William Franklin Gardner

William Franklin "Frank" GARDNER (William C. Gardner) was born 4 Feb 1849 in Bingham Twp., Clinton Co, Michigan. He died 12 Mar 1893 in the City of Owosso, Shiawassee Co, Michigan and was buried 15 Mar 1893 in Mount Rest Cemetery, St.Johns, Clinton Co, Michigan.

Wm. F. Gardner, 21, farmer, Value of real estate - $1500, Value of personal estate - $60, b. Michigan

Mary Gardner, 50, b. March 1850, mother of 4 children, 2 surviving, b. Canada-English, father b. England, immigrated to the U.S. in 1860 - 40 years ago, rents a house

William E., 24, son, b. Dec 1875, married less than 1 year, b. Michigan, father b. Michigan, mother b. Canada-English, shoe salesman

Alice L., 22, daughter-in-law, b. July 1877, married less than 1 year, b. Michigan, both parents b. England

William F. married Mary A. CREASER, daughter of William CREASER and Emily LORETTE, on 31 Dec 1868 in St. Johns, Clinton Co, Michigan. Mary was born 3 Mar 1850 in Canada East. She died 21 Feb 1921 and was buried in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Clinton Co, Michigan.

W.F. Gardner, formerly engaged in the grocery business in St. Johns, died at his home in Owosso last Monday after a brief illness of inflammation of the bowels, aged 43 years. Mr. Gardner was born in Bingham, living upon the old Gardner farm until about nine years ago when he removed to this village to engage in business. Two years ago he sold out and removed to Owosso. He leaves a wife, one son aged 17 years and one daughter, aged 12 years, in Owosso. A daughter, Mrs. A.C. Jones, of this village; a mother and two brothers, Ebon and Sears, also residents of St. Johns. He was carrying $2,000 insurance in the A.O.U.W. at the time of his death. He was a member of the M.E. church, and a kind and loving parent. The remains were brought to St. Johns yesterday for burial."

William F. Gardner, of Owosso, died at his home in that city on Sunday night last, March 12, 1893, aged 43 years, after an illness of little less than a week, he having been taken sick the Tuesday night previous. The cause of his demise was inflammation of the bowels. He was born upon his father's farm in this township, where he resided until nine years ago, when he removed to this village and engaged in the grocery and bazaar business. This he carried on successfully, building in the meantime a fine store building, until two years ago, when he sold out and moved to Owosso engaging in the grocery business there soon after. He leaves a wife, one son and two daughters to mourn his loss. Besides these he leaves a mother and two brothers, Ebon and Sears, who reside in St. Johns. Mrs. A.C. Jones, of this village, is one of the daughters. Mr. Gardner was an honest, upright citizen, a conscientious christian gentleman, and a kind and loving father. He was a member of the F.M. church. The funeral was conducted at his late home in Owosso yesterday, and the remains brought here for interment.

From the "Owosso Times," published in "The Clinton Republican," St. Johns, Michigan, Thursday, March 30, 1893:

"W.F. Gardner died March 12. This morning the officers of Owosso lodge A.O.U.W. paid Mrs. Gardner the sum of $2,000, the amount of the policy carried by Mr. G. in the order. Five days after the death proofs were filed, the payment was made. This is certainly prompt business."

After an illness of several months� duration, Mrs. Mary A. Potter passed away Monday morning at 6 o�clock, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A.G. Jones, of Ottawa street, north.

Mary A. Creaser was born in Edwardstown, Can., March 3, 1850, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Creaser. When still a young girl, she moved to Malone, N.Y., with her parents, and later to St. Johns. On December 31, 1868, she was married to William F. Gardner. To this union, four children were born, Rennie, Gertrude, Mrs. A.G. Jones and William E. Gardner. Rennie died January 21, 1881, and Gertrude, October 12, 1895. Her husband, William F. Gardner, was for a great many years grocerman in this city, and in 1889, he, with his wife, moved to Owosso, where he engaged in the same business. His death occurred March 12, 1893. Mrs. Gardner remained in Owosso, and in 1907 married J.C. Potter, who died in 1915. She was a resident of that city until she came here last August, for a visit with her daughter, and was taken ill.

Mrs. Potter was a good Christian lady, and an active member of the Free Methodist church. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs .A. G. Jones, of this city, and William E. Gardner, of Lansing.

The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o�clock, from the residence of Mr. and Mrs. A.G. Jones. Rev. J.J. Morrish officiated. Interment was made at Mt Rest cemetery.


