James Gardner1

M, b. 18 August 1827, d. 17 November 1912
FatherMatthew Gardner1 b. c 1785, d. 5 Jun 1874
MotherEuphemia Dalziel1 d. b 1869
RelationshipGrandson of Matthew Gardner
ChartsDescendants of Matthew Gardner and Margaret Martin
Birth*James Gardner was born on 18 August 1827 at Cambusnethan, Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, Scotland.1  
BaptismHe was baptized on 9 September 1827 at Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, Scotland.1 
(Son) CensusHe appeared on the census of 1841 as the son of Matthew Gardner at Woodhead, Cardross, Dunbartonshire, Scotland.3 
Marriage*James Gardner married Vere Swan Russell, daughter of James Russell and Margaret Swan, on 22 August 1854 at Darnley Terrace, Shawlands, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. The wedding party included William Russell. The officiating minster for the marriage ceremony was William Russell.4,5 
OccupationJames Gardner was a farm bailiff between 1855 and 1857 at Woodcote, Sheriff Hales, Shropshire, England.6,7 
Census*He appeared as the head of a household along with his wife, Vere Swan Gardner on the census of 1861 at Smith Township, Peterborough, Canada West, British Colonial America. The household also included William R. Gardner.8 
Immigration*James Gardner and Vere Swan Russell immigrated in 1868 to United States.9,10 
Occupation*James Gardner was a farmer between 1868 and 1910 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States.11,12,13,9,10 
CensusHe appeared as the head of a household along with his wife, Vere Swan Gardner on the census of 1870 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States. The household also included William R. Gardner, Vere Swan Russell Gardner, Jane E. R. Gardner and Robert D. Gardner.12 
(Witness) MarriageJames Gardner witnessed the marriage of William R. Gardner and Angie E. Loughry on 25 March 1880 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States.14 
CensusJames Gardner appeared as the head of a household along with his wife, Vere Swan Gardner on the census of 1880 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States. The household also included Vere Swan Russell Gardner, Jane E. R. Gardner, Robert D. Gardner and George Fred Augustus Gardner.13 
Anecdote*A biography of James Gardner was included in the book Portrait and biographical record of Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren counties, Michigan in 1892, as follows:

JAMES GARDNER

In presenting the biographical notice of the career of one of the leading men of Ganges Township, Allegan County, and a gentleman who is thoroughly representative of its progressive element, we deem it our duty to first briefly advert to the life of those from whom he draws his origin. He is the son of Mathew and Euphemia (Dalzell) Gardner, both natives of Scotland. The father was there reared on a farm and followed agriculture all his life being also Land Agent in that country. He was married when quite young to Euphemia Dalzell, a daughter of Robert Dalzell, a descendant of the noted Dalzells of Scotland. Mr. Gardner was widely-known man and held the responsible position of Land Valuator. He died at the ripe old age of ninety years. His life companion passed away some years previous to his death.
Our subject is a native of Lanarkshire, Scotland, born in 1830, and is one of fifteen children born to his parents, all of whom have died but our subject and his brother Alexander, a minister and a resident of Scotland. At the early age of sixteen years, James Gardner was graduated from the High School and Academy of Carodiss [Cardross]. He was after this bound to a Land Agent four years. He then went to England, where he was Land Agent over large estates eleven years. In 1859 he set sail for America and landed in Canada, at Port Hope, where he was engaged in the lumber business eight years. In 1865 he came to the United States, coming direct to this township, where he has since remained. Having $5,000 when coming to this country enabled him to make a good start in life. He was engaged in lumbering for many years in Kalamazoo and now owns nearly a fourth interest in the Douglas Basket factory. In real estate, our subject owns six hundred acres of land in Ganges Township, three hundred of which are improved and about sixty acres in fruit. He also owns over two hundred acres in Canada.
While residing in England, at the age of twenty eight years, Mr. Gardner was married to Vere Susan Russell, of Scotland. Mrs. Gardner is a daughter of William and Margaret Russell and was one of three children born to them. Mrs. Gardner is a descendant of one of the oldest families in Upper Ward, of Lanarkshire, Scotland, and is a second cousin of the Hon. William E. Gladstone, of England. She is a graduate of the High School and the Ladies' Normal, of Glasgow. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have come eight children, five of whom are living: Three died in infancy. The living are named William R., Vera S. R., Jane E. R., Robert D. and George F. A. Mr. Gardner has taken great pride in giving his children good educations. Vere is a graduate of the Toronto High School and studied art one year in Scotland; Robert D. is a law student in Allegan, and George is a student of the Douglas High Schools. Our subject and his wife are members of the Congregational Church, of Douglas. Politically, he votes for the man, irrespective of party principles. He belongs to the Douglas Lodge, No. 196, F. & A. M. Mr. Gardner and family are the only kinsmen to his brother's large estate in Scotland and Mrs. Gardner will soon come into possession of a large estate, also in Scotland. The late James Alexander Gardner was a nephew of our subject and at the time of his death was an advocate in Edinburgh. His death was mourned all over England and Scotland and sympathy from many of the best families of England and Scotland were sent to his aged father. Mr. Gardner is a man widely-known for his integrity, honesty and uprightness, always contributing liberally to every good cause and ever striving for a suppression of evil.15 
AnecdoteThe land owned by James Gardner, William R. Gardner and Robert D. Gardner was detailed in the book Illustrated Atlas of Allegan County, Michigan : compiled from official records and local inspection published in 1895.16
CensusJames Gardner appeared as the head of a household along with his wife, Vere Swan Gardner on the census of 1900 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States. The household also included Vere Swan Russell Gardner, John Kridler and Clarence Arndt.9 
(Informant) DeathJames Gardner was listed as an informant on the death certificate of Vere Swan Russell on 3 August 1907 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States.17,18 
Census*James Gardner appeared as the head of a household on the census of 1910 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States. The household also included Vere Swan Russell Gardner, William R. Gardner and Doris Schoenlaub.10 
Death*James Gardner died on 17 November 1912 at Ganges Township, Allegan, Michigan, United States, at age 85. The informant listed on the death certificate was William R. Gardner.19,20 
Burial*James Gardner was buried after 17 November 1912 at Fennville Cemetery, Allegan, Michigan, United States.19 

