Merced-San Diego-Santa Cruz County CA Archives Biographies.....Gilbert, Francis 1866 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/cafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 8, 2006, 11:10 pm Author: John Outcalt (1925) FRANCIS GILBERT An unusually eventful life has been the portion of Francis Gilbert, and although he has traveled to many parts of the world in making his life journey, he settled in California and made and maintained his home here, for he recognized the possibilities of the Golden State, and desired to take advantage of them. Born August 8, 1866, in Devonshire, England, he is the fifth son, and seventh of thirteen children born to his worthy parents, Jonathan G. and Jane (Patch) Gilbert. Jonathan G. Gilbert was a native of Cornwall, a direct descendant of the family from which sprang Sir Humphrey Gilbert; after his marriage to Jane Patch, who was born in Devonshire, he resided there, and there his large family was born and reared, within three miles of the birthplace of Sir Francis Drake. He was a tin miner by trade, but enlisted and served in the National Guards, being one of the survivors of the 600 Battalion of Death, immortalized by Tennyson in his poem, "The Charge of the Light Brigade." He received wounds in battle, scars of which he carried to the grave, his death occurring at the good age of seventy-seven years. His seven sons all distinguished themselves in service under the Union Jack, and all of them became well-known mine managers in South Africa, with the exception of Francis, who followed the sea. But little opportunity for education was given Francis Gilbert, for he had to go to work to help support the growing family. He worked in the tin mines as tool carrier, for which work he received nine pence a day; later he became a miner, but, in 1880, he enlisted in the British Navy, on board the training ship H. M. S. Lyon; he made one trip around the world and was a seaman on H. M. S. Implacable at the bombardment of Alexandria in 1882, and became second C. P. O. on Old Triumph. Coming to the conclusion that following the sea would never get him anywhere, with three comrades he deserted ship at San Diego, August 10, 1885, and with five cents in his pocket, struck out to face the world. Four days and nights were spent on Coronado Peninsula, then only a patch of sagebrush, without a mouthful of food or water, except salt, to eat or drink. He swam the bay to San Diego, under cover of night, rigged up a raft and rescued his three companions by rowing them to the main land, when they struck out to find food and a job, willing to take anything that was offered them. Young Gilbert entered the employ of Rancher Tibbetts, at Tia-Juana, at ten dollars per month "and found." In the seasons of 1886-1887, the valley was flooded, prices went high, and hay sold up to sixty dollars per ton, other produce being in proportion. For the next two seasons, Mr. Gilbert conducted a retail fruit and vegetable route on half shares with Mr. Tibbetts, becoming fairly well acquainted with the southern country. He also worked as longshoreman for a period of eight months. In 1887, on July 4, he won the gold medal and twenty-five dollars and the Pacific Coast long distance swimming championship. In 1889, Mr. Gilbert came to Merced County to farm the Collins-Twitchell tract, and this work he followed successfully for seven years, also engaged in working on contract harvesting machines. In 1902, he made a return journey to England, accompanied by his family, and was absent for fourteen months, after which his wife and three children returned to California and he went to the mines of South Africa. Three years later, he reached California with a "stake" of $5000, remaining in Santa Cruz during 1906, where he was swimming instructor at the Casino; during 1906 and 1907 he was a member of the life-saving crew as well, rescuing many from drowning—three on one certain Sunday afternoon. On September 6, 1908, at Santa Cruz, he won the "Undaunted" gold medal, being the fire and water prize, for swimming across the plunge carrying a four-inch hose and putting out a fire before the arrival of the contesting fire brigade. Mr. Gilbert came back to Merced County and invested in land and now owns 257 acres of choice farm lands, specializing in livestock and grain raising, and is a breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs. He attributes his success to a strict policy of economy and the help of his devoted wife, who reared a family and had the hardest part of the work, but always helped in the management of business. The marriage of Mr. Gilbert, occurring August 26, 1888, in St. Joseph Church, San Diego, united him with Miss Kathryn Collins, a native of Sandy Mush, Merced County, and daughter of the late William Collins, pioneer rancher; her death occurred January 16, 1915, survived by three children: Frances, now Mrs. Harden, of Merced (her twin, Charles F., died in infancy); William Arthur, who served on the Mexican border for two years; and John Francis, a Merced rancher, who served as corporal in the 12th United States Infantry during the World War, accompanying a physical trainer in teaching boxing. Seven grandchildren are in the family: Kathryn F., Gertrude, Gilbert, and Louise Harden; and Albert E., Dorothy M., and Marion E. Gilbert. The second marriage of Mr. Gilbert, July 4, 1916, at St. Francis Church, San Francisco, united him with Miss Anna F. Farrell, who was born in Boston, Mass., the fourth of six children born to her parents; her brother, George, is a captain of police in Boston, and she has a sister in California, Mrs. Jane Shade of San Francisco, wife of Lieutenant Shade of the San Francisco fire department. Before her marriage she was employed at the San Francisco Exposition as inspector of women's dressing rooms. Mr. Gilbert received his citizenship papers in Merced, and has always endeavored to aid in the welfare of his adopted country, for he realizes that his success in life was made possible by his decision to locate in the newer land, and this decision he has never had occasion to regret. Fraternally, he belongs to the local lodge of Foresters, of which organization he holds the office of Sub-chief Ranger, and he is a Knight of Columbus. A born optimist, he has reached his present firm position through hard work and good management, and his favorite verse, a memory of his brave mother, follows: "Whene'er a task is set to you, Don't idly sit and view it, Nor be content to wish it done; Begin at once and do it." Additional Comments: From: HISTORY OF MERCED COUNTY CALIFORNIA WITH A Biographical Review OF The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified with Its Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present HISTORY BY JOHN OUTCALT ILLUSTRATED COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 1925 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/merced/bios/gilbert201gbs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/cafiles/ File size: 7.2 Kb