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         JOHN R. GARDNER, proprietor of a restaurant, bakery, ice-cream parlors and railway depot lunch counter at Columbus Junction, Iowa, was born at Columbus City, Louisa County, April 19, 1847, and is a son of John and Rebecca (Richardson) Gardner. His father was a native of County Derry, Ireland, born in 1811, and emigrated to America when twenty years of age, landing in Canada. At an early day in the settlement of Iowa he came to this State and located at Burlington, where he resided until 1845, when he came to Louisa County and settled in Columbus City. Mr. Gardner was a carpenter by trade, and was employed in that occupation until 1855, when he engaged in hotel-keeping, as proprietor of the Cot- . . .

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. . . tage House of Columbus City. He continued in that business until his death, which occurred Feb. 21, 1863. Mrs. Gardner survives her husband, and still resides in Columbus City. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and enjoys the highest respect of all who know her. Mr. Gardner was also a consistent member of the same church, and was an earnest Republican in politics. During the late war he was enthusiastic patriot, and although past fifty years of age, was very anxious to enter the army, but was prevented from leaving home by the poor health of his wife.

John R., Jr., was educated in the public schools and made his home in Columbus City until 1871, when he came to Columbus Junction, and after serving some time as an employe at the depot restaurant, bought out the business in January, 1873, since which time he has kept the lunch counter at the depot, covering a period of sixteen years. In March, 1885, he purchased the bakery and restaurant of Mrs. Young, on North Front street, and had the misfortune to be burned out April 18, 1887, but the following fall he built a brick building, and is now doing a fine business. (See chapter on Columbus Junction under business heading.)