Family

Vere Swan Russell b. 22 Aug 1828, d. 3 Aug 1907
Marriage*He married Vere Swan Russell, daughter of James Russell and Margaret Swan, on 22 August 1854 at Darnley Terrace, Shawlands, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, Scotland. The wedding party included William Russell. The officiating minster for the marriage ceremony was William Russell.4,5 
Children
Last Edited13 Mar 2012

Citations

  1. [S621] Cambusnethan Parish (Lanarkshire, Scotland), Old Parish Registers, OPR 628/3, p. 129, James Gardener baptism (9 September 1827); digital image, ScotlandsPeople (http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk : accessed 26 May 2011); citing O.P.R. Births 628/00 0030 0031 CAMBUSNETHAN.

    1827, p. 129

    James Gardener Son to Mathew Gardener Camnethan and Euphame Dalziel his spouse was born18th Augt & baptd 9th Septr. 12 Ch.

  2. [S971] James Gardner photograph, c. 1864, privately held by Hazel Gardner, [ADDRESS FOR PRIVATE USE], Ashtead, Surrey, England, 29 May 1999. This photograph was scanned by David Gardner Crouch from a collection of loose photographs, albums, bibles and other family papers that originally belonged to Rev. Alexander Gardner, minister at Brechin. On his death in 1893, this collection passed to his nephew, Matthew Gardner, post master at Rock Cottage, Ardentinny, Argyll, Scotland. It is presently owned by Hazel Gardner, the widow of Charles Aitken Gardner. Charles was a grandson of the Matthew Gardner of Rock Cottage mentioned above. The subject of the photograph is not identified. The photographer's label on the back reads "Ewing Photographer Peterboro."
  3. [S624] 1841 census of Scotland, Dunbartonshire, Cardross registration district, enumeration district (ED) 3, p. 16, Matthew Gardner household; digital image, ScotlandsPeople (http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk : accessed 26 May 2011); citing GRO Census 1841 494/00 003/00 015.
  4. [S828] Eastwood Parish (Lanarkshire, Scotland), Old Parish Registers, OPR 562/5, p. [missing], James Gardiner-Vere Swan Russel marriage (22 August 1854); digital image, ScotlandsPeople (http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk : accessed 11 August 2011); citing O.P.R. Marriages 562/00 0050 0322 EASTWOOD.

    1854
    Gardiner & Swan Russel, 12 August 1854
    James Gardiner Woodcote Newport Shropshire and Vere Swan Russel Darnley Terrace in this Parish were registered for proclamation of Banns – two days
    The above parties were married at Glasgow on the twenty second day of August, by the Rev. Wm Russel minister at Selkirk.

