Gilbert, Arthur B. (1845-1931)

Evening Kansan-Republican obituary: 1931 Oct 26 p. 4

Birth date: 1845 May 30

text of obituary:

Arthur B. Gilbert

After many months of declining health, death came to the blessed release of A. B. Gilbert early this morning at his home at 216 West Eighth street. He had been about his home in much the same way that had been his custom since being more closely confined, until Sunday morning when his physician decided that complete rest and bed were advisable, and the end came quietly and peacefully much to the comfort of Mrs. Gilbert who has been his devoted companion for sixty three years.

In the passing of Mr. Gilbert, Newton is bereft of a fine citizen of long standing and the roll of pioneers is again shortened. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert came from Cleveland, Ohio, to Kansas in 1870 and two years later arrived in Newton to make their home. For nearly sixty years their home has been in the delightful spot on West Eighth street, facing Themian Park which was a never ending joy to Mr. Gilbert.

Here his good wife and his son Lawson and daughter Minnie made life sweet for him as he labored for them as cashier of the First National bank of this city, for thirty-five years. He held positions of trust meanwhile in city and county and was active in the fraternal orders of Newton being the first man to be initiated in the Masonic Lodge 142 A. F. and A. M. and being the first worthy patron of the Eastern Star.

After retiring from business he devoted himself to the interests of the city as one of the City Commissioners and was especially interested in the parks. Newton owes much of the civic beauty which it enjoys to Mr. Gilbert and his devotion to that part of his work.

He has been post commander of Judson Kilpatrick Post since 1919 as he saw service as a lad in Co. B, 171st Ohio Infantry and it seems significant that his birthday came on May 30 which is the day set aside as Memorial Day by the Civil War Veterans. Last Memorial Day was his 86th birthday.

He and Mrs. Gilbert were married February 9, 1868 and have had the pleasure of celebrating their fiftieth and also their sixtieth wedding anniversary.

He was the last of a family of ten children as Mrs. Gilbert is the last of her father's family.

They have had the great sorrow of losing by death their daughter Minnie, but have been happy thru-out the years in the devotion of their son Lawson Gilbert and his wife who comes from Denver to be with their mother, and in their granddaughter, Mrs. Charles Richards of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who is on her way to Newton. Mrs. Gilbert also has a sustaining help in her sorrow, Mrs. A. E. Smolt, who while a niece is also like a daughter.

The funeral service will be held at the home 216 West Eighth street Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 with Rev. F. E. Black of the First Presbyterian church in charge. Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery.

Friends wishing to see Mr. Gilbert before he is taken to his home may call at the Sprinker chapel Tuesday afternoon from two until six o'clock. The body will be taken home at ten o'clock Wednesday morning.

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biographical sketch from History of the State of Kansas... (Chicago: A. T. Andreas, 1883), p. 776

A. B. GILBERT, cashier of the First National Bank, located at Newbury, Wabaunsee Co., Kansas, in March, 1870, remaining there until he removed to Newton in July, 1872. His first employment in Newton was as book-keeper and clerk in the hardware business, in which he continued until 1875. He was elected at that time County Treasurer, having previously served as Deputy County Treasurer under S. Lehman for two years. He filled the office of County Treasurer from 1876 to 1880, also taking charge of Mr. Lehman's books from 1876 to 1878. Mr. Gilbert is a native of Newbury, Geauga Co., Ohio, born May 30, 1845. He lived in his native county until he was about eighteen years of age, and from that time until he came to Kansas, in Cleveland, Ohio, employed as a bookkeeper, serving during his residence in Ohio 100 days in the One Hundred and Seventy-first Ohio Infantry, known as the National Guards. He was married in Troy, Ohio, February 9, 1868, to Lovina Glendenning, of Middlefield, Ohio. They have two children—Lawson and Minnie. Since Mr. Gilbert has been a resident of Newton he has served as Alderman of the First Ward several years, member of Board of Education several years, City Clerk four years, and as Treasurer of Board of Educaiton several years. He is a member of A. F. & A. M., Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery.