John Gilbert

GILBERT, John - There was great surprise and many expressions of sorrow Sunday morning upon the announcement that Uncle John Gilbert had breathed his last about 9 o’clock the evening before. He had been on our streets so recently before in apparently good health that a very few knew of his sickness and a still smaller number that he was in a dangerous condition. He was taken with a sever attack of pneumonia on Wednesday evening and lived but three days. He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery Monday. He leaves a widow, one daughter and three grand children. Uncle John Gilbert was in his 64th year and was a soldier in the Mexican War, enlisting from Phillips County. He moved to Washington County shortly after the civil war, lived near Walnut Grove for several years but has been a citizen of Fayetteville for about 12 years. He was a member of the Baptist Church, a Mason and a good citizen. [Fayetteville Democrat 11/4/1887]

A good and true man has passed away to his reward in the death of my life-long friend, John Gilbert, whose noble spirit “returned to God who gave it,” at his residence in Fayetteville, Arkansas October 29, 1887. A brief illness of three days carried him to the grave. He lived beloved and esteemed and died regretted. My friend was born in Virginia about sixty-five years ago. In early life he removed with his father and family to Madison County, Alabama, and after a few years went to Morgan County of the same State where I first knew him, more than fifty years ago. About 1841 or 1842 he removed to Phillips County, Arkansas, when in 1858, he was happily married to Miss Martha Martin, who lives to mourn her great loss. Mr. Gilbert was a great patriot, and a soldier in two wars. He followed the fortunes of General Taylor during the Mexican War and was found at the post of duty and nobly and bravely met the enemy on some of the most hotly contested fields - especially at Monterey and Buena Vista - of that campaign. He also took his place beneath “the stars and bars.” The ensign of the “Lost Cause,” and only laid down his arms when hope had fled and Lee surrendered. Soon after the close of the war he removed to Washington County, Arkansas and fixed his home near Walnut Grove and about twelve years ago, removed to Fayetteville, where death found him, but found him prepared with his house in order. He professed religion and united with the Missionary Baptist Church in Phillips County and lived in communion with that church, a consistent, orderly and upright Christian. He was a man whom none could reproach and who left in death “no blots on his name.” I have known him long and well, known him as few have known him and employ no empty and unmeaning terms when I say that he belonged to that lass of men who are said to be the noblest work of God. He was unobtrusive and undemonstrative in his habits and manners and many knew him long, but little of the man - of his inner life. He was true to the principles of honor and integrity, never betraying or deceiving his fellow man, nor proving unfaithful to his pledges or obligations. His home and his family were the objects of his constant care and devotion. As a husband and father he was constant, gentle, loving and kind; as a friend, steadfast and unwavering; as a citizen, loyal and patriotic; and as a Christian; quiet, firm and uncompromising - always endeavoring to live “in all Godliness and honesty.” His sudden death leaves a great void in the home he loved so well. Time may soothe, but never heal the wounds that have been made in the loving hearts of wife, daughter and kindred. He met death, not only with fortitude and composure, but as a Christian hero. He said he was ready- everything was in order- and having given instructions as to his business, his last advice and loving charge to his wife and daughter, and to his little grandchildren, as if he was but going a short journey, he closed his eyes in death as calmly and as gently as an infant falling into slumber upon his mother’s breast. Friend, farewell. H.M.W. [Fayetteville Democrat 12/2/1887]