Maud Gibbons Diaries, 1909-1910: Finding Aid

Biography of Maud Gibbons

Maud Gibbons was the wife of United States Navy officer John H. Gibbons. John Henry Gibbons was born on January 7, 1859 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and was appointed to the Naval Academy Class of 1879 on September 18, 1875. He was serving aboard U.S.S. Vandalia (Screw sloop-of-war) when that ship was destroyed by the 1889 Apia cyclone. Following the turn of the century, then Lieutenant Commander Gibbons was appointed Naval Attaché in London in December 1905, followed by duty as Attaché to the U.S. Minister to Sweden and Norway for the coronation of King Haakon VII on June 22, 1906. Duty as Aide to Rear Admiral Charles H. Stockton at the Conference of the International Prize Court followed in 1908. In June 1909, he assumed command of U.S.S. Charleston (Protected cruiser: C-22), flagship of the Asiatic Fleet. Promotion to Captain came in October 1910, followed shortly by duty with the General Board. In May 1911, Captain Gibbons was appointed Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. On February 7, 1914, Captain Gibbons was relieved, after which he commanded of U.S.S. Louisiana (Battleship: BB-19), and later, U.S.S. Utah during the U.S. occupation of Veracruz. Captain Gibbons was retired in July 1914, but was reactivated during World War I for duty with the First Naval District, the Office of Naval Intelligence, as Naval Attaché to Argentina before retiring again in July 1920. John Henry Gibbons died on December 22, 1944.

Description of Contents

The Maud Gibbons Diaries, comprising 0.23 linear feet of documentation in two volumes, span from 1909 to 1910. The diaries are the product of Gibbons' travels through Europe and Asia in connection with her husband's assignment as commanding officer of U.S.S. Charleston, flagship of the Asiatic Squadron.

The diaries recount Gibbons' travels through Kronstadt, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Vladivostok, Yokohama, Nikko, Chuzenji, Kamakura, Nanking, Shanghai, Tokyo, Manila, Kyoto, and Kobe. The diaries close with Gibbons returning to San Francisco and traveling through Seattle, Portland, Banff, and Yellowstone.

Arrangement

The Maud Gibbons Diaries are arranged chronologically.

Access and Use

Access

Patron use restricted to microfilm.

Copyright and Permission

The Maud Gibbons Diaries are the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.

It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.

Acquisition and Appraisal

Provenance and Acquisition

Gift of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1947.

Related Materials

Location of Copies or Alternate Formats

This collection also available on microfilm.

Related Archival Material

Material pertaining to Gibbons' husband, Captain John Henry Gibbons, in this repository includes John Gibbons' Midshipman Conduct Records, Alumni Jacket, and his official correspondence as Naval Academy Superintendent in RG405.2.1 Entry 33 and RG405.2.1 Entry 36.

Materials Cataloged Separately

No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.

Processing and Other Information

Preferred Citation

Maud Gibbons Diaries, MS 166

Special Collections & Archives Department

Nimitz Library

United States Naval Academy

Selected Bibliography

The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:

Gibbons, John Henry Alumni Jacket, RG 405, Special Collections & Archives, Nimitz Library.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Mary R. Catalfamo. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in April 2020.

Subject Headings

Name and Subject Terms

• China -- Description and travel
• Gibbons, Maud
• Gibbons, John Henry
• Japan -- Description and travel
• Manila (Philippines) -- Description
• Russia -- Description and travel

Genre Terms

• Diaries
• Manuscripts