William W. Gilbert

William W. Gilbert (before March 5, 1746 – February 14, 1832) was an American silversmith, active in New York City.

Gilbert was born in New York City, baptized in the Dutch Church in 1746, and married Catherine Cosine (or Cozyn) in 1767.

He advertised a theft in the New York Gazette or Weekly Post-Boy, August 27, 1770, as follows: "Tuesday Night last some Villains broke into the shop of Mr. Gilbert, Silver-Smith in the Broad Way, and robbed the same of near two Hundred Pounds in Plate, &c. Diligent Search has been made after the Thieves, but we Have not heard of any discovery being made."

When the British invaded the city in August 1776, Gilbert and his family left, probably to eastern Connecticut or northern Westchester County, since a William Gilbert enrolled in Colonel John Lasher's regiment of New York militia.

On November 26, 1783, the day after the British evacuated, General George Washington was presented with a document entitled "The Address of the Citizens of New York, who have returned from exile, in behalf of themselves and their suffering Brethren," signed by Gilbert as William Gilbert Jr., his father, and others.