BIOGRAPHIES

Wayne County Michigan


- JAMES GARDNER -


James Gardner was born on November 14, 1844, on the old Gardner homestead, at the Scotch settlement in the township of Dearborn. His father, Richard Gardner, was a native of Wroxton, Oxfordshire, England, and came to this country in his eighteenth year, landing in 1828. After remaining in Detroit and vicinity for three years he settled on his farm in Dearborn on which he continued to live for a period of fifty years He was a man of strict integrity and having a good education his services were often required by his fellow citizens in various capacities. He served as Justice of the Peace for twenty-four years, and as Supervisor for twelve years, besides repeatedly filling minor positions. The great confidence his friends had in his honesty and integrity is evidenced by the fact that he was almost continuously wanted to act as guardian of various orphan children, ami as administrator of the estates of various persons. He died May 15, 1878 in his 71st year of age. His mother, formerly a Miss Gould, came to this country from Aberdeetishire. Scotland, in 1831. She possessed a kind and genial disposition, and was universally respected and loved. She had ten children, of whom James Gardner was the seventh.

When old enough he attended the district school in winter and worked on the farm in summer. After he had reached the age of twenty-one, he left home, going to Iowa and Minnesota. At the end of two years he returned, and shortly after bought a farm in Monroe County, upon which he resided for six years. After his father's death he returned to Dearborn, and buying out the interest of his brothers and sisters in the old homestead, he moved there, and has lived upon it ever since. He was married on November 29, 1882 to Miss Jennie Flaherty; she died on April 6, 1884. They had no children. Mr Gardner inherited many of the sterling qualities of his father. He is modest and conversation in disposition, and his strict probity has won him the confidence and respect of his fellow-townsmen. His neighbors have frequently tried to persuade him to hold office, but with the exception of serving several terms as School Director, he has always declined.