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 Site of the Dr. D. W. Gilbert Homestead
N 32° 49.747 W 096° 58.630
14S E 689344 N 3634155
While Dr. D.W. Gilbert already had a Texas Historical Marker honoring him at his grave in nearby Sowers Cemetery, this marker pays tribute to his medical and civic career, at the site where he once lived and had an office.
Waymark Code: WMKRNN
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 05/23/2014
Views: 9
The marker is in front of a shopping center at 2400 W Grauwyler Rd, Irving, TX, near the intersection of Grauwyler, Irving Blvd, and Story Rd. The other marker that honored him is here. ( visit link)
Marker Number: 13143
Marker Text:
Mississippi native Daniel Webster "D.W." Gilbert (1854-1930) was one of three brothers who became Texas doctors. At age 20, he joined his brother, Franklin Monroe Gilbert, in Grapevine and began to study medicine under him. In 1879, he enrolled at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, graduating in 1881 with a medical degree.
Returning to Texas, D.W. wed Marietta Boardman in 1882. In 1886, then a widower with one son, D.W. married Fannie Trigg Roberts, a widow who also had one son. They later lived near this site in a large house he had built on a hill. The couple had nine other children; four of the boys became doctors.
From a small office he built on a corner of this land, Dr. Gilbert served his patients in the surrounding communities. He later purchased additional land and raised livestock, farmed, planted a peach orchard and operated the Gilbert Dairy, utilizing progressive farming methods. Later, he moved his office to Sowers, where he also operated a drugstore, mixing medicines and training others to become pharmacists.
When the town of Irving was laid out in 1903, Dr. Gilbert moved his office to a space near the local bank, which he helped organize. He later moved his office to the second story of the bank building. Dr. Gilbert continued to practice medicine in Irving until his death in 1930. Fannie Gilbert lived on the farmstead until she passed away in 1942. The home remained near this site until the 1950s, when it was demolished.
Dr. Gilbert was one of the most influential early citizens in and around Irving. He is remembered for his compassion, generosity and tireless commitment to helping others. (2004)
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