A. J. Gibson


Albert John Gibson was one of the most prominent and well-known architects in Missoula, Montana who designed a number of buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

Gibson was born on a farm near Savannah, Ashland County, Ohio in 1862 and arrived in Butte, Montana. After learning the craft of architecture and carpentry, Gibson moved to Missoula, Montana, around 1889. He married Maud Lockley on January 30, 1889. Maud was the daughter of a well-known newspaperman, Fredrick Lockley. A.J. Gibson had a short career as a carpenter before designing many landmark buildings in the Missoula and Bitterroot area. Gibson retired in 1909, but as a devout Presbyterian and friend of Rev. John Maclean, he drew up the architectural plans for the First Presbyterian Church, which opened in 1915. He and his wife were killed instantly on December 31, 1927, when their automobile was struck by a train in Missoula.

Notable works