Harry E. Gibbons was elected Commander-in-Chief of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War at the 100th Annual National Encampment held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 9 - 13, 1981. Brother Gibbons is a Life Member of the Order deriving his membership from his paternal grandfather, Harry J. Gibbons, who served in Company C., 141st Regiment, New York State Volunteers for three years and died in Point Comfort, Virginia in 1863. His maternal grandfather, Eli Stevens, who enlisted in Robert Brown's Company F., 89th Regiment, New York State Volunteers in Windsor, New York and served until mustered out in 1865. The 89th Regiment fought at Gettysburg, Antietam and Bull Run.

Brother Gibbons joined P.G. Cook Camp 223 in 1946 and served in all Camp Offices. He was elected New York Department Commander in 1969 after holding many Department offices. He is currently Press Correspondent in the New York Department. He has held appointed and elected offices in the National Organization, namely Historian, Patriotic Instructor, Chaplain, Junior Vice Commander-in-Chief and Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief.

Brother Gibbons is a graduate of Buffalo State Teachers College and attended the University of Buffalo. He holds a Life License for teaching Industrial Arts and Vocational Technical Subjects in New York. He taught Automobile and Aviation Mechanics in Burgard High School in Buffalo, New York for 35 years. Brother Gibbons served in the 65th Regiment New York Guard from 1941 to 1945 as lst Lieutenant (Motor Officer). He is a member of the University United Methodist Church, New York Retired Teacher Association, Washington Lodge 240 - F. & A.M., Valley of Buffalo Consistory-320-ismailia Temple Shrine of North America, Erie County Historical Society, Civil War Round Table, Military History Chapter and an Honorary Member of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, Circle 91, in Buffalo, New York.

Brother Gibbons and his wife, Elsa, have three sons and two granddaughters. Sister Elsa Gibbons is the New York Department President of the Auxiliary and is very active as Patriotic Instructor in Circle 91 of the Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic.

November, 1981