William Gilbert (1806 – 1890) was active in the American clock business in Connecticut beginning in 1828. The Gilbert Manufacturing Company existed from 1866 only until 1871 when fire destroyed the company. The company re-emerged later that year as the William L. Gilbert  Clock Company. After the Great Depression the company reorganized as the William L. Gilbert Clock Corporation. The clock making business was eventually sold to the Spartus Corporation of Chicago in 1964.
 
Gilbert clocks are known for their quality and many fine examples of Gilbert clocks  remain as family heirlooms or as collector items.