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GILBERT WILKINSON, son of Gilbert Wilkinson, was born in Poughkeepsie, New
York, December 20, 1843. He passed his preparatory studies at Dutchess County Academy,
in Poughkeepsie, entered our Class at the beginning of Sophomore year, in 1860, and was
with us through the rest of the course. He is not in evidence among the various societies
and literary and social functions during the college course, though he was not at all
exclusive, but always kindly, agreeable, and friendly. His name appears only as a member
of some of the college musical societies. He presided with exceptional ability at the organ
in the college chapel. He was the musical genius of the college, but so quiet and retiring
was he, so little did he make of his natural gift, that few of us realized the measure of his
talent, though we failed not in appreciation and enjoyment of its exercise. Our first Class
report, in 1864, notes that Wilkinson is in Williamstown, presiding at the college chapel
organ and teaching music. Later reports inform us that he attempted the study of law in
the office of his cousin, R. F. Wilkinson, but finding this calling distasteful he soon gave it
up, and henceforth devoted himself to music. He was organist of the First Congregational
Church in Poughkeepsie, and later of an Episcopal church, the Church of the Holy
Communion, in the same city. For the first time in the vicinity of this city he introduced the
boy choir into church music, and carried it to a high degree of perfection. He had large
classes of pupils in piano and organ. Many of his voluntaries, even while in college, were
composed while he played. He displayed a native talent and alertness in music not easily
excelled, and it was his excessive shyness alone that prevented him from taking a leading
position in musical circles. He was only twenty when he left college, and thirty-two when
he died. Had his natural talent been fully cultivated, certainly, as the years developed his
character and matured his powers, he would have reached distinction as a musician. He was
never married. He died of consumption, at Poughkeepsie, November 24, 1875.
Source:
Class of Sixty-Three Williams College Fortieth Year Report, by
the Class Historian, Thomas Todd Printer, Boston, 1903
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