Notes:
Comments from Bill Bray rebuzno@aol.com
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The record of marriage for William Gardner and Lena Muma in Columbiana Co. is found in Vol. 1, p. 216 of the Columbiana Probate Court Marriage Records. This marriage also is confirmed in the book Gateway to the West, Vol. 1, p. 294, in a chapter entitled "Columbiana County Marriages, 1803 - 1818", which I saw via Google Books. The marriage was performed by an associate Judge of Columbiana County named George Brown. As William Gardner was 18 and Lena Muma was 20 when they married (based upon existing census and family bible records), in all likelihood they lied about their ages to the judge. If that is the case, then he did not know them. It is entirely possible that they ran away from Pennsylvania (or NY) to Ohio to marry, and that neither had relatives in Columbiana (John Gardner may not have been the father of William).
Shortly after the marriage in Columbiana Co., William and Lena (Muma) Gardner moved to Brant Co., Ontario, CAN
**** Comment from Doug Mumma ***
I find Columbiana County to be a curious location for the marriage of William and Lena since I have not found any Mumas living in this area. However, it is close to "Virginia" one of the locations listed as places where the Mumas lived. Of course, this part of "Virginia" is now West Virginia. Of course it is pure speculation that the John Muma which is Lena's father is also the father of Benjamin Muma, b: 1811.
"Portrait and biographical album of Ionia and Montcalm counties, Michigan", Chapman Bros. 1891
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SIDNEY GARDNER. Among the well regulated farms of Otisco Township is that of the gentleman above named, who has been one of the factors in the progress of Ionia County since he was a youth of seventeen years. The farm which he now owns and occupies is pleasantly located on section 30, and consists of sixty acres of fertile land, upon which will be seen a complete line of farm buildings, substantial and sufficiently commodious to answer every purpose. Mr. Gardner has done much of the work of the pioneer, having cleared a large acreage of land and prepared it for cultivation and habitation. Bofore giving the facts in the history of Mr. Gardner it will not be amiss to make some mention of his parents. His father, William Gardner, was born in the Empire State, whence he removed to Canada. After making his home in the Dominion for a number of years he returned to the States in 1844, settling in the township that is now the home of his son. Here lie died in 1863. He was a wheelwright, but after coming to this State located upon a farm, having bought one hundred and sixty acres. He was High Sheriff for a number of years in Canada. Originally a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, he was connected with the Advent Church when he died. In Canada he married Lena Muma, daughter of John Muma, a native of Germany. This lady was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Sidney Gardner was born in Canada, February 29, 1828, and spent his early years in no unusual manner. He obtained a practical education and considerable knowledge of business, and until he was of age he aided his father. After the removal to this State he was on the farm until he took up the labors of life for himself. A few years later he married Miss Catherine Jane Beckwith, the ceremony being performed at the home of the bride, November 19, 1853. The union has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely, Warren, Deed, Helen and Adoniram J. Mrs. Gardner is a daughter of Philander and Melinda (McIntyre) Beckwith, who were natives of New Hampshire and New York, respectively. Although never aspiring to public honors Mr. Gardner accepted the position of Highway Commissioner and worked for the good of the traveling public during his term of office. lie gives his political allegiance to the Republican party and his support to tlie Patrons of Industry, in which he has been enrolled for some time. Mrs. Gardner is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and conscientious in her life.
1850 Census, MI, Ionia Co., Otisco twp. dwelling 744
William Gardener, 50, farmer, $2500 real estate, b: NY
Lena " , 53, b: NY
Sidney " , 22, farmer, b: W. Canada
May " , 18, b: W. Canada
Ellen " , 15, b: W. Canada
William " , 12, b: W. Canada
Data source is Marie Owen. E-mail MarieOwen@hughes.net
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age 55 in 1850
*in 1900 & 1910, daughter Mary states that Lena was born in VA.
age: 59 y 9 mo 8 days
from Canada