Great Bend Tribune, Great Bend, KS 8-17-1943
John A. Gilbert, oldest son of Allen Alexander and Sarah Gilbert, was born near Hardin, Calhoun county, Ill., January 15, 1964, and died at Great Bend, Kas., August 13, 1943 at the age of 79 years, six months and 28 days. He was one of a family of 15 children.
At the age of 13 Mr. Gilbert came with his family to Kansas, stopping first in McPherson county where they spent the first winter. The following spring they went on to Ellis county, traveling all the way by covered wagon.
Mr. Gilbert received his education in Ellis county and graduated from the Hays city high school. On completion of his high school education he took a homestead nearby. He rode the range and always enjoyed reliving to his friends experiences of pioneer days in Kansas.
He was united in marriage to Miss Izetta Marmie of Trego county December 26, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert realized the necessity of religious education for their children and took an active part in the establishment of a church and Sunday school in their community. In the early days a ministered visited only about once a month when regular services were held. Mr. Gilbert was licensed as a preacher and substituted three Sundays of each month.
He also took the lead in organizing an Epworth League and a community singing group. His home was the center of many gatherings of young people and it was the custom of several to go home from Sunday school and after the chores were done to return to evening meetings.
Mrs. Gilbert died January 12, 1937.
Thirty-six years ago the Gilberts moved to Great Bend. Mr. Gilbert was employed as custodian of the Methodist church and of the City library until about six years ago. He and his family became members of the Methodist church in Great Bend in 1908.
He is survived by three daughters and two sons Mrs. Ernest (Ellen) Eppstein, Great Bend, Mrs. J.H. (Melissa) Bowman of Roanoke, Va., Miss Alice Gilbert of Great Bend, Ernest Gilbert of Eskridge and Charles Gilbert, Great Bend. Other survivors include a sister, Ada Gilbert of Topeka; seven brothers, Leonard of McCracken, George of San Bernardino, Calif., Arthur of Los Angeles, Alva, Roy, Lowe and Grover, all of Topeka; and 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a large circle of friends.
Funeral services were held from the First Methodist church in Great Bend at 2:30 o clock Monday afternoon with Rev. J.S. Ploughe officiating. Interment was in the Great Bend cemetery.
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