John P. Gilbert (1872-1921)

Born in Jefferson County, Illinois, in 1872, John P. Gilbert was the first biologist with formal college training on the faculty of Southern Illinois Normal College (now known as SIU). He was a graduate of SINC as well as the University of Illinois. He was noted for his ability in debate and public speaking. For a number of years he taught in public schools, was principal at the high schools of Olney and Mattoon, and was superintendent of schools at Tuscola. In 1910, he returned to Carbondale to head the Department of Biology and Agriculture at SINC; gradually his health failed and in 1921 he died, a few months short of his 49th birthday. He was the father of an influential Illinois State Senator and lawyer from Carbondale -- Senator John G. Gilbert. The former Gilbert family home can be seen at 513 West Walnut in Carbondale.

SIUC Department of Zoology

Comments and questions on this webpage:  waring@zoology.siu.edu
Department of Zoology e-mail: zoology@zoology.siu.edu
SIU privacy policy

Last updated: 30-Jun-06 / ghw