Gilbert was raised in Carroll Township, Cambria Co., Pa. He bought out the family farm and homestead in East Carroll Township in 1926, where he and Viola raised 14 children. The couple established a dairy operation and sold milk in cans to Penn Cress in nearby Cresson. The property was sold to Edward Lareau in 1972; Gilbert, Viola and their children Rosella and Emmett then moved into a smaller home along the Dutch Road in the twonship. The original Farabaugh tract was resold to to Francis and Rpse Folkner in 1977, who in turn rented the property to Leroy and Cathy Bender. In 1981, a fire destroyed the two-story farmhouse, which had dated back to the original settlement of George and Elizabeth Farabaugh. The property was again sold in 1993, to Deron J. Gormish. Gormish built a new residence and also renovated the barn on the site.