1914
Delaware Co., IA History pgs. 69-70
NELSON GILBERT
Nelson Gilbert, who has served as postmaster at Dundee since 1902, was successfully
identified with agricultural pursuits in Richland township throughout
his active business career and is one of the well known and representative
citizens of Delaware county. His birth occurred in New York on the 21st of
June, 1839,
his parents being Daniel and Harriett (Marsh) Gilbert, who were likewise
natives of the Empire state. In 1841 they removed to Illinois, residing on a farm in Boone county until 1856, when they came to Manchester, Delaware county, Iowa. Subsequently they took up their
abode at Forrestville, where they conducted a store
for a number of years and spent the remainder of their lives. They had seven
children, four of whom survive, as follows: Nelson, of this review; Lucy, who
is the wife of Samuel Mather and resides in Nebraska; L. A., living in Nebraska; and Mary, the widow of Edward
Smith.
Nelson Gilbert acquired his education in the common schools and remained under
the parental roof until twenty-two years of age, when he enlisted for service
in the Union army as a member of Company K, Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. At
the end of six months he was honorably discharged on account of illness and
after returning home began farming in Richland township,
where he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his
entire business career. About sixteen years ago he put aside the active work of
the fields and took up his abode at Dundee, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment
of the fruits of his former toil. He and his wife own eighty-two acres of land
in Richland township
and also twelve lots in Dundee. Mr. Gilbert may well lay claim to the distinction of being
a self-made man, for his prosperity has come as the direct reward of his own
efforts, industry and perseverance.
On the 27th of October, 1863, Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage
to Miss Nancy A. Grimes, who was born in Ohio on the 16th
of October, 1889, her parents being Samuel and Mehitabel Grimes.
To our subject and his wife have been born three children,
namely: James L., the cashier of the Dundee Savings Bank; Hettie,
the wife of George Goldsbourgh; and Flora, who gave her
hand in marriage to Orren Davis of Dundee.
Mr. Gilbert gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and has filled several township offices in a highly creditable
manner. In 1902 he was appointed postmaster of Dundee and has ably discharged the duties
devolving upon him in that connection throughout the intervening twelve years.
Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Solomon Lodge of
Lamont. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and is
widely known and highly respected in the community which has been his home for
nearly six decades.
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