Was born in Marshall County, Kentucky, February 20, 1840. His father, Hugh Gilbert, is engaged in business in Paducah, Ky, having been previously identified with the business interests of Benton, Ky. To him and wife Sarah A. Walters, were born twelve children. The subject of these lines, is the second child, was reared on his father's farm, and after attending the common schools of the neighborhood, continued his studies at Benton and Murray Institutes, afterward teaching school himself. In 1861 he enlisted in Company G. Third Kentucky Confederate Regiment, served three years, and was engaged at the siege of Vicksburg, and various other battles. Returning home at the close of the war, he devoted his time to teaching and farming, the latter of which continued to be his principal occupation up to 1876, when he went into the tobacco business, which has since been his occupation. He has 500 acres of valuable land and a fine residence adjoining the town limits of Murray. He has attained his success in life through his own efforts, and has given to public enterprises freely. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and with his wife a member of the Baptist Church. He was first married to Miss McClain, who died in 1868, and later to Albina P. McClain, sister to his first wife. They have five children.