[2] He spent several years as a young man traveling abroad, and devoted much of his time and wealth to the collection of minerals.

On his return to Rhode Island, he brought with him the most extensive and valuable collection ever seen in the United States up to that time.

The same year, the Governor of Rhode Island appointed Gibbs as "Aide de Camp" and given the title of Colonel.

Gibbs continued his interest in mineralogy, making extensive journeys and developing new mineral localities.

[5] They had four sons and three daughters including George, Oliver Wolcott (who became a notable professor of chemistry at Harvard University), and Alfred.