Wm. Franklin Gardner plot, Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan	Wm. F. and Mary A. Gardner	L. to r.: Mother (Mary A.), Father (Wm. F.), and Rennie Gardner

1. Cecelia "Celia" Ada GARDNER (William F.) was born 15 Mar 1870 in Essex Twp., Clinton Co, Michigan. She died 24 Nov 1937 in St. Johns, Clinton Co., Michigan and was buried in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Clinton Co., Michigan.

"Gardner School," Clinton County Trails, Genealogists of the Clinton County Historical Society, Vol. 12, No. 2, June 1997, p. 14:

"Among the class lists which cover the years 1878 to 1937 the following students are named with ages:

Celia married Almeron Grant JONES, son of Nathan JONES and Susan, on 15 Oct 1890 in Clinton Co., Michigan. Almeron was born Jan. 1865 in Michigan. He died 14 Feb 1946 in Clinton Co., Michigan, and was buried in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Clinton Co., Michigan.

Allie Jones and Celia A. Gardner were married at the home of the bride's parents in this village, by Rev. C.G. Thomas, last week Wednesday night.

Almeraron Jones, 35, b. Jan 1865, married 9 years, b. Michigan, both parents b. New York, Clerk in grocery, owns a home free of mortgage

Celia A., 30, wife, married 9 years, has had two children, both living, b. Michigan, father b. Michigan, mother b. Canada English

Almeron Jones, 45, married once for 19 years, b. Michigan, both parents b. New York, Profrietor of grocery, owns a home free of mortgage

Celia A., 40, wife, married once for 19 years, has had two children, both living, b. Michigan

Almaron G. Jones, 54, owns home free of mortgage, married, b. Michigan, both parents b. New York, Merchant in a retail grocery store

Alemearon G. Jones, 65, owns home, value of real estate - $4000, has a radio set, first married at 25 years old, b. Michigan, both parents b. New York, Retail grocer in a grocery store, is not a veteran

Celia A., 60, wife, first married at 20 years old, b. Michigan, father b. Canada French, mother b. Michigan

People of St. Johns were again saddened this week by the death of Mrs. A.G. Jones, 67, who suffered a stroke of apoplexy Monday night and passed away at Clinton Memorial hospital Wednesday morning at 5:30. While Mrs. Jones has been in rather poor health for several years, her sudden passing came as a distinct shock to her family and friends.

Monday evening she attended a gathering with old friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George H. Chapman. After a Thanksgiving dinner, followed by an evening of bridge, with others, she was saying pleasant good-byes to the host and friends when she was suddenly stricken. Her condition became rapidly worse and she was in a coma during her last hours.

Her two daughters, Mrs. W.I. Lillie of Philadelphia and Mrs. L.A. Buie of Rochester, Minn., were notified, but neither was able to reach her mother's bedside before her passing.

Celia Ada Gardner, daughter of Frank and Mary A. Gardner, was born in Essex township March 16, 1870. She was married to Almeron G. Jones Oct. 15, 1890 and at that time came to St. Johns to live where Mr. Jones was engaged in the grocery business. To this union were born two daughters.

Active in religious, social and civic organizations, she was one of the most lovable characters. Primarily her interests were in her home, but she found time to devote to the Congregational church, of which she was a member. She was a resident of this city and community her entire life.

Besides the husband and two daughters aforementioned, she is survived by a brother, W.E. Gardner of Lake Odessa, the last surviving member of her family; four grandchildren, Robert and Phillip Lillie of Philadelphia and Nancy and Louis Buie of Rochester, Minn.

Funeral services will be held at the residence on S. Oakland street at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon.

Almearon G. Jones, 81, former St. Johns grocer and one of the city�s most respected citizens, died at Clinton Memorial hospital last Thursday afternoon. He had been in poor health for some time and his death followed by little more than a month the passing of his wife on Jan. 10.

Mr. Jones spent more than 50 years as a business man on St. Johns� Clinton avenue. As a boy in his teens he came here from his Riley township farm home to work in the O.P. Dewitt grocery. He learned the business there and in 1901, in partnership with Carl LeBaron, he bought the Lou VauConsant store at at the corner of Clinton avenue and Higham street.

Mr. LeBaron retired from the partnership 1 � years later but Mr. Jones continued to operate the grocery store in the same location until December of 1934 when he sold to Lester Smith and retired from business. The store was later sold to the Wings and this past year it was bough by Lynn Bradley.

One of the city�s most prominent business men, Mr. Jones was known by people throughout Clinton county. At the time of his death he served as president and member of the board of directors of the St. Johns Building and Loan Association. He was a vice-president and a member of the board of directors of the State Bank of St. Johns.

