Prior to his legal career, he briefly played professional baseball for the Chicago Colts and Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

Born in Duncansville, Pennsylvania, Gibson received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Washington & Jefferson College in 1889.

[1] After graduating from college, Gibson joined Cap Anson's Chicago Colts as a pitcher, making his big league debut on June 4, 1890 at the age of twenty.

Gibson was confirmed by the United States Senate on July 24, 1922, and received his commission the same day.

Gibson served in that capacity for less than a year, until his death on December 19, 1949, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.