After attending the village school, Gilbert initially taught in the district school and worked as a clerk in the country store. He then worked as a bookkeeper for John Haughran's general store and creameries. He then entered the mercantile business in Ellenburg Center with William H. Gordon under the firm name Gordon & Gilbert. He later worked with George O'Connor under the firm name Gilbert & O'Connor. He sold his interest in the business to William E. Patnode in 1914. In 1916, he bought the hardware and farm implement business The Cheeseman-Munsil Company at Ellenburg Depot. He ran the business until 1938, when he sold it to Ralph L. Robie. He was also an organizer of the State Bank of Ellenburg in 1920, serving as a director and vice-president of the bank from its organization until his death.[1]
^ abcd"Hon. George W. Gilbert". Chateaugay Record and Franklin County Democrat. Vol. 67, no. 5. Chateaugay, N.Y. 7 January 1944. p. 1 – via NYS Historic Newspapers.