He was always active in Masonic orders and was one of the first commanders of the St. Johns Commandery of Knights Templar. He was also a member of the Shrine.

He was born on Jan. 18, 1865, in Riley township, the son of Nathan E. Jones and Susan Hildreth Jones. He was married in St. Johns on Oct. 15, 1890, to Miss Celia A. Gardner. After her death in November of 1937, he married Mrs. Glenn Horton Ward on Feb. 6, 1939. Mrs. Jones died on Jan. 10 of this year.

Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. W.I. Lillie, of Philadelphia, Pa., and Mrs. Louis Buie, of Rochester, Minn.; and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Eberts with Rev. Ray T. Caldwell, of the St. Johns Congregational church, officiating. Burial was in Mt. Rest cemetery.

Active pall bearers at the funeral included L.W. Wolf, Asa Gillson, Ellsworth Tallmadge, Arden Cook, Thomas E. Corkin and Guy Dutcher. Honorary pall bearers were Arthur E. Wilson, Walter Wykoff, E.W. Fehling,Vern Walker, Geroge G. Hunter, Jess Bancroft, Dr. H.M. Gohn, Fred Bunday, Lyman Parr, Glenn Steel, George Schoenhals and Carl LeBaron.

1. Opal C. JONES (Celia Gardner) was born 7 Feb 1892 in St. Johns Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan. She died 1976 and was buried 27 Aug 1976 in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Clinton Co., Michigan.

Opal married Walter I. LILLIE, son of Walter I. LILLIE and Ella H. McGRATH, on 30 Aug 1916 in St. Johns, Bingham Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan. Walter was born about 1892 in Flint, Genessee Co., Michigan.

2. Zelma L. JONES (Celia Gardner) was born 11 Jan 1898 in Michigan. She died 24 Sep 1985 in Olmsted Co., Minnesota.

Zelma married Louis Arthur BUIE, son of Wilson R. BUIE and Mabel. Louis was born 30 Jul 1890 in South Carolina. He died 2 Jul 1975 in Olmsted Co., Minnesota.

Louis A. Buie, 39, owns a home valued at $18,000, owns a radio set, first married at 29 years old, b. South Carolina, both parents b. South Carolina, Physician in Medical Clinic, is a WWI vet

Zelma L., 32, wife, first married at 22 years, b. Michigan, both parents b. Michigan

Francis Lee, 28, single, maid, b. Minnesota, both parents b. Minnesota, Maid for private family

Bertha C. Fontana, 23, maid, single, b. Minnesota, father b. Germany, mother b. Minnesota, Maid for private family

2. Williiam E. GARDNER (William F.) was born 15 Dec 1875 in Essex Twp., Clinton Co, Michigan. He died 15 Mar 1952 in Bradenton, Manatee Co., Florida, and was buried in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Clinton Co, Michigan.

It is a very interesting letter which Will E. Gardner had written to his mother, Mrs. Mary A. Gardner, of St. Johns, and which she has kindly loaned to The News with permission to publish such portions as might be deemed worthy. It is dated at Sibony, Cuba, and is in part as follows:

I have not heard from you or anyone else since arriving here, and I am getting a little lonesome in this foreign land. If you will write to me about twice a week I will get a letter once in a while. The heat here is simply awful, you don't know anything about it. We do not stay in one place over 24 hours, as our army is always on the move.

We are camping today on the side of a hill, overlooking the ocean, and it is a great sight to us. You remember that I said in my last letter that I might be in a flight before long, well I have experienced at least a rough and tumble since. The first day of July we made an attack on a fort called Adgundoris, occupied by the Spaniards. The boats came up when they heard us firing and helped in the bombardment, one of the boats actually blew things all to pieces. They simply tore down the walls, and then our boys went after the Dona. They lost about 100 men or more, but we could not get all of them as they had an outlet under the mountain, where they fled to Santiago. They have one gun in this locality we cannot locate for they use smokeless powder altogether, which is so much superior to our smoky stuff. We lost two boys of our regiment in the fight from a shell bursting from this hidden gun. Many of our boys were wounded. Once has since died, and six, who were badly hurt will pull through. On the second day of our attack we captured 155 Spaniards and have them in prison, among the number are two officers. On the 3rd day of July we went back to this fort, but did not make any headway and lost one of our Cuban guides. We came to this place the fourth. We did not celebrate, but some of the boys from other states did. Our men made an attack on Santiago and lost heavily, but the Spaniards lost twice our number. Sampson's fleet went in the harbor and blew Servera's fleet all to pieces, burned all the boats, and captured Servera, the High Admiral of the Spanish navy. On July 1, the regulars lost about 1500 men and the Spaniards about 5000, but I guess we won't get into a warm scrap at present, as we are helping in a hospital today and I learn there may be a company detailed to stay here. I do not worry over a single thing and am thinking this war will not last long and we will soon be at home in paradise once more, for they expect to move the troops soon, and as soon as Santiago is taken I suppose will move on Havana and then that will be all.

