Robert Palmer Wilbur, was born in the village of Noank, Connecticut, October 28, 1839, the son of William Ashbey and Lucy Palmer Wilbur. He was educated in the district school in that village, Mystic Academy, and at a private school in East Winsted. He served as a private in Company E, 2nd Connecticut Volunteers during the first three months of the Civil War.

On May 10, 1864, he married Phebe Miner Fish, daughter of The Honorable Nathan G. Fish, former state senator, and at that time president of the Mystic River National Bank. They had six children: Albert M., born March 19,1865, died August 2, 1865; Helen F., born October 13, 1866; Gertrude born April 25, 1870, died May 26, 1877; Emeline M. born February 24, 1876; Roberta P., born February 28, 1886; and John P., born January 19, 1880.

Robert Palmer Wilbur followed the sea for a large part of his life. His first command was steamer ULYSSES, June 1863. He also commanded the bark CALEB HALEY, schooners ROBERT PALMER and ABBIE E. CAMPBELL, and clipper ships DAUNTLESS, M.P. GRACE and ST. FRANCES in the California and European trades. Two of the above voyages were around the world.

Capt. Wilbur was first selectman of Groton from October 1884 to October 1885, and was on the Board of Selectmen from 1885 to 1886. He was one of the incorporators of The Robert Palmer and Son Shipbuilding and Marine Railway Co. in Noank, and was vice-president of that company for several years. During that time the shipyard was the largest builder of wooden ships New England, employing over 300 men. He was also agent and surveyor for the state, as well as for the "Record of American and Foreign Shipping," and was Commander of Williams Post No. 55 of the Connecticut G.A.R. He also served as a deacon of the Union Baptist church in Mystic.

Capt. Wilbur carried a gold watch and chain with the following inscription: 'Presented by the British Government to Capt. R.P. Wilbur of the American ship 'Dauntless' of Mystic in testimony of his humanity and kindness to the crew of the British ship 'Cornwallis' of Liverpool during eighty-five days in 1875." The Cornwallis was wrecked on Pitcairn Island in the South Pacific Ocean and Capt. Wilbur transported the crew of twenty-six to New York. In addition to the watch and chain he received a silver service from Mr. Balfour, owner the CORNWALLIS. Captain Wilbur's inflexible sense of honor and rectitude secured for him the implicit confidence of all.

Robert Palmer Wilbur died October 8, 1913 in Mystic, Connecticut.