I'll bet you've driven or walked by the bust of Thomas Dwight Gilbert in Fulton Street Park hundreds of times, but have you ever wondered who he was and why he merited a bust in the center of Grand Rapids?
Postcard from the author's collection.
Thomas Dwight Gilbert is a name all who live in Grand Rapids should know as well as that of John Ball, though his memory has been pretty much forgotten. That could be because he had no dependents to carry on his name, though his brother, Francis Backus Gilbert, did have a few children who lived to adulthood.
Thomas came to Grand Rapids in 1855, after living and working for a time in Grand Haven, and immediately started being influential in this young city.
"CITY NATIONAL BANK.
The City National Bank was organized February 17, 1865, about one year after the organization of the First National Bank. Thomas D. Gilbert was its first and only President, and J. Frederic Baars its first and only Cashier. The permanency in office of these two men is of itself sufficient evidence both of the stable character of the institution and of its officers. The first Board of Directors was composed of the following gentlemen: William B. Ledyard, Thomas D. Gilbert, Ransom E. Wood, Moses V. Aldrich, Henry Fralick, Ransom C. Luce, George Kendall, James M. Nelson, James Miller. The capital was increased to $100,000. This capital was increased to $200,000 in 1867 (when its deposits were about $250,000), and in 1871 to $300,000. Among other well known names of our business men who served on its Board of Directors are: Noyes L. Avery, John W. Peirce, Julius Houseman, Francis B. Gilbert, Lemuel D. Putnam, John C. Fitz Gerald. The City National Bank Charter expired in 1885. Its history as an active financial institution continued just twenty years. It met with some losses, unavoidable in so long a history, but its successful record will long be remembered by those who were fortunate enough to be numbered among its stockholders and patrons. It gave to the stockholders unusually fine dividends, average some 14 per cent per annum during its last ten years, and at the closing up paid back the face value of its stock and 85 per cent additional. It gave liberal encouragement to the business interests of the city and was always a favorite place for the conservative dealer. It built in 1869 and thereafter owned and occupied by the National City Bank, its immediate successor. It should have been heretofore said that the City National Bank succeeded to the business of Messrs. Ledyard and Fralick, both of whom took a prominent place in the management of the new institutions, the latter remaining upon its Board during its entire history.
NATIONAL CITY BANK.
This is the successor of the City National, by reorganization when the charter of the latter expired, and its incorporation dates from January 22, 1885, with a capital stock of $500,000. Officers – Thomas D. Gilbert, President; Julius Houseman, Vice-President; J. Frederic Baars, Cashier; Edward H. Hunt, Assistant Cashier. Directors – Thomas D. Gilbert, Julius Houseman, Noyes L. Avery, John C. Fitz Gerald, Ransom C. Luce, George G. Briggs, Henry Fralick, Constantine Morton, J. Frederic Baars, George Kendall, T. Stewart White, Lemuel D. Putnam, Charles H. Hackley. The only change in this list has been the accession of Philo C. Fuller as a Director in place of Charles H. Hackley. It has been quite as successful as was its predecessor, its deposits having grown to upward of $1,000,000. The City National Bank was made a United State Depository in 1865, and that, and this National City Bank, has remained such ever since."
Here are short bios of Thomas and his brother Francis.
THOMAS D. GILBERT is one of the pioneer settlers of this valley, of which he has been a resident fifty-five years. He was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts, December 13, 1815. His father was General Thomas Gilbert, and his mother was Harriet A., daughter of Ebenezer Arms, of that town. The educational training received by Mr. Gilbert was that of the common schools and at Deerfield Academy. In 1830 he entered a store as clerk, remaining there about five years. In June, 1835, he came to Grand Haven, Michigan, where there were then only about half a dozen settlers, and soon after, with others, engaged in operating one of the first sawmills started in this valley. The financial revulsion of 1837 left that adventure with but little to show beyond the experience gained therein. In 1843 he embarked in mercantile and warehousing business at Grand Haven with his younger brother, the late Francis B. Gilbert of this city. In 1850 the brothers engaged largely for those times in the lumber trade and in lake shipping, an enterprise which proved successful and profitable, in which they continued for some five years. In 1855 they removed to Grand Rapids, and after two years of travel at home and abroad the subject of this sketch took up his permanent abode here. He became a stockholder in, and in 1860 was made Secretary and Treasurer and Managing Director of the Grand Rapids Gas Light Company, which positions he still holds. In 1865 he was elected President of the City National Bank, to the present time. Besides his stock in that corporation he has financial interests in other business enterprises, among them the Michigan Trust Company, and several of the manufacturing enterprises that have made Grand Rapids what it is.
