John and Anna Gilbert brought their family from Vermont to Upper Canada about 1795 settling first in Augusta and later in the rear of Lansdowne Township. Three of their sons were balloted for militia service during the War of 1812 in the 2nd Regiment Leeds Militia.

John age 20 and Enos aged 19 were on duty at Gananoque from July 1812 until March 1813 and were likely present during the American attack on the settlement on September 21, 1812. These two along with their older brother William served in Captain Benjamin Munsell’s Company in 1814.

After his marriage to Mary Ann Franklin William Gilbert purchased a lot in the Seeleys Bay area where he farmed and worked as joiner. His two sons, John and Edward went on to establish a successful carriage works in the village. William Gilbert died 24 January 1852 at the age of 65 years.