George Harry Gibson was born on 6 October 1861 in Longford, Tasmania. He was the son of George Gibson (who had been Warden of Longford and Member of the House of Assembly for the District) and Agnes Beveridge.  (Please note:  Although his real name was George Harry Gibson, at times the local newspapers referred to him as George Henry Gibson.)

After matriculating he spent about 12 months as a student in the Hobart General Hospital before travelling to Scotland to attend the Edinburgh University in 1883. According to long-time friend, Dr R.G. Scott, Gibson was a very popular student, taking part in all the affairs of student life, and was a member of the Australian Club in Edinburgh.

Dr Gibson gained his qualifications (MB, CM Edinburgh) in 1887. The Tasmanian community was very proud of their graduate, reporting that after graduation he acted as locum for a medical man at Launceskirk, Scotland for a few months, 'and on leaving was presented with an address signed by about 150 of the leading residents, in which they expressed appreciation for the skilful attention shown by him, and regret at his leaving the district'. Dr Gibson then took on an appointment at the London Homœopathic Hospital, 'preparatory to coming out and assisting Dr Benjafield in his practice'.

Dr Gibson's practice name-plate                            Photo courtesy of Peter Torokfalvy                    with the kind permission of Roger McLennan

On 22 November 1888 he married Jessie White Galloway in Edinburgh. They eventually had 9 children - 5 boys and 4 girls.

Dr Gibson was first registered as a medical practitioner in Tasmania in February 2 1889. In the Australasian

Medical Directories he was listed as a 'Homœopathist'. He also formed a business partnership with Dr Benjafield who owned The Homœopathic Pharmacy, and with its pharmacists, Gould and Mason.

On October 27 1899 Dr Gibson presented a paper to the first annual general meeting of The Tasmanian Homœopathic Association.

In the Tasmania Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1903 his address was given as 163 Macquarie Street, Hobart.

Portrait of Dr George Harry Gibson                             (Displayed in St John's Hospital Hobart)

Plaque in St John's Hospital Hobart                    (Previously the Hobart Homœopathic Hospital)

Dr Gibson was one of the founders of the Hobart Homœopathic Hospital. In the initial years of the hospital, Dr Gibson performed all surgical procedures. In the 1911 edition of the Australasian Medical Directory he was recorded as being Honorary Medical Officer at the Hobart Homœopathic Hospital.

Dr Gibson was active in the community. According to his obituary, for two years (1901 - 1902) he was president of the local Y.M.C.A., a member and elder of St John's Presbyterian Church for many years, a member of the Fisheries' Commission, and president of the Returned Sailors' and Soldiers' Fathers' Association. He gave lectures to the general public on topics such as 'Germs as they affect the body' and 'The body and exercise'. He also provided a series of lectures on first-aid, aimed at women, under the auspices of the St John's Ambulance Association. He was a keen sportsman, being an excellent rifle shot and very interested in angling.

Plaque in St John's Hospital Hobart                 (Previously the Hobart Homœopathic Hospital)

Dr Gibson was described by others as being unassuming in his demeanour, methodical, punctual, efficient, and dignified in his performances as a medical man. 'Every class and creed respected and revered him, and it may be said in very truth that he had not a single enemy.'

He continued to provide his services to the Homœopathic Hospital until his death in 1924. He died at his residence, Colville Street, Battery Point on 11 October, 1924 and was buried at Cornelian Bay Cemetery, Hobart.