Background
Gilbert, Abijah was born on June 18, 1806 in Gilbertsville, Otsego County, New York, United States.
politician United States senator
Gilbert, Abijah was born on June 18, 1806 in Gilbertsville, Otsego County, New York, United States.
Born in Gilbertsville, New York, Gilbert attended Gilbertsville Academy and graduated from Hamilton College (in Clinton, New York) in 1822.
He spent 1822 to 1850 engaged in mercantile pursuits in New York City before moving to Saint Augustine, Florida in 1865. An early advocate of abolitionism, Gilbert was a strong supporter of the Whig Party and, later on, the Republican Party. He was elected to represent Florida in the United States Senate as a Republican, and served from 1869 to 1875 as part of the Reconstruction effort.
Gilbert retired from business and political life after his Senate term ended while continuing to live in Saint Augustine.
He moved back to Gilbertsville shortly before his death in 1881.
Member United States Senate (Republican) from Florida