Seymour Parker Gilbert
Seymour Parker Gilbert | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | February 23, 1938 (aged 45) |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, banker, politician, diplomat |
| Known for | Agent General for Reparations (1924–1930) |
Seymour Parker Gilbert (October 13, 1892 – February 23, 1938) was an American professional who excelled as a lawyer, banker, politician, and diplomat. He gained prominence as the Agent General responsible for overseeing reparations from Germany between October 1924 and May 1930. In 1931, he accepted a position as an associate with J. P. Morgan.
Early life
Gilbert, born to Seymour Parker and Carrie Jennings ( Cooper) Gilbert, completed his undergraduate studies at Rutgers College by the age of 19. He then earned his L.L.B. from Harvard Law School at 22, where he also served as an editor for the Harvard Law Review from 1913 to 1915. In recognition of his reparations efforts, he was awarded an honorary degree in 1930.
Career
Between 1915 and 1918, Gilbert practiced law at the New York firm Cravath and Henderson.
At just 27 years old, he entered public service within the Wilson Administration as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury and continued in this role during Harding’s presidency. He advanced to Under Secretary of the Treasury from June 1921 until 1923. In 1924, Gilbert was named Agent General for Reparations by the Allied Reparation Commission, taking over from Owen D. Young. In this capacity, he directed the implementation of the Dawes Plan and collaborated closely with Weimar Germany to secure loan repayments to the United States. His tenure concluded in 1930 following the establishment of the Bank for International Settlements under the Young Plan.
In 1931, Gilbert joined J. P. Morgan as an associate, where he was recognized for his commitment and extensive work hours.
Personal life
Gilbert passed away at age 45 due to a heart attack. His son, S. Parker Gilbert (born 1934), later became chairman of Morgan Stanley during the 1980s. After his death, his widow Louise Todd remarried Harold Stanley, who was a co-founder of Morgan Stanley.