John Francis Gilder, A Prominent American composer, organist, and music editor whose work resonated in the parlors and concert halls of the late 19th century. He was the younger brother of Richard Watson Gilder—editor of The Century Magazine and a central literary figure of the Gilded Age.

John’s close relationship with Richard and his wife, the artist Helena de Kay Gilder, tied him intimately to the creative life of Four Brooks Farm. The farm was not just a retreat but a cultural gathering place, where artists, writers, and thinkers converged. John was part of that vibrant circle, often present at gatherings that blended music, poetry, and art. His musical talent added a lyrical layer to the intellectual atmosphere fostered by the Gilder power couple, making him an important thread in the tapestry of Four Brooks Farm’s legacy.