Gilbert N. Bridges -- Genealogist and Author

 

Gilbert N. Bridges was born October. 20, 1915, in Trigg County, Kentucky, the son of William Durwood Bridges and Ruth Cunningham Bridges Calhoun. Gilbert was an avid genealogist with a keen interest in the family history of the Thomas and Bridges families.

In 1968, he authored and published a book, "History of Thomas and Bridges Family." This was a genealogical work of the families of James Thomas and Drury Bridges, two of Trigg County's pioneer settlers.  He stated in the preface to his book, "My objective in this work is to give the family tree of these two families as completely as possible.  After three years of work, many hundreds of letters and several thousand miles, I trust my effort will not be a disappointment."  The book became very popular among the members of this family and today is treasured by those who have been able to retain a copy. 

He was a charter member of the Thomas-Bridges Association, having served as its president in 1974 at which time the Thomas Bridges Scholarship was established.  He spent many years supporting and promoting this organization.

Gilbert began his employment in 1953 with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as an operator at Lock and Dam 48 in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, and later transferred to Lock and Dam 49 in Union County in 1959. He retired in 1974 and returned to Trigg County to reside.

In 1939, he was the first man from Trigg County to volunteer for the U.S. Army for the World War II endeavor. He served as a supply sergeant in the First Armored Division in the European Theater, returning to the United States in February of 1945.

Mr. Bridges was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, First Armored Division Association and other civic, historical and benevolent organizations.  Gilbert died Monday, April 14, 2003, in Murray, Kentucky. He was buried in the East End Cemetery, Cadiz, Kentucky.

THE LINEAGE:

(Gilbert was the son of Wiliam Durwood and Ruth Alida Cunningham Bridges and the grandson of Durwood Stanley and Jane "Jennie" Thomas Bridges.  Durwood Stanley was the sixth child of Drewry and Peachie Ann Tart Bridges. Drewry was the fourth child of William and Mary Thomas Bridges.  William was the fourth child of Drury and Charity Cohoon Bridges.  Mary Thomas was the fifth child of James and Mary Standley Thomas.)