Robert D. Gardner

M, b. 19 May 1868, d. 9 January 1935
FatherJames Gardner1,2,3,4 b. 18 Aug 1827, d. 17 Nov 1912
MotherVere Swan Russell1,2,3,4 b. 22 Aug 1828, d. 3 Aug 1907
Relationship1st cousin 3 times removed of David Gardner Crouch
ChartsDescendants of Matthew Gardner and Margaret Martin
Birth*Robert D. Gardner was born on 19 May 1868 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States.1  
(Son) CensusHe appeared on the census of 1870 as the son of James Gardner at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States.2 
(Son) CensusRobert D. Gardner appeared on the census of 1880 as the son of James Gardner at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States.3 
(Witness) AnecdoteThe land owned by James Gardner, William R. Gardner was detailed in the book Illustrated Atlas of Allegan County, Michigan : compiled from official records and local inspection published in 1895.5
OccupationRobert D. Gardner was a lawyer between 1899 and 1900 at South Bend, St. Joseph, Indiana, United States.4,6 
Marriage*He married Emma Louisa Knudson, daughter of Thurston Knudson and Olava Rockstend, on 8 November 1899 at Davis, Stephenson, Illinois, United States.4,7 
Census*Robert D. Gardner appeared as the head of a household along with his wife, Emma Louisa Gardner on the census of 1900 at 603 East Priscilla Street, South Bend, St. Joseph, Indiana, United States.6 
Census*Robert D. Gardner appeared as the head of a household on the census of 1905 at Britton, Marshall, South Dakota, United States.8 
OccupationHe was a lawyer between 1905 and 1920 at Britton, Marshall, South Dakota, United States.8,9,10,11 
Death of MotherHis mother Vere Swan Russell died on 3 August 1907 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States.12,13 
CensusRobert D. Gardner appeared as the head of a household along with his wife, Emma Louisa Gardner on the census of 1910 at Seventh Street, Britton, Marshall, South Dakota, United States.9 
Death of FatherHis father James Gardner died on 17 November 1912 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States.14,15 
Anecdote*A biography of Robert D. Gardner was included in the book History of Dakota Territory by George W. Kingsbury in 1915, as follows:

ROBERT D. GARDNER

Robert D. Gardner, occupying the bench of the county court of Marshall county, received endorsement of his first term's service in a reelection in 1914 and is bending his energies to a fair and impartial administration of the law, attempting to make his court the embodiment of equity and justice. He has practiced in Britton since 1902, previous to which time he was a member of the Indiana bar for several years. He is a native, however, of Michigan, his birth having occurred in Allegan county, May 19, 1868, his parents being James and Vere (Russell) Gardner, who were natives of Scotland, born in 1825 and 1827 respectively. Reared in the land of hills and heather, they were there married and on crossing the Atlantic settled in Canada, whence they removed to Michigan, where the father followed farming throughout his remaining days. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian church, loyal to its teachings and its purposes. Fraternally Mr. Gardner was a Mason, while politically he was a republican and filled some local offices. He died in the year 1912, having for three years survived his wife, who passed away in 1909. To them were born five children, four of whom survive, namely: William, a practicing attorney of Michigan; Vere, who also lives in Michigan; Robert D., of this review; and George, who is engaged in the lumber and coal business at Copemish, Michigan.

After acquiring a common-school education Robert D. Gardner entered upon the study of law under private instruction and was later elected county surveyor of Allegan county, Michigan, which position he filled for several years. Subsequently he attended the law school of the Northern Indiana University at Valparaiso and upon the completion of his course was admitted to the bar in 1898. He began practice in South Bend, where he remained for two and one-half years. He removed to Britton, this state, in 1902, and there entered upon active practice independently, soon demonstrating his ability to handle intricate problems of the law and to win success in the trial of cases for his clients. He has been accorded a large private practice and in 1912 was elected to the office of county judge, since which time he has served upon the bench, having been reelected in 1914. His course has been marked by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution and his decisions have been strictly fair and impartial.

In 1899 Mr. Gardner was united in marriage to Miss Emma L. Knudson, a native of Illinois. Mrs. Gardner belongs to the Lutheran church. She is also a member of the Eastern Star, and was grand Esther in 1914-15 in the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. She is also a musician of note, possessing a rich contralto voice, and has studied under several of the' leading musical directors.

