Harry E. Gardner

GARDNER, CRESAP, WALKER

Posted By: Jean Wenke (email)
Date: 1/4/2009 at 10:49:54

The Grim Reaper whose name is death, now using the automobile as his chief aid, laid his heavy hand upon the town of Bonaparte, last week, taking away Harry E. Gardner, one of her sons who had gone out into the world and made good as a railroad construction official.
Mr. Gardner was driving alone in his car about 1:30 Thursday morning en route from one railroad job to another of which he was superintendent, and when near the city of Freeport, Ill., was forced by another car to leave the pavement on a curve, his car crashing through a telephone pole and turning over, inflicting injuries which took his life about twenty-four hours later.
A farmer heard the crash, hastened to the scene of the wreck and found Mr. Gardner's unconscious body lying on the pavement. At the Freeport hospital it was found his injuries were many, including a broken leg, broken arm, broken pelvic bones and brain concussion, but it was thought possible he might live.
His wife, formerly Berenice Cresap of Bonaparte, was on her way to Chicago by train at the time, but soon reached her husband's bedside. Miss Mary Elizabeth Cresap, of Bonaparte, a teacher in Freeport high school, also came to his bedside, and after his death the following morning brought Mrs. Gardner and her friend, Miss Ruth Klays of Chicago, to the home of Mr. Gardner's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse M. Gardner at Bonaparte.
His father, Jesse M. Gardner, is in the employ of the Tarkio Molasses Feed Co. of Kansas City, and came as quickly as possible to the family home. A younger brother, John Gardner, is manager of a radio station at Twin Falls, Idaho. On hearing the sad news, he came by automobile to Salt Lake City, thence as far as possible by airplane, arriving here Saturday night. Two sisters, Mrs. Mary Walker and Mrs. Grace Walker, reside in Ottumwa.
Harry Ernest Gardner, eldest son of Jesse M. and Bertha Byard Gardner, was born at Fairfield, Iowa, May 12, 1904, and passed from this life at 1:30 a.m. Sept. 10, 1937, at the age of 33 years and almost four months.
In March, 1913, the Gardner family moved to Bonaparte, Iowa, where Harry grew to manhood, attended the public schools, and graduated with the class of 1923. He studied for two years at Parsons College, Fairfield, then accepted a position with the Chicago and Great Western Railroad in the Engineering Department, where he remained until his death, with the exception of one year, 1928-29, which he spent in Guatemala, Central America, as Engineer for the United Fruit Co. Returning to Chicago he was united in marriage August 31, 1929 with Miss Berenice Cresap, whose home town had also been Bonaparte. With the exception of a year spent in St. Paul, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Gardner lived in Chicago until last December when they bought a home in Oelwein, Iowa, and moved there.
Mr. Gardner was Division Engineer, Maintenance of Way Dept., for the Chicago Great Western Railroad. His work took him on many trips by day and by night, and it was while on one of these trips that he met with the automobile accident that resulted in his death twenty-four hours later.
His was an intensively busy life. He took his recreation and pleasure in added work and study. He was a regular attendant of the Presbyterian Sunday School while in Bonaparte, and for some time taught a class of boys. He had the respect and affection of all who knew him, and who now mourn with the stricken family. Of his immediate relatives, he leaves his wife, Berenice Gardner, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse M. Gardner of Bonaparte, Iowa; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Walker and Mrs. Grace Walker of Ottumwa, Iowa; and one brother, John, of Twin Falls, Idaho.
The funeral service was conducted Monday afternoon from the Bonaparte Presbyterian Church, Rev. Winfrey officiating. Interment was in Bonaparte Cemetery.
The rostrum was hidden by flowers, one of the most beautiful displays ever seen at a funeral in Bonaparte. One large wreath was sent by the Great Western Railway. Employees of the Great Western were pall bearers.
The following lines were a favorite quotation of Mr. Gardner: "The Moving Finger writes; and having writ, moves on; nor all your Piety nor Wit shall lure it back to cancel half a line, nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it."
We desire to extend our thanks and appreciation to our friends and to the Sunshine Society for their kindness in our great bereavement.
Mrs. Harry E. Gardner
Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Gardner and Family.
From Mary Warners collection.