SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Horace Gardner, Page 286

HORACE GARDNER, though eighty-seven years of age, is well-preserved, both in body and mind.  He was born in the town of Malta, Saratoga County, N. Y., November 10, 1806.  His parents, Preserved and Martha (Wood) Gardner, were early settlers of Saratoga County.  Mr. Gardner's paternal ancestors came over in the "Mayflower," having been among those who established the first New England Colonies.

    Horace Gardner was reared on a farm and received his education in the district schools, which he attended only a few months in the year.  When about ten years old, he removed with his parents to Jefferson County, N. Y., where he was married, November 1, 1831, to Miss Sophronia Lewis, a native of Genesee County, of the same State.  Mrs. Gardner, who was a daughter of Jacob and Polly (Signour) Lewis, was born March 3, 1815.  She lost her mother when she was about three years old, and was reared by a brother.

    Mr. Gardner followed the occupation of a farmer in New York until 1855, when he came to Wisconsin, and settled in Sheboygan county.  Soon after coming here, he purchased eighty acres of land, lying one and a-half miles northwest of the city of Plymouth.  On this a log house had been erected, and about twelve acres had been sown in wheat.  Here he made his home until 1888, when he sold his farm.  Since then, both he and his wife have made their home with their daughter, Mrs. Monk.  By their united efforts the farm on which they lived so long was made one of the best in that section.  A substantial house and commodious outbuildings were erected, which stand as a monument to their industry and thrift.

    Mr. and Mrs. Gardner became the parents of nine children, six sons and three daughters.  Helen M. married Henry Wheeler, and died November 10, 1884.  Bessie M. became the wife of Benjamin Grove, who died May 18, 1863, leaving a son, Avery, who died the next year.  Mrs. Grove was again married, February 11, 1865, in Plymouth Township, her husband, George Monk, being a prosperous farmer of that town.  Of this marriage was born one child, Wilfred G.  The next child of Mr. Gardner, Reuben, is a resident of Plymouth; Myron died at the age of seven years; Amanda wedded Wilbur Root, and lives in Madison, Wis.; Hiram resides near Sherman, Neb.; Edwin is a farmer of Sheboygan Falls Township; and Frank and Fred were twins.  The former is in the livery business at Fond du Lac, and the latter died, aged twenty-two years.

    In his political views, Mr. Gardner was a strong Whig until the rise of the Republican party, with which he has since been identified.  He and his wife have enjoyed a wedded life of over sixty-two years, and during that time have seen many hardships and trials, but have never doubted that life is worth living.