  5. [S992] "MARRIAGES," Glasgow Herald, 25 August 1854, p. 5, col. 4; digital images, British Library, British Newspapers 1800-1900 (http://newspapers.bl.uk : accessed 19 January 2012).

    MARRIAGES

    At Darnley Terrace, Shawlands, on the 22d instant, by the Rev. William Russell, of Selkirk, Mr James Gardner, Woodcote, Shropshire, to Vere Swan, only daughter of the late Mr James Russell, Crossridge, Carmichael.

  6. [S1007] England, birth certificate for James Russell Gardner, born 07 November 1855; citing 6A/641/407, Newport, Salop and Staffordshire registration district and Newport subdistrict; General Registry Office, Southport.
  7. [S1008] England, birth certificate for Margaret Euphemia Gardner, born 25 March 1857; citing 6A/707/370, Newport, Salop and Staffordshire registration district and Newport subdistrict; General Registry Office, Southport.
  8. [S829] 1861 census of Canada West, Peterborough County, population schedule, Smith Township, enumeration district (ED) 15, p. 11, lines 8-10, James Garderner household; digital image, Ancestry.ca (http://www.ancestry.ca : accessed 11 August 2011); citing Library and Archives Canada microfilm C-1067.
  9. [S832] 1900 U.S. census, Allegan County, Michigan, population schedule, Ganges Township, enumeration district (ED) 9, sheet 5-B, dwelling 104 [98 striked out], family 116 [104 striked out], James Gardner household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 August 2011); citing NARA microfilm publication T623, roll 698.
  10. [S833] 1910 U.S. census, Allegan County, Michigan, population schedule, Ganges Township, enumeration district (ED) 11, sheet 11-B, dwelling 282, family 284, James Gardner household; digital image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 13 August 2011); citing NARA microfilm publication T624, roll 634.
  11. [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.
  12. [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.
  13. [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.
  14. [S955] "Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925," index and images, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 09 January 2012), entry for William R. Gardner and Angie E. Loughey, 25 March 1880 citing Marriage Records, FHL microfilm 2,342,466; Michigan Department of Vital Records, Lansing, Michigan.
  15. [S970] Unknown author, Portrait and biographical record of Kalamazoo, Allegan and Van Buren counties, Michigan (Chicago: Chapman Cros., 1892).
  16. [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).
  17. [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.
  18. [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."
  19. [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.
  20. [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.
  21. [S961] "Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925," index and images, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 10 January 2012), entry for William R. Gardner and Ella K. Green, 13 November 1913 citing Marriage Records, FHL microfilm 2,342,700; Michigan Department of Vital Records, Lansing, Michigan.
  22. [S964] "Michigan Deaths and Burials, 1800-1995," index, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 10 January 2012), entry for William R. Gardner, died 21 September 1936; citing Death Records, FHL microfilm 2,110,084; Index entries derived from digital copies of original and compiled records.
  23. [S1108] June James, recorder, Little Lake Cemetery, Section A, Peterborough, North Monaghan Township, Peterborough County (Peterborough, Ontario, Canada: Kawartha Branch, Ontario Genealogical Society, recorded Sept/Oct 2000).

    Row 21, No.192
    [broken stone] (gs) Erected by James GARDNER & Vere Swan RUSSELL to the memory of their children / James Russell / born Nov 7, 1855 - died Nov 17, 1859 / Margaret Euphemia / born Mar 25, 1857 - died Aug 8, 1858 / John Alexander / born July 5, 1861 - died Mar 4, 1862 / There were two fair buds of a fairer blossom in the garden of our love they grew, Our Lord came down and took them to His bosom, So gently that shook not all the dew, For we're three fair expanding flowers in Heaven, Blooming in glory sweet immortal flowers With struggling hearts unto the giver given, His were they ever and they still are ours. [Lot 55 Range 4N]

  24. [S1018] Stephenson County, Illinois, Marriage Licenses, M20-744, Robert D. Gardner and Emma Louisa Knudson, 1899; Office of the County Court of Stephenson, Freeport.
  25. [S975] "Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925," index and images, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 15 January 2012), entry for George F. A. Gardner and Rose Stewart, 28 November 1895 citing Marriage Records, FHL microfilm 2342503; Michigan Department of Vital Records, Lansing, Michigan.
  26. [S1004] Manistee County, Michigan, death certificate no. 24 (1951), George Gardner; Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Manistee.