Judge Gardner is well known in Masonic circles, having taken the degrees of the lodge, the consistory and the Mystic Shrine. He also has membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He likewise belongs to the Elks lodge at Aberdeen. He gives his political support to the republican party but never allows political preference to interfere with the faithful performance of his judicial duties and his opinions are particularly free from personal bias or prejudice, so that he has made an excellent record upon the bench.16
 
CensusHe appeared as the head of a household on the census of 1915 at Britton, Marshall, South Dakota, United States.10 
CensusHe appeared as the head of a household along with his wife, Emma Louisa Gardner on the census of 1920 at Seventh Street, Britton, Marshall, South Dakota, United States.11 
CensusRobert D. Gardner appeared as the head of a household on the census of 1925 at 301-9th Avenue S.E., Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States.17 
OccupationHe was a circuit judge between 1925 and 1930 at Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States.17,18 
(Roomer) CensusHe appeared on the census of 1 April 1930 as a roomer in the household of Melvin A. Nelson and Edith M. Nelson at 301-9th Avenue S.E., Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States.18 
Occupation*Robert D. Gardner was an attorney before 9 January 1935 at Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States.19 
Residence*He lived before 9 January 1935 at 301-9th Avenue S.E., Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States.19 
Death*He died on 9 January 1935 at St. Luke Hospital, Aberdeen, Brown, South Dakota, United States, at age 66. The informant listed on the death certificate was Sophie Helen Anderson.19 

Family

Emma Louisa Knudson b. Feb 1868
Marriage*Robert D. Gardner married Emma Louisa Knudson, daughter of Thurston Knudson and Olava Rockstend, on 8 November 1899 at Davis, Stephenson, Illinois, United States.4,7 
Last Edited2 Feb 2012

Citations

  1. [S943] "Michigan Births, 1867-1902," index and images, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 25 September 2011), entry for Robert D. Gardner, born 19 May 1868; citing Birth Records, FHL microfilm 2,297,921; Michigan Department of Vital Records, Lansing, Michigan.
  2. [S830] 1870 U.S. census, Allegan County, Michigan, population schedule, Ganges Township, Saugatuck Post Office, p. 6 (written), sheet 138[B] (stamped), dwelling 45, family 40, James Gardner household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 12 August 2011); citing NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 660.
  3. [S831] 1880 U.S. census, Allegan County, Michigan, population schedule, Ganges Township, p. 5 (written), enumeration district (ED) 19, sheet 326A (stamped), dwelling 47, family 48, James Gardner household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 August 2011); citing NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 569.
  4. [S1018] Stephenson County, Illinois, Marriage Licenses, M20-744, Robert D. Gardner and Emma Louisa Knudson, 1899; Office of the County Court of Stephenson, Freeport.
  5. [S984] Kace Publishing Company, Illustrated Atlas of Allegan County, Michigan : compiled from official records and local inspection (Racine, Wisconsin: Kace Publishing Company, 1895), p. 21, digital images, Michigan County Histories and Atlases (http://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/micounty/ : accessed 18 January 2012).
  6. [S947] 1900 U.S. census, St. Joseph County, Indiana, population schedule, South Bend, Ward 7, Precinct 1, p. 204 (stamped), enumeration district (ED) 135, sheet 15-A, dwelling 324, family 345, Robert D. Gardner household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 08 January 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T623, roll 402.
  7. [S980] "Notes from Nearby Towns - Davis," The Rockford Morning Star, 18 November 1899, p. 6, col. 4; digital images, GenealogyBank (http://www.genealogybank.com : accessed 16 January 2012), Historical Newpaper Archive.

    NOTES FROM NEARBY TOWNS
    Bits of Gossip Gathered Here and There by the Star's Correspondents

    Davis

    A double wedding was solemnized last Wednesday evening at the home of J. W. Johnson.  The brides and grooms were Miss Emma Knudson and Mr. Robert Gardner, Miss Sophie Knudson and Mr. Frank Anderson.  The brides were dressed in beautiful white corded silk.  Only the relatives were present to witness the ceremony.  The Rock City band serenaded, rendering several choice selections.  Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Gardner leave Tuesday for their home in South Bend, Ind.  Mr. and Mrs. F. Anderson leave for Webster, S. D.

  8. [S953] 1905 South Dakota state census, Marshall County, population schedule, Britton, Ward 3, card no. 447, Robert D. Gardner; digital image, FamilySearch.org (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 09 January 2012); citing FHL microfilm roll 2281580.
  9. [S948] 1910 U.S. census, Marshall County, South Dakota, population schedule, Britton, Ward 3, enumeration district (ED) 304, sheet 8-A, dwelling 1, family 3, Robert D. Gardner household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 08 January 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T624, roll 1484.
  10. [S952] 1915 South Dakota state census, Marshall County, population schedule, Britton, Ward 3, card no. 85, Robert D. Gardner household; digital image, FamilySearch.org (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 09 January 2012); citing FHL microfilm roll 2283391.
  11. [S949] 1920 U.S. census, Marshall County, South Dakota, population schedule, Britton, Ward 3, enumeration district (ED) 224, sheet 12-B, dwelling 239, family 269, Robert D. Gardner household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 08 January 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T625, roll 1723.
  12. [S969] "Death Records, 1897-1920," index and images, Seeking Michigan (http://www.seekingmichigan.org : accessed 14 January 2012), entry for Vere Swan Russell Gardner, died 03 Aug 1907; Michigan Department of Vital Records, Lansing, Michigan.
  13. [S1001] "One of Nature's Gentle Women Passes Away," The (Saugatuck) Commercial Record, 09 August 1907, p. 7, col. 4; digital images, The Commercial Record (http://www.commercialrecord.org : accessed 22 January 2012).

