William Sylvester Gardner (1851-1940)

GARDNER, SWALWELL, TOMLINSON, MAXWELL, GORDEN

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/5/2005 at 09:47:56

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Iowa, Thursday, January 2, 1941, page 1, column 6. "OBITUARY - William Sylvester Gardner, son of David and Betsy Ann Gardner, was born near Indianapolis, Indiana, September 18, 1851, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charley Swalwell near Maxwell, Iowa, December 26, 1940, at the age of 89 years, 3 months and 9 days. He came with his parents from Indiana in 1863 and settled in northwest Jasper County. On May 28, 1874, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Anne Tomlinson. To this union eight children were born of who two daughters and three sons survive. Two boys and one girl died in childhood. Mrs. Gardner died sixteen years ago, being buried on New Years day. Mr. Gardner was a member of the Brethren Church and also of the Three Quarter Century Club of the Newton Daily News and Jasper County Record. In early days he purchased the farm which is now occupied by his son, Everett, and with whom he made his home. On this land he cleared the timber and built a log cabin which was their home for a number of years. All but three of the children were born in the cabin. The farm also became well known throughout this section of the state because of the sorghum factory which Mr. Gardner conducted for many years. When advancing age prevented active participation in the work he maintained a keen interest in the mill which his son operates. Maxwell community has always been his home with the exception of a short time spent on a farm near Rhodes and of two years which were spent in North Dakota for his wife's health. Mr. Gardner was a quiet, unassuming man yet possessed qualities of integrity and fine character that were appreciated by all who knew him. In his business dealings he had an enviable reputation for honesty and fair dealing. He was sociable and congenial in his friendships and greatly beloved by all with whom he came in contact. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. May Maxwell, of Amboy, Minnesota; Mrs. Eva Swalwell, of Maxwell; and three sons, __ __ __, North Dakota; John, of San Haven, North Dakota, and Everett, of Maxwell. Also surviving are a sister, Mrs. William Gorden, of Pawnee City, Nebraska, and two brothers, Edward, of Des Moines, and James, of Maxwell. Twenty-seven grand children, twenty-seven great grand children and one great great granddaughter, besides a host of relatives and friends, mourn the loss of a loved one and a true friend. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Ralph W. Quakenbush in the Peoria Church. Mrs. Ray Gooden sang "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and "Jesus Saviour** Pilot Me," accompanied by Mrs. John Joor. The pall bearers were the grandsons: Jimmy Gardner, David Garner, Loren Rhodes, Dudley Swalwell, Keith Good and Dwayne Brown." "Card of Thanks - We wish to express our deep appreciation for the expressions of sympathy, and kind deed of neighbors and friends during our recent bereavement. The Children and Grandchildren of Wm. Gardner." **Editorial note - spelling used is from the original newspaper article.