Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1811. His father was well-to-do, and after the son had received a good school education he was sent to St. Ambrose College in Emmetsburg, which he attended three years. He learned the trade of carpenter and with it a good knowledge of the science of building. He came to Iowa in 1837 settling first in Dubuque. There in 1839 Bishop Loras engaged his services in the building of mission chapels. Mr. Gildea erected the fist Catholic Church in Muscatine. During a portion of this time his home was in Davenport. In 1843, he and Miss Mary Long, of this city, united in marriage. They moved to Iowa City but in 1843 they removed to Dubuque where he became a prominent citizen engaged largely in building operations. He served as Alderman two years and was elected representative for Dubuque County for the Sixth General Assembly. In 1853 he purchased a farm in Table Mound Township, Dubuque County and was a prosperous farmer for 5 years. He sold the farm in 1858 and removed to Davenport for the purpose of engaging in contracting and building.