Son of Andrew Jackson Gibbens and Mariah Armstrong. His siblings included James (1837), Andrew (1839), Elizabeth (1844), Cordelia (1846), Matilda (1855), and Mary (1857). According to census and marriage records, his grandparents were named John Henry Gibbens (1772-1852) and Catherine Lardner (1775-1857)--not to be confused with John Gibbon the Civil War general, who was also married to a Catherine Lardner.

John Henry III lived in Jackson Township, Venango County. In 1858, he married Caroline Melinda Dey, daughter of James Isaac Dey and Mary Elma Perrine. Together they had ten children:
Christia (1859-?)
Mary Elizabeth (1860-1957)
Andrew Ancel (1862-1956)
Sarah Etta (1868-1935, married John Burton Miller)
Marilda Ann (1868-1936, married Amos Jackson Warren)
Julia Marie (1871-1940, married Wilbert W. Baker)
Delbert B. (1873-1971, married Jennie Reisinger)
Jacob L. (1877-?)
Jason W. (1879-1965)
Charles Edward (1882-1964, married Erla Hummel)

John and Caroline died in Donation Hill. They are buried together in Peter's Cemetery, beside their son Delbert and his wife.

Venango Daily Herald Jan 6, 1910
John Gibbens, an aged resident of this place, died at midnight Tuesday from the effects of old age, being in his 81st year. He had been in feeble health the past year, but was taken seriously ill only a week before his death. In the summer of 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Melinda Dey, who preceded him to the grave last May. Mr. Gibbens was a member of the U.B. church, and was a faithful attendant as long as his health would permit. He is survived by children, Mrs. Morilda Warren, of Missouri; Ansel, of Athol, Idaho; Mrs. Sadie Miller, of Polk; Mrs. Lizzie Douglass, of Oil City; Mrs. Julie Baker, of Warren co.; Delbert and Jason of Silvery, and Jacob, of this place. Funeral services were conducted at the bereaved’s home Thursday afternoon by Rev. F.E. Depew, and interment was made in Peter’s cemetery.

--obituary contributed by Barb W