in bush work at Whangaroa for about two years. In 1872 he established himself in business, also taking over the duties of local postmaster. His enterprise and attention to business gave promise of a very successful future, when four years later his career was unfortunately cut short by drowning on the 6th of June, 1876. The deceased dealt largely in Kauri gum, and on this fatal occasion was engaged in taking a load to Whangaroa for transhipment when the boat upset. Mr. Gibbs was the Baptist local preacher during the early days of Kaeo and superintendent of the Sunday school, which he was instrumental in forming. He also instituted and took an active interest in the Band of Hope. His widow still resides in Kaeo with her daughter; and of her sons, Richard is a captain in the Salvation Army at Stratford, Taranaki, William, a farmer at Paparoa, and Edward, a captain in the Salvation Army in Melbourne.
Mr. R. E. Gibbs.