Ralph Waldo Emerson Gilbert (January 17, 1882 – July 30, 1939) was a U.S. Representative from Kentucky, son of George Gilmore Gilbert. Born in Taylorsville, Kentucky, Gilbert attended the public schools and the University of Virginia at Charlottesville.He was graduated from the law school of the University of Louisville in 1901.He was admitted to the bar the same year and commenced practice in Shelbyville, Kentucky. Gilbert was elected judge of the Shelby County Court in 1910.He was reelected in 1914 and served until his resignation in 1917.