J. W. Garner 1843-1921

GARNER, COLTON, FREELAND, JAMES

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 9/20/2023 at 10:19:53

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction IA
Thursday, May 12, 1921
Page 1

J. W. Garner is dead, at long beach, California. Several weeks ago Mr. Garner, who was spending the winter at Long Beach with Mrs. Gardner, was struck by an auto as he was crossing the street near his home and was seriously injured. The body will be brought here for the funeral service and interment in the Columbus City cemetery but not announcement of the time can be made.

Mr. Garner has been for more than sixty years one of the prominent and active leaders in the political and business life of this community. His birthplace was Preble county, Ohio and the date of his birth January 30, 1843. Two year later he came with his parents, Col. and Mrs. W. W. Garner to Columbus City. At the age of 17 he accepted a position in the printing office of the Journal at Muscatine where he remained for three years assisting the publisher. In August 1862, he enlisted in Co. F. 25th Iowa Infantry and on the 27th inf. The following month he was appointed commissary sergeant of the regiment. He was mustered out in June 1865 with the rank of regimental quartermaster.

Following his return from the war he was appointed assistant United States assessor which position he held from July 1865 until spring of 1868. About that time he formed a partnership with William H. Neal, in the drug business in Columbus City which continued for five years, when in company with his brother-in-law, Frank Colton, the general merchandise store was established under the firm name Colton & Garner.

Feb. 15, 1877, he was united in a marriage to Miss Agnes Freeland, who survives to mourn his death.
He is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. Frank Colton, of Columbus City; Miss S. Virginia Garner, of Long Beach and Mrs. G. W. James, of Oakland, California.

Mr. Garner's interests were not confined to his home community alone. He was one of the founders of Columbus Junction and platted the addition on the east side of Main Street known as Garner's Addition. In 1872 he, with a number of others, incorporated and established the Louisa County National Bank. He was a member of the first Board of Directors and has served without interruption ever since. A republican in politics he took for many years an active interest in political affairs. Fraternally he was a member of Columbus City Lodge No. 107 A. F and A. M.; of Composite Chapter No. 91, R. A. M. and of DeMolay Commandery No. 1, K. T. of Muscatine. He was also a member of Joe Neal Post No. 129 G.A. R. of Columbus City.