Edmund Gardner
Biography from Biographical Annals of Lancaster County, PA, page 923
Submitted by Wanza CampbellEDMUND GARDNER was born Nov. 8, 1870, at Colemanville, Lancaster county, where he now resides. He comes from an old Pennsylvania family.
Valentine GARDNER, his great-grandfather, lived and died in Martic township, about one and one-half miles from the home of Edmund GARDNER. He was a tanner by trade, and carried on that business for some years in connection with farming, carting his leather by team to Philadelphia and Baltimore. His wife's maiden name was GOOD.
John GARDNER, the grandfather, was born in Martic township in 1808, and lived at home until he was about twenty-eight years of age. He was educated in the common schools of the county. At the age of twenty-eight he went to Conestoga township, and engaged in farming, which he continued until 1871, when he retired from the active affairs of life. He married Leah SHENK, of Conestoga township, in 1836, and they were the parents of eleven children, of whom eight died in infancy or early childhood. Those who grew to mature years were: John Wesley, father of Edmund; Leah, wife of Joseph CLARK, of Mt. Nebo; and Valentine, who at the age of twenty-one was drowned, in 1871, while skating on the Pequea. Mr. GARDNER and his wife were members of the M.E. Church, he being one of the trustees and a steward for about thirty years.
John Wesley GARDNER was born in Conestoga township, Feb. 14, 1840, and lived at home until he was twenty-two years old. He received a common school education. In 1862 he enlisted in Co. C, 122d P.V.I., was mustered into service Aug. 11, 1862, promoted to corporal Jan 21, 1863, and with his company was mustered out of the service May 15, 1863.
In 1866 John W. GARDNER married Miss Henrietta COSTELLO, of Conestoga township, and they became the parents of two children: Florence, who is the wife of H.B. BARR, of Colemanville; and Edmund. Mr. and Mrs. GARDNER are members of the M.E. Church, and Mr. GARDNER was a trustee and steward for the church for a number of years, and was also superintendent of the Sunday-school. He was engaged in merchandising for about thirty years, and retired in 1894, Edmund GARDNER, his son, continuing the business to the present time. John W. GARDNER is a member of Stewart Post, G.A.R., of Rawlinsville; of the K. of P., at Rawlinsville; and the A.O.K. of M.C., No. 158, of Mt. Nebo.
Edmund GARDNER remained at home with his parents, and upon the retirement of his father in 1894, took charge of the business. During his youth he was educated in the county schools, and supplemented this training with a two-years course at the State Normal School at Millersville. He has given his entire attention to the mercantile business and has been very successful in it. Politically he is a Republican, and was made postmaster March 30, 1894. He is a member of the Charles M. Howell Lodge, F. & A. M., No. 496, of Millersville; and is also a member of the A.O.K. of M.C., No. 158, Mt. Nebo.
On Aug 16, 1893, Mr. GARDNER was married to Miss Mary, daughter of P.C. HILLER. of Conestoga township. Both Mr. and Mrs. GARDNER are members of the M.E. Church of Colemanville, and he is one of the trustees. They have four children, namely: J. Harold, Grace, Reba and Clare, all at home.
Although a young man, Mr. GARDNER has already gained a permanent standing in the community, and is regarded as a useful, progressive and liberal-minded man in both business and social circles, well deserving the high esteem in which he is held.
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