In official life Mr. Gilbert has rendered the public much excellent service. In 1841-42 he was Sheriff of Ottawa County. In 1861-62 was Representative from this city in the State Legislature, and served upon the House Committees on Ways and Means, and on Banks and Incorporations. At that time the finances of the State were in such condition that its resources were taxed to the utmost to meet the extra demands of the United States for war purposes, and Mr. Gilbert's judgment and influence proved valuable in shaping needed legislation. In 1863 he was elected Member of the Board of Regents of the State University, and was retained in that position until the close of 1875 – twelve years – an office without compensation other than payment of necessary expenses. During the entire time he was Chairman of the Finance Committee, a position requiring much time and labor in attention to its duties. On that Board his services, in behalf of education and of the University, of which the State is so justly proud, were a great value. He has also served several years as Member of the Board of Education of this city. Upon the organization of the Board of Public Works, in May, 1873, he was appointed a member thereof, and was its President five years. During that time the City Water Works system was established and put in operation under the direction of the Board; and much other work in the way of public improvements was accomplished. He has also served two and a half years as Alderman of the Second Ward. In official positions he has ever been found watchful and alert in regard to the public interests, and faithful to its trusts.
Mr. Gilbert married, in November, 1871, Mary A., daughter of the late Rev. Abel Bingham, who for upward of thirty years was a missionary among the Indians (first with the Senecas near Tonawanda, N.Y., six years, and afterward at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., where Mrs. Gilbert was born), and who died in this city November 26, 1865, aged 79 years.
During his twenty years at Grand Haven, Mr. Gilbert was not only active and energetic in business, but interested in noting the growth and progress of that town and this valley; as is shown by items relating to shipments to and from that port, furnished by him to the weekly newspapers of Grand Rapids from time to time in that period. And in the thirty-five years of his residence in this city, he has been continuously identified with some of its leading enterprises. His life work is built into the development of this region. As a man and citizen he enjoys the confidence of its people. Public spirited, he has taken an interest in the public weal. Naturally generous and benevolent, fortunately has means have enabled him often to be liberal, as is shown by contributions to the public schools, and to various benevolent and charitable associations and enterprises; several of which receive notice as historical items in other pages of this volume.
In official life Mr. Gilbert has rendered the public much excellent service. In 1841-42 he was Sheriff of Ottawa County. In 1861-62 was Representative from this city in the State Legislature, and served upon the House Committees on Ways and Means, and on Banks and Incorporations. At that time the finances of the State were in such condition that its resources were taxed to the utmost to meet the extra demands of the United States for war purposes, and Mr. Gilbert's judgment and influence proved valuable in shaping needed legislation. In 1863 he was elected Member of the Board of Regents of the State University, and was retained in that position until the close of 1875 – twelve years – an office without compensation other than payment of necessary expenses. During the entire time he was Chairman of the Finance Committee, a position requiring much time and labor in attention to its duties. On that Board his services, in behalf of education and of the University, of which the State is so justly proud, were a great value. He has also served several years as Member of the Board of Education of this city. Upon the organization of the Board of Public Works, in May, 1873, he was appointed a member thereof, and was its President five years. During that time the City Water Works system was established and put in operation under the direction of the Board; and much other work in the way of public improvements was accomplished. He has also served two and a half years as Alderman of the Second Ward. In official positions he has ever been found watchful and alert in regard to the public interests, and faithful to its trusts.
Mr. Gilbert married, in November, 1871, Mary A., daughter of the late Rev. Abel Bingham, who for upward of thirty years was a missionary among the Indians (first with the Senecas near Tonawanda, N.Y., six years, and afterward at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., where Mrs. Gilbert was born), and who died in this city November 26, 1865, aged 79 years.
