David Thomas Gabriel, one of Topeka's leading lumber dealers, is a native of Wales, where he was born, March 20, 1863. His parents were David and Jane (Israel) Gabriel, both natives of Wales, the former born in 1836, and the latter in 1835. David Gabriel was a son of David and Margaret (Thomas) Gabriel, both natives of Wales and descended from stanch old Welsh ancestry for generations back. Jane Israel was a daughter of Daniel Israel, and like the Gabriels, came from good old Welsh ancestry. David Gabriel was a stone contractor and in 1869 he decided to go to America, and investigate the opportunities to succeed in business before moving his family to the New World. He first located in Rock Island, Ill., and was so well pleased that in 1870 he sent for his wife and children. They resided in Rock Island eleven years, or until 1881, when they removed to Emporia, Kan., where the father continued his business of contracting until his death, in 1909. His widow still survives him and continues to reside in Emporia.

David Thomas Gabriel was but seven years old when the family located in Rock Island, Ill., and it was in that city that he was educated and learned the stone cutter's trade. After removing to Emporia he worked at his trade under his father for five years. In 1887 he went to Neola, Iowa, and there learned the lumber business with his uncle, Rees Gabriel. Later he was connected with the lumber business at Walnut and Des Moines, Iowa, in which state he was identified with the business for eight years. In 1897 he engaged in the business for himself, establishing himself in North Topeka, where, under the name of D. T. Gabriel & Company, the business is still continued. Under the same name the firm operated lumber yards at Onaga, Denison and Arrington, all in Kansas. In 1908 Mr. Gabriel purchased the business of the Star Lumber Company, of Topeka, and incorporated it under the name of the Gabriel Lumber Company, of which he has been president ever since its organization. He is, therefore, an important factor at present in both the D. T. Gabriel & Company, of North Topeka, and the Gabriel Lumber Company, of Topeka.

Mr. Gabriel was married in November, 1884, to Miss Sarah Evans, of Emporia, also a native of Wales, where she was born in May, 1868. She came with her parents to America in 1873. The family first located in Chicago, Ill., but later removed to Emporia, where her father, John P. Evans, still resides. Mrs. Evans, the mother, died in Emporia, in 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Gabriel have six children: Edith, born in February, 1886; David J., born in March, 1887; Arthur E., born in July, 1889; Clarence R., born in January, 1902; Ralph T., born in January, 1903; and Willard R., born in January, 1905. Mr. Gabriel is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World, and of the Commercial Club.