Wilbur F. Gilbert
Wilbur F. Gilbert | |
|---|---|
Gilbert c. 1948 | |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 54th district | |
| In office January 7, 1935 – January 6, 1941 | |
| Preceded by | Frank J. Rogers |
| Succeeded by | John B. Knight |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 22, 1874 Rochester, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Died | September 3, 1956 (aged 81) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Party | Socialist (before 1934) Democratic (after 1934) |
| Spouse | Rena |
| Children | Dorothy |
| Education | Dakota State University |
Wilbur Fay Gilbert (December 22, 1874 – September 3, 1956)[1] was an American engineer, merchant, political scientist, and politician[2] who served in the California State Assembly for the 54th district from 1935 to 1941.[3]
Biography
Gilbert was one of two dozen "EPIC Democrats" elected to the state legislature in 1934.[4][5] Before his election, he was a member of the Socialist Party, a fact which came to light during his campaign for reelection in 1938. He admitted his past political affiliation[6] and was reelected with 58% of the vote,[3] but retired two years later due to poor health.[7] During his tenure, he authored disability pension legislation that was vetoed by governor Frank Merriam.[8]
Gilbert returned to the political arena in 1948 to challenge incumbent assemblyman John L. E. Collier for his old seat.[9] Boasting endorsements from the AFL, CIO, railroad brotherhoods, Southern California Businessmen's Association, and 54th Assembly District Democratic Club,[10] Gilbert campaigned on lowering taxes and the cost of living.[11] He was also an outspoken opponent of the Mundt–Nixon Bill.[12] He ultimately came in second place with 30% of the vote.[13]
References
- ^ "Assemblyman Gilbert Dies Here Monday". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. September 6, 1956. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ Jordan, Frank C. (1938). California Blue Book, 1938. Sacramento: California State Printing Office. p. 57. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ a b "Wilbur F. Gilbert". joincalifornia.com. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "Olson Wins Over Cobb in State Senate Race, but G.O.P. Majority Assured". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles. November 8, 1934. Retrieved August 27, 2024.
- ^ Mitchell, Greg (1992). The Campaign of the Century. New York: Random House. p. 545–546.
- ^ "COMMOTION IN ASSEMBLY DISTRICT CAMPAIGN". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. October 31, 1938. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "Assemblyman Gilbert will not run again due to ill health". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. May 31, 1940. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert promises continued service in state assembly". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. August 5, 1938. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "Democrat Registration Exceeds Republican In California For Primaries Tuesday". Eagle Rock Sentinel. Los Angeles. May 27, 1948. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC SLATE". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. May 21, 1948. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "For ASSEMBLY, 54th Dist". Eagle Rock Sentinel. Los Angeles. May 27, 1948. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ "Gilbert Criticizes Mundt Bill". Highland Park News-Herald. Highland Park. May 14, 1948. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
- ^ Jordan, Frank M. State of California, Statement of Vote, Consolidated Primary Election, June 1, 1948. Sacramento: California Secretary of State. p. 22. Retrieved August 26, 2025.
External links
- Media related to Wilbur F. Gilbert at Wikimedia Commons
- JoinCalifornia - Wilbur F. Gilbert