Wilbert, Benijah G., M.D.

Submitted by Mike Miller

Wilbert, Beneijah G., M. D., specialist in diseases of the ear, nose and throat, and clinical instructor at the Presbyterian hospital, New Orleans, was born at Plaquemine, Iberville parish, La., Dec. 31, 1884; son of Frederick and Helena (Lotz) Wilbert, the former of whom was born in the same town in which the son was born, and the latter in Iberville parish, La. The parents at this time continue resident at the family home in Plaquemine. The paternal grandfather, Anton Wilbert, was born at Coblentz, Germany, Feb. 4, 1815, on the banks of the picturesque River Rhine, one of the most beautiful streams in all of Europe. There he passed his childhood and youth, and, in preparation for years of future usefulness, learned the trade of a cabinet maker. He was intellectually well endowed, of fine physique, blessed with robust health and, thanks to correct early instruction, possessed the best of the ennobling moral qualities traditionally typical of the Teutonic race. In the full bloom and vigor of his early manhood he perceived the advantages that would naturally be afforded for the exercise of his talents and his boundless energy, and accordingly arranging for his permanent departure from the parental home, in the year 1850 he set sail for America, and after a tedious journey across the seas, arrived at New Orleans. Very shortly following his landing he located at Plaquemine, then a small village on the banks of the Mississippi river. Here he began in a very modest way as a cabinet maker, and as his limited resources increased, added the business of undertaking. Backed by his energy and frugality, his small enterprises prospered from their beginning, and as soon as he found himself in sufficiently stable circumstances to warrant the change, was married to Mrs. Mary Sibilla Salomon. Nine children were born to their union, 8 sons and 1 daughter, all of whom, with the exception of the eldest son, survive at this time. The names of these children, in order of their birth, are as follows: Anthony, deceased; Henry, Frederick, father of the subject of this sketch; Peter G., John, George, Charles, Joseph and Mary Sibilla. These surviving children are all residents of the city of Plaquemine, where they were born, and jointly they own and control extensive business interests in that locality, including large sugar and cotton plantations and great tracts of valuable timber lands, the latter in the vicinity of Plaquemine and elsewhere. The father paved the way for the sons' great success, and laid the foundation for their present vast and varied enterprises. In 1865 he began operations in the lumber business, foreseeing that the great virgin forests which then covered Iberville and adjoining parishes would eventually yield great profits. In the succeeding years of his active and useful life he built 3 large sawmills, which turned out millions of feet of lumber each year. He was a very important factor in the development of the adjacent territory and the upbuilding of the city of Plaquemine, to the advancement of which he contributed in many ways, direct and indirect. During a number of years he served the community as a member of the board of aldermen. While the father and mother laid the broad foundation for the great material success of their children, and inculcated the sterling virtues of honesty, industry, sobriety and frugality, great credit is due the sons for the large fortune they have built upon the beginnings of the industrious, sagacious and honored father. They appear to have inherited in marked degree the virtues of the father, and to have added to and developed these, as indeed was obligatory upon them. They have been faithful to the trust, and loyal to the family name, and in a variety of ways constitute a remarkable family. Largely important among these considerations is the striking example afforded of brotherly and family harmony and unity, which might with great advantage be emulated by many other families, large and small, in Louisiana and elsewhere. Family harmony furnishes the keynote to their success. The children are a credit to their parents, and to the community in which they live. They are each and all married, and in their turn are rearing healthy and happy families. The older citizens say that Mr. Wilbert, in a quiet way, was very proud of his 7 sons and daughter, and referred to them as the crowning achievement of his successful life. Frederick, the third son, and father of the subject of this sketch, has served with conspicuous ability as a member of the Louisiana state senate, and in this connection discharged the duties of a member, respectively, of several of the most important senatorial committees. Peter G. has served as a member of the board of aldermen, and later as mayor pro tem of the city of Plaquemine. John has, during a number of years, been a member of the police jury of Iberville parish, serving as president of that body. Joseph has several times served as a member of the Iberville parish school board. July 4, 1887, in the 72nd year of his age, Anton Wilbert closed his earthly career, leaving to his children the heritage of an honored name with which is associated nothing but good and helpful deeds and the memory of an optimistic and heroic spirit in all ways worthy of our best efforts at emulation. Mr. Wilbert was a consistent member of the Roman Catholic church, and his remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery at Plaquemine. The maternal grandfather, Baltzer Lotz, was also a native of Germany, and came to the United States while yet a young man. He located on a plantation in Iberville parish, and has continued resident there to this time, being at one time one of the largest land owners of that part of the state of Louisiana. The Wilbert Brothers still continue conducting the lumber manufacturing business originally established by their father, and this has now become one of the largest enterprises of its kind in the United States. Dr. Beneijah G. Wilbert, the subject of this sketch, received his earlier education in private schools at Plaquemine, following which he entered college at Bay St. Louis, Miss., and there completed his academic education. In 1902 he matriculated in the medical department of Tulane university, from which he graduated with the degree of M. D. in the class of 1906. Following his graduation he served 2 years as an interne in the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat hospital, at New Orleans, and very shortly afterward established himself in practice at New Orleans, specializing in diseases of the ear, nose and throat. Dr. Wilbert filled the important position of assistant surgeon at the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat hospital during 4 years, and only resigned that office to accept the position of clinical instructor at the Presbyterian hospital, being incumbent of the latter responsible post at this time. Dr. Wilbert is a member of the Roman Catholic church, and is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 466-467. Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.