During his twenty years at Grand Haven, Mr. Gilbert was not only active and energetic in business, but interested in noting the growth and progress of that town and this valley; as is shown by items relating to shipments to and from that port, furnished by him to the weekly newspapers of Grand Rapids from time to time in that period. And in the thirty-five years of his residence in this city, he has been continuously identified with some of its leading enterprises. His life work is built into the development of this region. As a man and citizen he enjoys the confidence of its people. Public spirited, he has taken an interest in the public weal. Naturally generous and benevolent, fortunately has means have enabled him often to be liberal, as is shown by contributions to the public schools, and to various benevolent and charitable associations and enterprises; several of which receive notice as historical items in other pages of this volume.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FRANCIS B. GILBERT was born at Greenfield, Mass., May 25, 1818; came to Grand Haven, Mich., in 1837; to Grand Rapids in 1840; returned to Grand Haven in 1844; came again to Grand Rapids in 1855, and resided here until his death, May 25, 1885. He was a man of affairs, successful in business, upright and esteemed. For much of the time in business interests he was intimately associated with his brother, Thomas D. Gilbert. He was President of the Grand Rapids Gas Light Company for more than a quarter of a century, and was also connected with banking.
Harvey J Hollister wrote the above sections on the banks, and Albert Baxter wrote the biographies. Both appeared in Baxter's History of Grand Rapids, 1891, in the chapter on Banking.
Being childless, and possessing money and compassion, Thomas Gilbert wanted to encourage the schoolchildren of Grand Rapids to study hard and achieve great things. He established a fund to award medals and prizes for outstanding students of English. Later the distribution of funds was mutually changed to purchase scientific equipment and textbooks for the schools.
"THE GILBERT FUND.
Grand Rapids, January 20, 1860
To John Ball, Wilder D. Foster and other Trustees of Union School District Number One in the city of Grand Rapids:
Gentlemen--Herewith I send you my bond for the sum of two thousand dollars, bearing date the first inst. and payable in five years from date with interest annually. I donate this amount to you and your successors in office, or such other persons as may be in your stead elected or appointed to manage the public schools of the city, in trust for the following purpose: The income from this fund I wish to have distributed among the meritorious scholars of the public schools of the city, under the direction of yourselves and your legal successors in office, in honorary rewards for scholarship, regular attendance and good conduct. The condition of the donation is that all the scholars, in all the public schools in the city, shall have an opportunity, under the rules that may be prescribed for the distribution of the income of the fund, to compete for the prizes or medals to be awarded.
I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Thos. D. Gilbert
P. S.--I recommend that proficients in English studies only, be rewarded from the income of this fund, and that a fair proportion of it be distributed among the Ward Schools.
Thos. D. Gilbert.
The Trustees accepted with thanks the generous donation of Mr. Gilbert, and pledged themselves to carry out the intentions of the donor to the best of their ability. The interest on the fund was thereafter apportioned among the three districts of the city--District Number One, Number Two and Number Six--in proportion to the number of children of school age in each. By mutual agreement between the Board and Mr. Gilbert the fund has not been used, as at first intended, in the granting of rewards and medals for excellence in scholarship, but has been applied toward the purchasing of reference books and scientific and other apparatus for the schools; Prof. Strong and other experienced teachers considering this disposal of the income from the fund to be more beneficial than the other. Thus was founded what has ever since been known as " The Gilbert Trust Fund."
Baxter, Public Schools, Chapter 26
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About 1904, looking West down Fulton St on the left and Monroe on the right. |
As the Civil War was winding down, a group of citizens wanted to honor the service of their soldier friends and relatives by erecting a monument. Some money was raised, not nearly enough, and the project languished for some 20 years, the funds being looked after by Thomas Gilbert, until more money was obtained and a monument purchased and installed downtown in Triangle Park. Women were included on this monument at the insistence of Mary Bingham Gilbert, Thomas' wife. Thomas also made the presentation address.