We have not had a pay day in Cuba yet, but I do not need it as I have money which I have saved from last pay day. It amounts to $35 in gold. The(re) is no way of sending money from here or I would send it home, but it will be safe I guess, I told some of the boys if anything happened to send it to you when they had an opportunity. These mail boats are running many chances getting out and in so the enemy cannot see them and I am not going to run any risk with my gold. If I get out of this I expect to have some money saved up. We can't buy anything here and it's a good thing for the boys as it makes us saving. How are all the folks and friends, prosperity and all? When you write me tell all the news.

We had a big dinner the fourth, tomatoes, Jelly, bacon, hardtack and coffee, how was that for a big dinner? We really manage to have fun out of our hard ships and so far we can't kick much except on the hot weather. You will not know me when I return for I am as black as a coon, but I take particular delight in picturing myself and all the comrades wearing G.A.R. buttons and telling war stories on the street corners of St. Johns. As it looks like rain I must close, and fix my gun and other stuff and will close for this time, hoping to hear from you soon, I remain your ever true brave soldier boy. Sealed with a kiss.

William E. Gardner was the first sergeant of Company G (meaning he was the top enlisted soldier for that unit). According to "Michigan Volunteers of '98" he was from Owosso along with most of the company. The 33rd mustered along with the other four regiments at Island Lake near Brighton, Michigan. The 33rd left Island Lake for Camp Alger, Virginia on May 28, 1998. On June 23rd, it sailed from Newport News, Virginia, on the cruiser Yale, for Cuba. It landed at Baiquiri, Cuba on June 27, participating in the assault on Santiago de Cuba on July 1. Two weeks later, Santiago surrendered and a month after that the war was over. After the war, the 33rd reverted to its pre-war designation of Third Regiment and the Owosso company was redesignated as Company H."

From the Civil War Pension Index which also contains Spanish-American War soldiers:

Muster out roll of Company G, of the 33rd Regiment of Michigan Infantry, Dec. 18, 1898:

"This company was organized at Owosso, Michigan, and mustered in as U.S. Volunteers at Island Lake, Mich., May 15, 1898. Left Island Lake May 27, '98, for Camp Russell A. Alger, Va., arriving in camp May 30, 1898. Left Camp Alger, Va., by rail, for Alexandria, Va., June 22, 1898, thence by steamer "City of Washington," to Fortress Monroe, Va., arriving at latter place June 23, 98. Embarked on Str. "Yale" at Fortress Monroe for Cuba, arrived at Siboney Cuba, June 27, 1898. In camp at Siboney, Cuba, until July 1st '98 at 3 am. In active before Aguadorea, Cuba July 1st, 1898. In camp at Siboney until July 21, 1898. In camp at ???daruares, Cuba, until Aug. 20,98. Left by rail for LaCruz, Aug. 20, 98. Embarked on Lighter Laura and was wrecked at 1:15 pm. Returned to LaCruz Aug. 20, 98. In camp at La Cruz until Aug. 23 '98. Embarked on transport "Minnewaska" at Santiago, Cuba, Aug. 23, 98 for United States, arriving at Montauk Point, L.I., Aug. 29, 98. In camp at Montauk Point until Sept. 2, 98. Left Sept. 2 by rail, arriving at Detroit, Mich. Sept. 3, 98, thence by rail Sept. 4, 98 to Owosso, Mich. where they arrived on that date. In action July 1st 98, no fatalities occurred, furloughed Sept. 5, 98 as a company, 60 days. Per G.O.130A-G-O-C-S-"

"William E. Gardner, 1 Sergt., joined April 26, 1898 in Owosso, Mich. by Capt. VanEpps, for 2 years. Mustered in May 15, 1898 at Island Lake by Capt. Irvine. Last paid, May Grant, to Aug. 3, 1898. Traveling to Owosso, Mich."

"Remarks: Enrolled as 3rd Sergt, April 26, 1898 mustered, was 1st Srrgt May 4. Sick in quarters Aug. 16 to 23 inc.98 in line of duty. On furlough Sept. 5 to Nov. 3 98 inc. pos GO180. Reported for duty Nov. 3. The settlement for clothing is included $28 total value of clothing issued him by state."

