Submitted by
Vicki Ebert

OBITUARY

William Hayes Gilbert was born in Marion, Grant county, Indiana, on Oct. 2, 1846, and departed this life January 25, 1919, at Blackwell, Okla., at the age of 72 years, 3 months and 23 days. He enlisted in the civil war and served his country 1 year and 7 months. He was a member of the local post of the G. A. R. No. 62, of which he was quartermaster for fourteen years. He was married to Miss Rebecca F. Slusser at Wabash, Ind., March 3, 1867. To them were born three sons; John H. Gilbert of Salt Lake City, Utah; D. E. Gilbert of Newkirk, Okla.; and T. J. Gilbert of Ponca City, Okla. His wife, all three sons, and eight grandchildren remain to mourn his loss. Mr. Gilbert came to Oklahoma from Oxford, Kan. He made the “run” at the opening of the “strip.” Sept. 16, 1893, and won his claim east of Blackwell, where he lived until moving to town. He was christened and reared in the Presbyterian church, but after marriage he united, with his wife, with the M. E. church. A good husband, a kind father, an earnest Christian. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them.” The services were held at the residence on Padon avenue, Sunday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m., by Rev. F. J. Stowe, and the body was laid to rest in the I.O.O.F cemetery.