Dr. Gilbert was born the son of a tobacco farmer in Gratz, Kentucky, on
  February 20, 1873. Plagued since childhood with ulcers, he did not start
  school until in his teens, but in a short time procured a teaching certif-
  icate by completing his elementary work and attending Lebanon Normal school, 
  Lebanon, Ohio. He taught three years in the schools of Barber County, 
  Kentucky, later becoming principal of the town school at Grayson, Kentucky,
  and then County Superintendent of schools of Carter County. While holding
  the latter office, he attended the University of Kentucky Medical School of
  Louisville and graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1906.
     In 1900 Doctor Gilbert married Eryea McAlister, a school teacher. They
  had one son, Oliver Hardin Gilbert, a career Army officer, and two grand-
  children, Oliver H. Gilbert, Jr. Berkley, California, and Patricia Rosenberg,
  Washington, D.C.
     In 1908 they moved to Medicine Lodge, and Doctor Gilbert started his
  medical profession in association with Doctor Donovan here; after the 
  latter's death in 1910, he carried on the practice alone.
     He established in 1932 the first hospital ever organized here. It 
  consisted of several rooms above the Western Light and Telephone Company
  office, and he was one of the principal backers of the construction of the
  new Medicine Lodge hospital.
     Few persons have ever atained the standing in the community which Doctor
  Gilbert held, coming to Medicine Lodge in 1908 and practicing medicine here
  continuously for 40 years, until his retirement in 1948. He had nursed the
  ills of thousands of people, past and present, and delivered hundreds of
  babies.
     He hald an imposing list of high positions in the community. He served
  as County Coroner, County Health Officer, school board member, president
  and charter member of the Lions Club, served on the draft board during
  World War II and was president and director of the Barber County Building
  and Loan Association. He was one of the original organizers of the latter
  association in 1919, and was its president at the time of his death.
     Doctor Gilbert purchased a farm southeast of Medicine  Lodge in 1937 
  which was his favorite pastime, especially after retirement when he would
  go there every morning as long as his health permitted.
     Doctor Gilbert passed away in January, 1952, but he is remembered for
  all his work in various community activities and especially for his unique
  manner of sympathetic kindness. He was one of the most colorful and
  influential citizens in Barber County history. Dr. and Mrs. Gilbert are
  buried at Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge.
                 
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 195 
     Submitted by: Elmer Angell Jr.