Was born about 1833, and lived to manhood in the cottage at Merkland, next to that of the parents of David Gray, the poet, who was his companion in youth. He was educated in the Cowgate School, Kirkintilloch, under Mr. Aiton, teacher.

When a youth he served his apprenticeship as a joiner with the late Mr. David Marshall, wright, and was taken to Innellan by the late Mr. George Bennett, builder, to erect a number of villas, as his foreman. Mr. Gibb, however, became a joiner and builder on his own account at Innellan.

From his boyhood he had an enthusiastic love of art, and for some years of his manhood followed it as an amateur. His liking for it, however, was so great that he latterly took to it as a profession, and his success has marked his genius. He excels in marine subjects, and while at Innellan his pictures were often purchased by the Art Institute of Greenock as prizes.

In 1875 Mr. Gibb went to New Zealand, where he now resides, and where his reputation is gradually growing. In that colony he is now accounted one of the principal artists, and received the largest price for one of his pictures yet realised by any painter in that country. He depicts the beautiful scenery of New Zealand, his productions being occasionally sent to London and Melbourne for exhibition, where they are much prized, and over ^ioo is no uncommon price paid for a single one of his pictures.

Among the talented sons of Kirkintilloch Parish it is gratifying to record the name of John Gibb.