GARDINER, John 1824-1894

GARDINER, GILFILLAN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 2/18/2011 at 19:18:23

A Pioneer Gone

Died, at Morrison, Iowa, Friday evening, May 25, 1894, Mr. John Gardiner, age 70 years and 17 days.

Mr. Gardiner's death was no surprise to his family or friends, for he has been gradually failing for some time. His demise was caused by old age together with a complication of diseases. The high respect and esteem in which he was held was shown by the large concourse of friends present at the funeral services in the Presbyterian church in Morrison Sunday afternoon, a large number of persons being unable to gain admission to the church. The services were conducted by the pastor-elect, W. H. Jordan, assisted by Rev. Logsdon of the M. E. church, and Rev. Brant of Reinbeck Congregational church. Mr. Jordan chose for his text Psalm 37:37, "Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace." After a brief discourse Rev. Logsdon spoke of the deceased as he had known him. The remains were then conveyed to the cemetery where they were tenderly laid to rest after a brief service at the grave. Nearly one hundred conveyances were in the procession. The whole community was eager to show their respect to a good man.

John Gardiner was born in Kilearn, Scotland, May 8, 1824, and died in Morrison, Iowa, May 25, 1894, aged 70 years and 17 days. In 1849 he was married to Miss Margaret Gilfillan and immediately removed to America settling in Buffalo, N. Y., but later in Canada, where he remained 26 years, or until 1872 when he came to Iowa. Ten children were born to them. Five preceded and welcomed his coming to the better land. Four sons and one daughter survive him; Dr. Wm. Gardiner, Toledo, Ohio; James Gardiner, Reinbeck, Iowa; Moses Gardiner, Robert Gardiner and Mrs. George Dew, Morrison, Iowa. These were all present during his last illness. In July, 1874, while still at Hivverd, Canada, the family suffered a great loss in the death of wife and mother. In October, 1884, Mr. Gardiner was married to Mrs. Agnes Hamilton, who survives to mourn her loss. Mr. G. was a hard-working, thrifty farmer who knew the privations and disadvantages of pioneer life. Yet these only seemed to contribute toward making a strong character. He was a faithful citizen, opening a school in his new Canada home and filling various civil offices with credit and honor. He was an earnest christian; confessing Christ when eighteen years of age, he united with the parish church. At the early age of thirty years he was made an elder and for forty years he has been an office bearer in the Presbyterian church, and nobly has he performed the duties of that sacred office. He served as ruling elder in three churches, Thames Road, Canada, nearly 25 years; Unity Presbyterian church, Grundy county, and since April, 1889, in the Morrison church. In the seventies he had the great honor of being a member of the First General Assembly of the Presbyterian church of Canada after the union of four Presbyterian bodies. That was a large body of great men, most of whom have gone to their reward, and John Gardiner responded also when his name was called and is now serving in the General Assembly triumphant. He studied for peace and quiet and was often the means of averting difficulties because of his calmness and thoughtful care. He was a man of prayer. Everyone who knew him could see it in his face in his every day life. As such he has ever been a most faithful worker, a pillar in the church and community. Family worship was never neglected and family training was regarded as a most important duty. The Bible had been translated into his every day life and men read there a most excellent translation of truth. No man could say ought against his life. He had integrity of character. He believed in honesty, not because it is the best policy but because it is right. He was a man of honor. He has left us a precious heritage, a godly life which will ever live in the lives of all who knew him.

--The Grundy County Republican (Grundy Center, Iowa), 31 May 1894