Edward A. Guilbert, M.D.

GUILBERT, BRAINERD, WILLARD, SOMERS

Posted By: Cheryl Moonen (email)
Date: 1/6/2014 at 18:32:12

EDWARD A. GUILBERT, M.D. Dubuque; was born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., N.Y., on the 12th of June, 1826; he attended public schools, and also received instruction in the Black River Institute, at Watertown; in 1837, his father's family moved to Chicago. His professional studies were commenced in the year 1843, and, after a four-years course, he graduated at Rush Medical College, Chicago; for several years he was the confidential student in the office of the late eminent Prof. Daniel Brainerd. In 1847, he married Miss Kathleen Somers, a young lady of education and refinement, having had the benefit of a course of study in the famous academy of Mrs. Emma Willard, of Troy, N.Y. Nine children have been born to them, six of whom survive. He practiced medicine and surgery first in Ottawa, and afterward in Waukegan, Ill. In that time, 1847 to 1852, he still pursued medial studies and investigations with all the interest of an enthusiastic student. About this time, Dr. Guilbert resolved to practice medicine upon a different system- that of Hahnemann, and since known as homeopathy. He soon afterward removed to Elgin, Ill., and commenced his changed practice, having thoroughly studied the literature and theory of that school of medicine. In 1857, he came to Iowa and located at Dubuque, and engaged in the practice of his profession. In the war of the rebellion, he was appointed Surgeon of the Board of Enrollment for the Third Congressional District of Iowa, and discharged the responsible duties of that position from 1862 to 1865. During the war, he gave his influence to encourage enlistments for the volunteer service, and was chosen Captain of Co. A, of the 46th I.V.I. In that capacity he passed five months in the military field service, in 1876, in establishing as institution in Dubuque, known as the Northwestern Sanitarium, with a view to afford medical and surgical relief for that class of patients who might not be able to secure proper treatment for local physicians, and to prevent the necessity of long journeys to more distant hospitals. Dr. Guilbert has been prominently connected with the Masonic Fraternity for over a quarter of a century. In 1857, he was elected Master of Dubuque Lodge, No. 3, and was re-elected five or six times; in 1858, being a delegate to the Grand Lodge, he was elected Junior Grand Warden, and was re-elected in 1859; in 1861, he was elected Senior Grand Warden, and, in 1862, was appointed Deputy Grand Master; in October, 1862, he became Acting Grand Master, and, in 1862, was elected Grand Master. He was re-elected for the two following terms, and thus managed the affairs of the Grand Lodge of Iowa for nearly four years. He has served eight years as the High Priest of Dubuque Royal Arch Chapter, seven years as Eminent Commander of Siloam Commandery and also for five years as the "Thrice Illustrious," of Dubuque Council No. 3. His connections with the Grand Chapter began some years ago, and he is now it Grand High Priest. He was the accepted orator before several of the grand bodies named, on the annual conventions. Dr. Guilbert has been a voluminous writer of Masonic literature. His reports on foreign correspondence, and other reports and papers presented to the four grand bodies in Iowa, have been very full and complete to advance the interests of Masonry. He edited and published the Evergreen, at Dubuque, for three years. There are very few persons who are connected with the Order who have done so much to advance its interests as Dr. Guilbert.

In 1872, Dr. Guilbert became interested in the Liberal Republican movement. He was unanimously chosen Permanent Chairman of the first Liberal Republican Convention held in Iowa; was unanimously nominated for Secretary of State on the joint ticket presented by the Liberals and Democrats; was made a candidate for Congress in 1874, and was defeated in convention, by a combination, only by a few votes, after many ballotings. In 1875, he was, despite his disinclination, proposed as a candidate for Governor on the Anti-Monopoly ticket, and, though no present himself, he was complimented with a large vote on the first ballot. Dr. Guilbert has practiced his profession in Dubuque over twenty-three years, and is one of the leading physicians in the city. He has been professional lecturer in the homeopathic colleges in Cleveland, St. Louis and Chicago.
“The History of Dubuque County" http://members.tripod.com/~Doreen_3/DBBIOAB.htm

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