Nelson Gilbert, who has served as postmaster at Dundee since 1902, was successfully identified with agricultural pursuits in Richland township throughout his active business career and is one of the well known and representative citizens of Delaware county. His birth occurred in New York on the 21st of June, 1839, his parents being Daniel and Harriett (Marsh) Gilbert, who were likewise natives of the Empire state. In 1841 they removed to Illinois, residing on a farm in Boone county until 1856, when they came to Manchester, Delaware county, Iowa. Subsequently they took up their abode at Forrestville, where they conducted a store for a number of years and spent the remainder of their lives. They had seven children, four of whom survive, as follows: Nelson, of this review; Lucy, who is the wife of Samuel Mather and resides in Nebraska; L. A., living in Nebraska; and Mary, the widow of Edward Smith.

      Nelson Gilbert acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until twenty two years of age, when he enlisted for service in the Union army as a member of Company K, Fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. At the end of six months he was honorably discharged on account of illness and after returning home began farming in Richland township, where he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career. About sixteen years ago he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode at Dundee, where he has since lived retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. He and his wife own eighty-two acres of land in Richland township and also twelve lots in Dundee. Mr. Gilbert may well lay claim to the distinction of being a self-made man, for his prosperity has come as the direct reward of his own efforts, industry and perseverance.

      On the 27th of October, 1863, Mr. Gilbert was united in marriage to Miss Nancy A. Grimes, who was born in Ohio on the 16th of October, 1889, her parents being Samuel and Mehitabel Grimes. To our subject and his wife have been born three children, namely: James L., the cashier of the Dundee Savings Bank; Hettie, the wife of George Goldsbourgh; and Flora, who gave her hand in marriage to Orren Davis of Dundee.

      Mr. Gilbert gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has filled several township offices in a highly creditable manner. In 1902 he was appointed postmaster of Dundee and has ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in that connection throughout the intervening twelve years. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Solomon Lodge of Lamont. He has now passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and is widely known and highly respected in the community which has been his home for nearly six decades.