"Amount of pay $108.00. Clothing, $22.79. For horses, $25.75. Total amount due, $156.54. Amount of Stoppages, $.30. Balance paid, $156.24.

Mary Gardner, 50, b. March 1850, mother of 4 children, 2 surviving, b. Canada-English, father b. England, immigrated to the U.S. in 1860 - 40 years ago, rents a house

William E., 24, son, b. Dec 1875, married less than 1 year, b. Michigan, father b. Michigan, mother b. Canada-English, shoe salesman

Alice L., 22, daughter-in-law, b. July 1877, married less than 1 years, b. Michigan, both parents b. England

William E. Gardner, 34, married for 11 years, b. Michigan, both parents b. Michigan, salesman of pants and shoes, rents a house

Alice L., 31, wife, married for 11 years, mother of one child, 1 surviving, b. Michigan, both parents b. England

William E. Gardner, 44, married, rents a house, b. Michigan, father b. USA, mother b. Canada, dealer in coal

Rose, 35, wife, married, b. Ohio, father b. Switzerland (mother tongue is German), mother b. Ireland (mother tongue is English)

William E. Gardner, 52, owns a home, owns a radio set, married, b. Michigan, father b. Michigan, mother b. Canada, retail merchant of shoes, veteran of Spanish-American war

Rose M., 43, wife, married, b. Ohio, father b. Switzerland, mother b. Northern Ireland, occupation is "assistant"

Williiam E. married (1) Alice M. MALTHOUSE, daughter of Elijah MALTHOUSE,and Elizabeth, on 10 Oct 1899 in Bingham Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan. Alice was born Jul 1877 in St. Johns, Bingham Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan.

1920 U.S. Census, Long Beach City, Precinct 40, Long Beach Twp., Los Angeles County, California:

Alice L. Gardner, 42, rents a home, divorced, b. Michigan, both parents b. England, saleslady of jewelry

Alice L. Gardner, 52, rents a home for $30.00 per month, has a radio set, divorced, first married at 22 years old, b. Michigan, both parents b. England, no occupation

Elizah Malthouse, 74, father, b. England, both parents b. England, immigrated to the U.S. in 1874

1. Raymond F. GARDNER (William F.) was born about 5 July 1903 in Essex Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan.

Williiam also married (2) Rose M. Between 1910-1920. Rose was born about 1885-1887 in Ohio. She died 1946 in Michigan and was buried Mar 1946 in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Clinton Co, Michigan

William E. Gardner, former Lake Odessa deputy sheriff, died Saturday at Bradenton , Florida , where he had gone to spend the winter.

A Spanish-American war veteran, Gardner first moved to Lake Odessa with his family in the early 1920�s as manager of the A&P store. He was deputy sheriff for 15 years from September 23, 1927, until 1942, serving under Sheriffs William Franch, Herbert Ross, and Leslie Murphy.

The body is to be returned to Lake Odessa Wednesday. Funeral services are to be conducted Friday at 1 p.m. from the Pickens funeral home with burial in St John�s cemetery.

3. Gertrude Ada GARDNER "Gertie" (William F.) was born 4 Dec 1877 in Essex Twp., Clinton Co, Michigan. She died 12 Oct 1895 and was buried in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Clinton Co, Michigan.

Miss Gertrude Gardner, formerly of St. Johns, died at her home in Owosso Thursday last of typhoid fever. The funeral services were held in Owosso and the remains brought to this city for burial at St. Johns cemetery where her father is buried. She was a most lovable young woman and had many friends in St. Johns.

Gertrude, aged 17, daughter of the late Wm. F. Gardner, died at the home of her mother in Owosso, of typhoid fever last Saturday. The deceased was a lovely girl, and her untimely death will be mourned by many in St. Johns, where she lived until about four years ago, when the family removed to Owosso. Her father died two years ago. Besides a mother, she leaves a sister, Mrs. Allie Jones, in St. Johns, and a brother, William, who lives with his mother in Owosso. The remains were brought to St. Johns for interment yesterday.

We desire to thank the many friends who kindly lent their aid and sympathy during the sickness, death and burial of our beloved daughter and sister Gertrude.

4. Elmer "Rennie" GARDNER (William F.) was born 19 Dec 1880 in Bingham Twp., Clinton Co., Michigan. He died 21 Jan 1881 in Bingham Twp., Clinton Co, Michigan and was buried in Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Clinton Co, Michigan.


Wm. E. Gardner stone, Wm. F. Gardner plot, Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, Michigan	L. to r., Rose (wife of Wm. E. Gardner), Wm. E. Gardner, Gertrude Gardner, in the Wm. F. Gardner plot