Rev. Michael Gilbert, Sr.

At this time, the oldest known Gilbert ancestor in our family is the Reverend Michael Gilbert, Sr., who was born circa 1604 into the reign of King James I of England.  When and where Michael was born plus the identities of his parents are not known at this time.  It is assumed that since Michael was well educated he came from parents of wealth, because in that time period education was for those that could afford to buy it. 
Michael Gilbert, Sr., was admitted to Christ's College, Cambridge, England in 1621.  (Note:  While attending college at Cambridge, Michael was a classmate to Roger Williams, who founded the first Baptist church in America, and the state of Rhode Island.)  There he received his B.A. in 1624 on the visit of King James I of England.  Michael was made deacon by Theophilus (Field) Bishop of St. David's on 09 March 1627 and was ordained priest by him on 01 March 1628.  Shortly after his ordination he was named Vicar of St. Andrew's Church, Aldborough, Boroughbridge Deanery, Yorkshire, and served in this capacity from 1629 to 1677, except for the years 1653 to 1659.  In those years he was ejected from his duties for his beliefs.  Michael's beliefs were with the Royalists an King Charles I.  The opposition was with Oliver Cromwell of whom Michael wrote in the Register of St. Andrew's, "the infamous arch-rebel appointed out of the basest hypocrites and dissenter with God and Man."  Civil war broke out in August 1642.  King Charles I surrendered in 1646, and was beheaded on 30 January 1649.  The Scots were shocked at the execution of Charles I and sent for his young son whom they crowned as Charles II.  The Puritans with Cromwell as the leader were now in control of England.  The government was a Common-wealth, there was to be no King.  Under Cromwell, the Puritans were allowed to worship as they liked and he would not allow the members of the Church of England to meet nor to pray out of their Prayer Book, as the Puritans wanted everyone to be like themselves.  Oliver Cromwell died on 03 September 1658.  Winston Churchill once said, "Cromwell did more damage of England than any Englishman in all of its history."  Upon the death of Oliver Cromwell, his son Richard took control of England.  Richard Cromwell and his Parliament were kicked from power by the soldiers when he refused to allow them to select their own general.  A new Parliament was chosen and Charles II was invited to come home and reign in 1660.  Michael Gilbert was restored as Vicar when Charles II came to the throne at the Restoration of the Monarchy.
Michael Gilbert, Sr. and three Churchwardens misused some charitable funds that had been donated to the poor of the Parish for several years.  A trial was held on 24 March 1669.  The three Churchwardens were directed to pay it all back and as Michael had no money to speak of, the Court appointed a committee to take over all financial activities in the Church.

Photos of St. Andrews Church, Aldborough, England, copyrighted by Colin Hinson, used with permission.

Michael Gilbert, Sr. had been married in 1632 to Mary Cooleston, who was born about 1610 am was from Bradford, Yorkshire, England.  Her parents nor any information on her family is known at this time.  Michael died 10 December 1677 at Aldborough, Yorkshire, England.  Mary died after Michael but the exact date is not known.  They were the parents of 1-Gabriel (1st); 2-Lydia, 3-infant girl, 4-Marie, 5-Gabriel (2nd), 6-Michael Jr., 7-William, 8-Charles, 9-Robert, 10-Joshua, and 11-Gabriel (3rd).