William Gardner

Wm. Gardner entered a tract of land and settled in Edna township in the year 1855, and ranks among the earliest settlers of the county. He had many trials and hardships to contend with, as in fact they all had. He built one of the first (if not the first) bridges across the Nodaway and built it entirely at his own expense. He hauled his first corn and other supplies from Missouri, some times making trips in the most inclement weather. Mr. Gardner frequently served his township as justice of the peace, clerk, etc. In a later year he sold his farm in Edna and bought another in Atlantic township, in Turkey Grove, being the place now owned by Dr. Bruington. In 1871 Mr. Gardner was elected County Auditor, which position he now holds, having twice been re-elected. He was born near Gettysburg, Pennsylvaniz, in the year 1829. He lived in Illinois from 1850 to 1855.

From "History of Cass County, Iowa Together With Brief Mention of Old Settlers," by Lafe Young, Atlantic, Iowa, Telegraph Steam Printing House, 1877, pg. 60-61.