Isham Gilbert

As printed in 1905

ISHAM GILBERT.

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In 1847 'i* married a New England woman, Susan Augusta Sampson, and with her established a hdnic at the foot of Lake Pipin, opposite the town of Ruds Landing, Bufifalo county. Wis., at which point he had a trading post. Sept. 17, 1849, a son, John Webster, was born to them, who still survives. In the spring of 1 85 1, I sham Gilbert and family removed to Allamakee comity, Iowa, where he laid out the town of Lansing, Iowa. He took up his above in Lansing, and here, Aug. 7, 1851. a daughter, Ella, was born. She did not live to maturity, but died at the age of twelve, and is buried in Burlington, Iowa, where she died. At Lansing, Isham (lilluTl built np an extensive mercantile business, and was associated with Joseph Reynolds, better known as "Diamond Joe Reynolds," in numerous and extensive transactions and speculations.

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Little Rock, September 10. 1863.

I'ort De Russey..March 14. 1864.

Pleasant Hill. )ril 9, 1864.

Chow Anville. April 23, 1864.

.Marksville Plains,.May 16. i8f)4.

Lake Chicat, July 6, 1864.

Tupelo, Miss,, July 14, 1864.

Oldtown Creek. July 15, 1864.

Nashville. December 15 and 16, 1864.

Fort i'.likely, Ala., April ( 1865.

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in the gilbert lot in Aspen Grove cemetery, he lies amidst his parents, child, brothers, and others of his kin.

The Iowa papers commented freely upon his life and death and the nobility of his character. I quote as follows: "General gilbert was lor many years a citizen of Burlington, and his death will cause widespread regret among the many who admired this high-principles, dignified, genial gentleman..As a citizen he was progressive, liberal, and representative, and in business affairs and private life, was the seid of honor and of excellence."

The following is a tribute from a fellow-soldier: "The soldiers who were in the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, as well as those who were in other regiments, and who may have been from time to time brigade with the Twenty-seventh, are saddened at the death of General James I. Gilbert, who was the gallant colonel of the twenty-seventh. Of the many soldiers of Iowa and the Northwest who knew Colonel Gilbert, none knew him but to love and admire him. He was of most commanding physique, and always commanded with bravery and dignity. It is entirely safe to say that no man ever commanded a regiment of men whose confidence and love for their commander were more complete than was that of his regiment for him. In the many battles through which he ])passed during the war, he showed the most consummate bravery and daring: but after the battle was over, was the time when his great, many heart was exercised for the suffering ones around him; and how (nick he was to aid and assist them in distress! This same great nature was always his.

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From the Burlington Hazvk-Eye: " General James I. (Albert, than whom no more genial gentleman or brave soldier ever lived in Iowa, a former resident of Piurlington for many years, died at Topeka, Kans., Saturday evening, of paralysis of the heart, the unexpected and sad intelligence of his dissolution being conveyed to his aged mother and brothers residing in this city, yesterday morning. The news was generally circulated upon the streets, general regret being expressed at the taking away of a man who was the embodiment of honor, integrity, and bravery. He was one of the public-spirited, leading, and representative men of I'.burlington, being connected with the lumber firm of Gilbert, Hedge & Co. At the outbreak of the rebellion, he organized the Twenty-seventh Iowa Infantry, which was mustered in at r)ulni(ue in 1862. and of which Mr. Gdbert was made colonel. His regiment participated in the expedition to the Red River, under the command of General Hanks, and was engaged in the military operations in Tennessee. At the battle of Nashville he served with distinction, and for the bravery he displayed was promoted to the rank of brigadier-general. He commanded four regiments and a battery of light artillery. Three brigades of the army had been repulsed in their efforts to silence a battery, the capture of which was essential to the success of the Union forces. ' Can you take that battery?' asked General Thomas. I can, and I will," was General Gilbert's prompt and firm reply. He effectually silenced the battery; and later in the day General Thomas addressed him, ' I hope your future will be as bright as the star that will soon adorn your shoulder.' He was made a brigadier-general. At Mobile, General Gilbert, by his bravery, won the praise of (general Canby. He captured Fort De Russey, and at the close of the war was sent to Texas to take charge of military affairs, and a short time after was mustered out of the service, at his urgent solicitation."

From a Des Moines paper: "In the heat of debate, the senators paused long enough to hear read and pass a joint resolution, paying the tribute of the great State of Iowa to the memory of her great soldier and citizen, who has lately passed away. General James Isham Gilbert, of the Twenty-seventh Iowa. Several of his old soldiers are in the Legislature, and in the light of fading day the senators sat with bowed heads and busy brains as the joint resolution was read, and back rolled the Wears of time, and once more the roar of the cannon and the whistle of the minnie was heard, and the old flag seen advancing, carried by the Twenty-seventh Iowa, on the blood field of Pleasant Hill.

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As printed in Biographical review of Des Moines County, Iowa (1905). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.