General James I. Gilbert 1823-1884

GILBERT

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/1/2012 at 12:46:41

General James I. Gilbert, than whom no more genial gentleman or braver soldier ever lived in Iowa, a former resident of Burlington for many years, died of paralysis of the heart at Topeka, Kansas, last Saturday evening, the unexpected and sad intelligence of his dissolution being conveyed to his aged mother and brothers, J.W. and W.D. Gilbert, residing in this city, in a telegram received by them Sunday morning.

Yesterday morning the news of his death 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 business men of Burlington, being connected with the lumber firm of Gilbert, Hedge & Co.

Four or five years ago he disposed of his business interests in Burlington and located in Colorado for the purpose of engaging in mining operations, later removing to Topeka, Kansas, with his family, which has been their place of residence ever since.

General Gilbert was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and at an early age emigrated to the west, locating in Cassville, Wis., from which place he removed to Prairie du Chien. He embarked in the lumber business at Nauvoo, and disposed of large quantities to the Mormons and simultaneously with his business intercourse with the advocates of polygamy he took advantage of the opportunity of acquainting himself with their customs, habits and religious views. Being conversant with the Indian language and acquainted with many of the leading chiefs of the Minnesota and Wisconsin tribes, who had for him the greatest respect, he made a trip up the Red river of the North to British America with a cargo of goods in canoes. Returning he engaged in business at Stillwater, Lake Pepin, and Lansing, Iowa.

At the latter place he was connected with Diamond Jo Reynolds, of steamboat fame, in various commercial enterprises.

At the outbreak of the rebellion he organized the Twenty-seventh Iowa infantry, which was mustered in at Dubuque in 1862 and of which Mr. Gilbert was made colonel. His regiment participated in the expedition to the Red river under the command of General Banks and was engaged in the military operations in Tennesse. 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 bettery 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 untion forces. "Can you take that battery?" asked General Thomas. "I can and I will take," 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 deceased 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 the military affairs, and a short time afterwards was mustered out of the service at his urgent solicitations to engage in mercantile pursuits.

Soon after he located in Burlington, associating himself with his brothers in the lumber business. Later he removed to Colorado, as stated above, but his mining ventures proved disastrous.

He leaves a wife and one son. The deceased' mother, two brothers and sister, Miss Martha Gilbert, reside in Burlington. The remains will arrive here Wednesday morning and the funeral will be held at 2 o'clock the same afternoon from the residence of John W. Gilbert.

~The Hawk-eye, Burlington, Iowa; Tuesday morning February 12, 1884