Gilbert, Jacob H., 1920-1981

Jacob H. Gilbert (June 17, 1920 – February 27, 1981) was an American lawyer and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he notably served as the U.S. Representative from New York's 23rd (1960-1963) and 22nd (1963-1971) congressional districts.

Born in the Bronx, he attended the public schools there before graduating from St. John's College and from St. John's University School of Law. He was admitted to the bar in 1944, and practiced law in New York City. Gilbert was an Assistant Corporation Counsel of New York City from January 1949 to December 1950. He was a member of the New York State Assembly from the 4th district from 1951 to 1954, sitting in the 168th and 169th New York State Legislatures. He was a member of the New York State Senate from the 27th district from 1955 to 1960, sitting in the 170th, 171st and 172nd New York State Legislatures.

Gilbert was elected as a Democrat to the 86th United States Congress to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Isidore Dollinger. He was re-elected to the 87th, 88th, 89th, 90th and 91st United States Congresses, holding office from March 8, 1960, to January 3, 1971. Gilbert lost the Democratic primary to fellow Representative James Scheuer in June 1970.

Gilbert practiced law after leaving Congress. He died in the Bronx and was buried at the Mount Hebron Cemetery in Flushing, Queens.