Notes:
Data source is Marie Owen. E-mail MarieOwen@hughes.net
age 22 in 1850
age 32 in 1860
age 41 in 1870
age 52 in 1880
age 72 in 1900
"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. Before 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. IIe 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.