"SOLDIERS' MONUMENT
The Soldiers' Monument is so placed in the triangular park at the intersection of Fulton, Division and Monroe Streets that the statue of the soldier at the summit of the shaft, faces northwest. The basin surrounding the base of the monument is sixteen feet in diameter and circular in form, built of native stone, surmounted by a coping of sand stone. The monument proper rests upon a base of native stone cut in the from of a Greek cross. From this rises the bronze base of the structure, ornamented in appropriate designs, with medallion portraits of Lincoln, Grant, Farragut and Garfield, and inscribed thereupon are the names and dates of the following engagements, all of which were participated in by Kent County soldiers: Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861; Fort Donaldson, February 16, 1852; Monitor and Merrimac, March 9, 1862; New Orleans, April 24, 1862; Atlanta, September 2, 1862; Yorktown, April 4, May 4, 1862; Fair Oaks, May 31, June 1, 1862; Vicksburg, June 22, July 4, 1863; Appomatox, April 8, 1865; Mobile, March 30, April 12, 1865; Stone River, January 2, 1863; Port Royal, January 1, 1862. This section has a height of seven feet from the stone base.
The next section is square in form, having on the front side in bas relief a scene representing a woman giving aid to a wounded soldier and the inscription "Woman's Mission of Mercy" — probably the first recognition in the history of soldiers' monuments of the work of women. The idea of doing so in this case was conceived by Mrs. Thomas D. Gilbert, and embodied in the plans by the committee.
The other three sides of this section have three inscriptions.
"A Government of the people, by the people and for the people." — Lincoln
"The Union must and shall be preserved." — Jackson
"Let us have peace — This is a Nation." — Grant
"The war for the Union was right, eternally right." — Garfield.
Upon the next section, on the front, is the inscription, "In honor of the soldiers from Kent County, 1861-1865. Erected 1885." Above is a draped shaft upon which is the life-sized figure of a soldier in the uniform of a private, and standing at parade rest. Around the pedestal on which the statue stands are: "Petersburg," "Winchester," "Mission Ridge," "Antietam."
The height of the monument from the ground to the top of the soldier's cap, is thirty-four feet. It is one of the most elaborate, up to that time, made of this material, "white bronze," which is believed to be indestructible, and is of a rich gray color. When the water is turned on jets play from cannon peeping out of miniature embrasures into the lower basin, while four draped cherubs spout water into the upper basin. The park was formally set apart for this monument and fountain November 25, 1884, by action of the Common Council."
Baxter, Cemeteries, Chapter 36
When more cemetery space was needed, Thomas Gilbert stepped in with donations of land and a Cemetery Association to look after things.
Boulder marker stoneat Fulton Street Cemetery from Author's collection.
"FULTON STREET CEMETERY July 9, 1838, the Trustees of the Village purchased of James Ballard six acres of ground comprising what is now a part of the Fulton Street Cemetery. The purchase price was $300. It was to be reserved and used expressly as a cemetery for the Village of Grand Rapids, one-third of it for the Roman Catholics, and was to be kept in order and repair at the expense of the Village. Twenty years later this ground was found too small for the needs of the then rapidly growing city, and additions were made to it of parcels adjoining, by deeds of Thomas D. Gilbert and others, in 1862, 1863 and 1864. In the early part of 1868, the "Fulton Street Cemetery Association of the City of Grand Rapids" was incorporated, under the law of the State relating to such associations, by the owners of lots in that cemetery, and the following officers were elected: President, Thomas D. Gilbert; Clerk, James B. Willson; Treasurer, J. Frederic Baars; Sexton, John Suttle; Directors, L. R. Atwater, A. Lamont Chubb, Alonzo Platt. At the same meeting by-laws were adopted and an assessment of $600 was levied on the members for the improvement of the grounds. Since that time they have been well cared for by this association. The present officers are: President, George W. Sones; Secretary and Treasurer, J. F. Baars; Sexton, John Ringold. The grounds with their alleys and carriage ways are well laid out and carefully and neatly kept, and in them are a considerable number of handsome and costly monuments. The trees and shrubbery, judiciously and tastefully trimmed, give the place much the appearance of an attractive park. The area of this cemetery is nearly twelve acres."
Baxter, Cemeteries, Chapter 36
Fulton Street Cemetery on Find-A-Grave
Map of Fulton Street Cemetery on Kent County Michigan GenWeb Project
John Ball and wife Gravestone from Fulton St Cemetery, courtesy MLive
Another of Thomas Gilbert's pet projects was, of course, Fulton Street Park, previously called Court House Square, and, later, Veteran's Memorial Park.
