William Nicholas Orlando Gilbert was born in England, in the county of Cornwall, and within sight of Lands End, in March 1868. He served there as an apprenticeship as a carpenter and wheelwright, but being an adventurous and ambitious disposition he determined to court fortune abroad and at the age of 22 he left home and came to Australia.

He first settled at Bischoff, but in 1892 he moved to Cygnet. There he set up his home on Cradoc Road and established a business as a carpenter, undertaker and orchardist. Some ten years ago he gave up orcharding and removed his undertaking and carpeting business to its present establishment on the main street of Cygnet.

As a member of the present municipal council he has always taken his full share in its work and responsibilities, having been a member of many committees. And for some time has been town treasurer. He was for years secretary and treasurer to the old Trust Board. Since 1919 he has been a justice of the peace, and as such has been most regular in his attendance at meetings of Petty Sessions.

In 1896 Mr. Gilbert married Martha, daughter of the late John Stanton. Mr. Gilbert passed away on the 16 October 1920. He is survived by his widow and a family of six daughters.

From the "Huon Times" at the time of his death.
This information was provided by his granddaughter Frances Barnett, nee Cripps.