Dubuque County >> 1894 Index
Jones County
Clayton County

Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties
Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894.

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Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Becky Teubner.

ECCLES W. GAWLEY, M. D.

The calling of a physician is not only one of the most arduous but one of the most responsible pursuits in which a man can engage, and he who attains a high reputation in this calling must necessarily be endowed with physical endurance, keen intelligence and excellent judgment. The subject of this sketch is one whose extensive practice and high standing in the profession prove conclusively his mental endowments. He was born in Ireland in 1850, and is descended from a long line of prominent physicians.

Our subject attended the schools of his native place, which were noted for their high standard, until reaching his twenty-first year, when he determined to seek his fortune in another country. He consequently emigrated to Canada and after spending a few months there crossed into the States. It was his desire to fit himself for a professional career. Entering the Medical Department of the University of Michigan , he spent two years, after which he went to Detroit and became a student in the Detroit Medical College , from which institution he was graduated in 1875. Dr. Gawley then remained in the City of Straits engaged in practice for two years, and at the end of that time came to Iowa , locating at once in Anamosa. Since coming hither Dr. Gawley has built up an extensive and growing practice and is often called upon to visit patients in adjoining states. He also conducts a sanitarium for the accommodation of those placed under his care. He is rarely adapted to his profession by nature and temperament, possessing, as he does, fine, sympathetic feelings, a high sense of honor, a clear brain, steady nerve and the other essentials of a true physician. The Doctor has a fine library of medical works and a well equipped office. In 1879 our subject was married to Miss Mamie C. Coats, of Dubuque . The Doctor, socially, is a member of the Iowa Union Medical Society and in 1885 was appointed, during Cleveland 's administration, Secretary of the Pension Board of Examiners, which position he holds at the present time. He is a man of practical business talent and financial ability, and by judicious investment of his money has become well-to-do.

FRANK GILBERT, Postmaster of Monona, is well known in this vicinity, and is greatly respected for those qualities of head and heart which have won him the esteem and confidence of all with whom he associates. He is popular in his official capacity and is discharging the duties of his position with characteristic fidelity, and greatly to the satisfaction of all concerned, Mr. Gilbert besides occupying his present responsible position, is a stock and grain merchant and is classed among the substantial residents of the place. The subject of this sketch was born in Rock County, Wis., November 4, 1851, and is the son of Lovell R. Gilbert, a native of the Green Mountain State, whence he removed to Wisconsin when a young man. At that time he made settlement in Rock County and engaged in farm pursuits until his advent into Clayton County , this state, in 1856. Here he resided until his decease, which sad event occurred at the age of sixty-one years. He was very prominent in local affairs, and for many years held the position of Supervisor of Giard and Read Townships , this county. At one time he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for Representative and was defeated by only a few votes.

The maiden name of our subject's mother was Lydia Burt, a native of Vermont . She met and married L. R. Gilbert after removing to Wisconsin , and died when in the forty-fifth year of her age, leaving a family of six children, of whom Frank was the eldest but one. His father was three times married, and he was the offspring of the second union. The latter was a lad of six years when the family came to Clayton County , He carried on his primary studies in the district school, after which he attended for a short time in Monona village.

Frank of this sketch remained at home until attaining his majority, when he began operating a farm on his own account, and at one time was the possessor of a good estate. He is now engaged in buying and shipping grain and stock to the market in Chicago , which business he finds to be very profitable. In 1893 Mr. Gilbert was appointed Postmaster at Monona, the duties of which office he is discharging in connection with his other business. Our subject was married in 1875 to Miss Sarah Olmstead, a native of this county, having been born April 7, 1855 . She is the daughter of the Hon. P. P. and Hannah Olmstead, whose sketch will be found in full on another page in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert there have been born four children, three daughters and one son, namely: Carrie, assistant to her father in the office, Parma , Lottie and Page, at home.

In his political relations, Mr. Gilbert is a believer in Democratic principles, which he supports with his voice and vote. Previous to filling his present office he was Town Clerk of Monona for a period of four years. He is a man of much energy, tact and business capacity, and his fellow-townsmen have not failed to recognize his superior merits and qualification, and have thus called him to responsible offices.