From Ruger's 1868 panoramic map of Grand Rapids, Library of Congress. Note both Triangle Park and Fulton Street Park.
1862 - "A tree-planting association was organized in the Third Ward and did good work in setting shade trees on the parks and contiguous sidewalks. Thomas D. Gilbert was prominent in this movement, and at the expense of the city one hundred trees were set on the public square, and a fence put around it and painted. "
Baxter, Chapter 11
The trees included oaks, hickories, and maples. Thomas Gilbert maintained the park and fence and even plowed it and planted oats and potatoes in 1865.
Postcard from the author's collection.
Postcard from the author's collection.
The Union Benevolent Association (UBA) Hospital was another of Thomas Gilbert's interests. In its early days, when funds were scarce, he bailed them out of their debt for the property. Later he headed the committee to build a new hospital, designed by S J Osgood, and dedicated in 1886.
Postcard from the author's collection.
And from the other side. . .
Engraving from Baxter, p 353.
Soon after Thomas and Francis came to Grand Rapids they moved into the former Bostwick house on Cherry Street that I wrote about here. Thomas and Francis Gilbert lived there for a time before the Morrises bought it. They were listed there in the 1859 City Directory.
Did you happen to notice the house way up in the corner of the large Fulton Street Park picture? The one with the belvedere? This large Italianate was supposedly built by James Gallup in 1865, although Henry Martin was listed in the 1859 city directory as living on this corner. This house is now called the McCabe-Marlowe House, after subsequent owners, and is now owned by Grand Rapids Junior College.
Did you happen to notice the house way up in the corner of the large Fulton Street Park picture? The one with the belvedere? This large Italianate was supposedly built by James Gallup in 1865, although Henry Martin was listed in the 1859 city directory as living on this corner. This house is now called the McCabe-Marlowe House, after subsequent owners, and is now owned by Grand Rapids Junior College.
I believe that this picture, looking down towards Fulton Street Park in the middle of the picture under the trees, is taken from the belvedere of that house.
Click on it to see full size.
Next door to that house was this one, built by Francis Gilbert, at the foot of John Street. This house was left to Francis' daughter, Harriet Isabella, who married Philo Carroll Fuller. A history of the house can be read here.
From Google Maps
Thomas lived with his brother and his first wife, Caroline. Caroline died in 1869, but by then Thomas had moved into the St Denis Boarding House* at 122 Monroe, living there before and after his marriage to Mary A Bingham in 1871. In 1878 he started building a house across the street from Francis, and moved in by 1882. His wife lived there after his death, and until her death in 1910.
From Grand Rapids As It Is, 1888.
Page from "Grand Rapids in Stereographs 1860 - 1900" by Thomas R Dilley.
From Google Maps
Somebody added dormers (and removed the beautiful round window). Not integrated very well, either.
Here is the family of Sophia Haskel Bingham Buchanan on the porch with Angie Bingham Gilbert. Some of her sister's family lived in the house with Angie and after her death. (She is in front of the pillar.) Information about the house from the Heritage Hill Historic Association can be found here.
From Ancestry.com Boye Family Tree of Sarah Boye.
Both of these houses were within two blocks of Fulton Street Park, making an easy walk for Thomas to tend to his park. You can see Francis' house in the upper middle on Lafayette St across from John St. (It is more widely known in Grand Rapids as the Philo Fuller House, after it's second owner.)
From Ruger's 1868 panoramic map of Grand Rapids, Library of Congress.
Later, between the two houses shown on the 1868 Ruger map, above, another house was built for another of Francis' daughters, Katherine, and her husband, John C Holt.
The Gilbert family is buried, most appropriately, at Fulton Street Cemetery, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Later, between the two houses shown on the 1868 Ruger map, above, another house was built for another of Francis' daughters, Katherine, and her husband, John C Holt.
The Gilbert family is buried, most appropriately, at Fulton Street Cemetery, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Photo by Richard Howell on Find-A-Grave.
*The St Denis Hotel is shown in the 1868 Ruger map, below. See how close it is to Thomas' beloved parks.
From the 1888 Sanborn map.
From the 1895 Sanborn map.
The Gilbert brothers had bought the St Denis Hotel property in 1868 and Thomas was living there, then, according to the city directory. Later it was developed into The Gilbert Building.
