Biography - Samuel Gardiner
SAMUEL G. GARDINER is a native of Greene county, Illinois, and was born
September 23d, 1829. He is the third child of Rev. C. J. and Margaret
Gardiner, who were old and well known pioneers of this county. Mr.
Gardiner's educational facilities while a youth were very limited – such
only as the district school at Woodville afforded at that early day – but
being possessed of more than ordinary ability, he made by that valuable
adjunct what others make up in culture. Even while a small boy, he exhibited
considerable taste for the various branches of art and science. He was the
possessor of mechanical genius seldom found in boys of his age, and the old
title, "jack of all trades," would be applicable to him. His is a natural
mechanic, and his genius, if directed in a single channel, would have made
him prominent in his profession or occupation. To chisel off the rough
ashlar does not seem to require much skill, but to mould forms nearly akin
to life, with the chisel or brush, would seem to bring forth the latent
powers of the mind.
At the age of seventeen, Mr. Gardiner engaged in the manufacture of saddles
and harness, in which business he continued four years, when, at the age of
twenty-one, his father gave him a farm, in close proximity to the old
homestead, upon which he labored three years years, with but little
financial success, owning to the extreme low price of wheat and other grain
at the time. Becoming discouraged with farming, he gave the farm back to his
father, and again engaged in the harness business, which occupation he
continued for about three years. He then engaged in merchandising, having
entered into a co-partnership with Filley & Williams, which was dissolved in
about three months. With the exception of about one year, this time since
then has been devoted to mercantile pursuits, in which he has been quite
successful. He is now the senior partner in the mercantile house of Gardiner
& Brother, of Kane, in which town he is residing, surrounded by all that
will conduce to make life pleasant.
On the 30th of October, 1853, Mr. Gardiner was married to Miss Sarah Morris,
daughter of Marvel and Mary Morris. By that union they had a family of five
children, of whom only a son and daughter are now living. Mrs. Gardiner died
at their residence, November 6th, 1866, and on the 28th of September, 1867,
Mr. Gardiner was married to his present lovely and amiable wife, Miss Carrie
Griswold, youngest daughter of Elias and Lucinda Griswold.
In politics, from his earliest recollection Mr. G. had a natural affinity
for the principles of the republican party, and has long since been
recognized as one of its leaders in this portion of Greene county. He has
held the office of postmaster of Kane about eight years, holding the office
four years under Lincoln, and at present under Grant.
In February, 1867, Mr. G. became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1850, he was initiated into the mysteries of the masonic order, in
Morning Sun Lodge, at Jerseyville, Illinois. In 1848, he identified himself
with the temperance cause, and has since remained a strong adherent.
In the subject of this sketch we find a genial, cleaver gentleman, who, by
the generous impulses of his heart, makes many warm friends.
Extracted 05 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from Atlas Map of Greene County Illinois, 1873, page 42 and 43.