    ONE OF NATURE'S GENTLE
    WOMEN PASSES AWAY

    ______

    Like a sheaf of ripened grain fit for the Master's use and without any trace of disease, Mrs. James Gardner passed peacefully away at 7 o'clock Saturday morning, Aug. 3rd.
    To those who were permitted to know her intimately, she was the embodiment of graceful dignity and courtesy and once admitted into her friendship meant a friendship for life.
    Her knowledge of the Bible and of English history were two very striking characteristics, being able to recall from memory almost any incident connected with English history and tell in whose reign it occurred and the date.
    She was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, August 22d, 1830 and married to her surviving husband Aug. 22, 1854, thus giving a double significance to that day as an anniversary.
    This has been observed for many years by the family and a limited number of chosen friends and looked forward to as a cherished privilege by those permitted to share it with them.
    She is survived by the husband, three sons, Robt. of South Dakota and Wm. and Geo. of this place and one daughter who deeply mourn her loss.
    The funeral services were held from her residence Tuesday afternoon at 1 p.m., conducted by Rev. W. N. Breidenstein.  Interment was made in Fennville cemetery.

    "The golden gates were opened,
    A gentle voice said come,
    And with farewells unspoken
    She calmly entered home."
  14. [S968] "Death Records, 1897-1920," index and images, Seeking Michigan (http://www.seekingmichigan.org : accessed 13 January 2012), entry for James Gardner, died 17 Nov 1912; Michigan Department of Vital Records, Lansing, Michigan.
  15. [S983] "Death of James Gardner," The (Saugatuck) Commercial Record, 22 November 1912, p. 1, col. 1-2; digital images, The Commercial Record (http://www.commercialrecord.org : accessed 17 January 2012).

    DEATH OF JAMES GARDNER

    ______

    James Gardner departed this life at his home in Ganges Nov. 17, 1912, at the advanced age of 84 years and 5 days.

    Mr. Gardner was born in Cumseskin, Lanarkshire, Scotland, Nov. 12, 1828.

    He was married to Miss Vere Russell in Glasgow, Scotland, August 22, 1859. They began their home life in England.

    Later they crossed the deep waters, taking their two children, James and Margaret, and located in Canada. Eight years after they moved to the United States and settled in Ganges township, first on the lake shore, afterwards moving onto a farm about three miles east. At first, after moving away from the lake, Mr. Gardner engaged in the lumber business, operating what was know as the Phillips mill. This closing up, he associated himself with a basket factory, which business was successfully conducted but finally closed up and the machinery moved to Cadillac. The remainder of Mr. Gardner's business life was devoted to farming and fruit culture. Here too his foresight and business tact was amply rewarded by large yields of fruit and products of the farm.

    Several years ago he was called to sustain the loss of his devoted companion, and before that some of their children had been taken from the home so that altogether Mr. Gardner knew what affliction meant. From a child he had been taught the religious faith of his ancestors and grew up a devoted christian and member of the Presbyterian church. A few years ago he united with the M. E. church and remained loyal to the last.

    Of quite a large family of children there remain to morn his loss, William R. and Vere of Ganges, Robert D. of Brittain, South Dakota, and George of Copemish.

    The funeral services were held from the family residence Tuesday after noon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J. W. Buell officiating, assisted by Rev. Samuelson. Interment was made in the Fennville cemetery.
  16. [S951] George W. Kingsbury, History of Dakota Territory (Chicago: S.J. Clark Publishing Company, 1915).
  17. [S954] 1925 South Dakota state census, Brown County, population schedule, Aberdeen, card no. 2583, Robert D. Gardner; digital image, FamilySearch.org (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 09 January 2012); citing FHL microfilm roll 2368373.
  18. [S950] 1930 U.S. census, Brown County, South Dakota, population schedule, Aberdeen, enumeration district (ED) 8, sheet 11-A, dwelling 115, family 242, Melvin A Nelson; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 08 January 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 2218.
  19. [S946] South Dakota Department of Health, death certificate 160122 (1935), Robert D. Gardner; State Vital Registrar, Pierre.