People Australia

Ann Elizabeth Gilbert, née de Flon (1877-1965) musician, community worker and miner’s wife

Birth: 26 April 1877 at Catherine Hill Bay, New South Wales, daughter of Anders (Andrew) Frederic de Flon (1832-1905), a mine overseer born in Stengrohult, Jönköping, Sweden, and Emily, née Bond (1836-1904), born in Reading, Berkshire, England. Marriage: 20 June 1898 in St Michael’s church, Wollongong, to Frederick Charles Gilbert. They had one son and three daughters. Death: 3 July 1965 at Belmont, NSW. Religion: Anglican. 

• Her father was overseer to the Coalcliff Mining Company, Wollongong, inaugurated, amongst “beautiful foliage and grand scenery” in October 1878. She later moved to Charlestown, where she acted, sang and performed in concerts and dramatic presentations, stage managed by her future husband Fred Gilbert.
• After marriage went with her husband to Boulder, Western Australia. She took an active part in community activities as a pianist, organist and accompanist at Boulder City mechanics institute, workers’ hall and Glee Club concerts. She was honorary secretary of the ladies committee supporting the Labor candidate for Boulder in 1901.
• Received a complimentary concert from the trade union movement in Boulder before she returned to NSW with her husband and eldest daughter in 1902. Gave birth to three more children when living at Charlestown and later Killingworth, near Newcastle.
• Again frequently performed as pianist and accompanist at local events.
• Supported the local branch of the Red Cross during World War I, and was branch secretary from 1916 to 1918. Also secretary of the Killingworth Soldiers Comforts Fund.