Local author Gary S. Williams will speak about his book “No man knows this country better”: The Frontier Life of John Gibson on Thursday, August 25 at 6:30 PM in the community room at the Dover Library.  Williams claims that “John Gibson is the most interesting Founding Father that you have never heard of.” In his book, Williams documents the vital role that Gibson had in shaping the development of the American frontier.

According to Williams, Gibson, who was the commander at Fort Laurens, had a long career that has remained hidden from history. He served as an officer of increasing rank in every frontier struggle from 1758 to 1813.  He led a regiment at Valley Forge, was in command of Fort Laurens during a month-long Indian siege, and was the commander of the Western Department at Fort Pitt. Just as important as his military service was his role as an Indian trader on the frontier. Gibson was well-known for his honesty and his ability to master several Native American languages, which allowed him to negotiate several treaties. He worked with seven of the first twelve US Presidents, and lived an exciting and useful life that spanned Ohio’s frontier era.

Gary S. Williams is a retired librarian who has written many articles on Ohio nature and history, as well as four books on Ohio history and a guide to hiking Ohio. He has a B.A. in History from Marietta College and a Masters in Library Science from Kent State University.

This program will be held on Thursday, August 25 at 6:30 PM in the Community Room at the library, located at 525 N. Walnut Street, Dover.  Register online at www.doverlibrary.org or call the library at 330-343-6123.