John Webster Gilbert

As printed in 1915

JOHN WEBSTER GILBERT.

For many years the late John Webster Gilbert was prominent in the lumber industry in the state of Iowa as the senior member of the firm of Gilbert, Hedge & Company. In his early youth he began his career as a lumberman and by his energy and ability rose to a position which made him one of the most influential men in that line of business. Moreover, Mr. Gilbert was connected with other important industrial and financial concerns of Burlington, to the building of which he contributed in yet another way by the erection of the Gilbert block. He was always a force for development and advancement and while attaining individual success did much for the public welfare.

Mr. Gilbert was born near Louisville, Kentucky, December lo, 1824, and died in Burlington, Iowa, January 16, 1897, his death bringing sorrow to many homes, for he had many friends in this section of the state. He was a son of Samuel and Philotheta (Parker) Gilbert, who in 1825 removed to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where the father operated a sawmill in the pine woods at Menomonie.

John W. Gilbert acquired his education in the public schools of Prairie du Chien and when yet a boy spent much of his time in the mills which were operated by his father. After completing his school course he became his father's active assistant and so continued! until he reached his majority, gaining a wide and valuable knowledge of the manufacture of timber. About that time he became a pilot on the river, taking rafts down the Mississippi to Burlington, St. Louis and other points. This was in the days before steam navigation and rating played a most important part in the lumber business.

The year 1851 marked Mr. Gilbert's arrival in Burlington, where in partnership with his brother, W. D. Gilbert, he established one of the most important lumber enterprises of the city, operating under the name of J. W. & W. D. Gilbert. Their yard was located at

Eighth and Jefiferson streets and this company and its successors have continued its principal offices and yard at that location to this date. The lumberyard was laid out by Mr. Gilbert according to his own plans and the site was selected by him as the most advantageous position in regard to river and rail connections. Thus early he gave evidence of his rare business acumen and the enterprise was a success from the beginning and grew to proportions which had not been foreseen by its founder. Some time after the formation of the new firm a third brother, James Isham Gilbert, joined the firm and later Thomas Hedge also became a partner, the style then being changed to that of Gilbert, Hedge & Company. They branches out into various lines of the lumber industry, from owning valuable timber lands in the north woods to managing branch retail yards in various cities and towns of the Mississippi valley. The firm became a power in the industrial world of the state and in the history of Burlington played a most important role. Their connections extended all over the state and their operations grew so constantly that the partners soon were accounted among the wealthy men of Burlington. John W. Gilbert was actively connected with the business until his death. Since then his place has been taken by his son, Samuel P. Gilbert, while Mr. Hedge has been succeeded by his son, the Hon. Thomas Hedge. Mr. Gilbert, Jr., now holds the position of secretary and treasurer of the company.

John W. Gilbert had many other business and financial associations. He was a director and vice president of the German-American Bank and was also interested in the Glazeby Carriage Works. In the earlier days of the history of the city he was intimately connected with its government and those men who worked in its development. He ardently supported the plans for various railroad lines which have been built into and through the city. In fact, there was nothing of public interest which did not receive his sympathetic support.

On March 22, 1853, Mr. Gilbert married Miss Harriet Holbrook, who was born in Columbia, near Hartford, Connecticut, a daughter of Silas and Mina (Little) Holbrook. The Holbrooks are of early colonial stock, the original American ancestor having come from England in 1635, settling at Weymouth, Massachusetts. The Littles were also an early New England family. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert were the parents of four children, of whom two reached maturity: ames, who died in 1895; and Samuel P., who is today prominent in the commercial life of Burlington and the state as secretary and treasurer of Gilbert, Hedge & Company.

HISTORY or DES MOINES COUN'IV 149

Mr. Gilbert was not only interested in material growth and development but was concerned about the intellectual progress and moral upbuilding of the race. His church affiliations were with the Congregational denomination, of which organization he was a member and trustee. His political allegiance was given to the republican part and in the early days he served as alderman of the city of Burlington and also as street commissioner. However, as the years passed his business interests grew so rapidly and demanded so much of his time that he found it impossible to actively participate in governmental affairs although his interest in the city of Burlington never wanted. Mr. Gilbert was one of those American citizens who may be classed with the empire builders of the middle w'est. He readily recognized that opportunities were but waiting for those who would venture to take hold, and he made his way to prosperity by utilizing conditions as they presented themselves. Such success as attended his labors was well merited and entirely the product of his brain and his perseverance. As a citizen his life record may serve as a model to any young man who begins his career empty-handed and who wants to win not only wealth but the esteem of his fellow citizens.

As printed in History of Des Moines County, Iowa (1915). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.