My Genealogy Hound

A. B. GARDNER, the popular and efficient Cashier in the office of the Round Oak Stove Works, Dowagiac, Cass County, Mich., was born in the city where he now resides August 2, 1870. He is the only son and only child of Charles and Mary D. (Beckwith) Gardner, both of his parents being widely known in the State, and enjoying the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends. The father was born in Oswego County, N. Y., and was reared and educated in the Empire State. He attained to manhood in the place of his nativity, but soon after arriving at mature age determined to try his fortunes in the farther West. When twenty-two years old he settled in Dowagiac and began life for himself in the grocery business. He was married in 1869 to Mary D. Beckwith, daughter of P. D. and Catherine Beck with, of Dowagiac. Mr. Beckwith was one of the prominent citizens of Dowagiac, public-spirited and progressive, and was for many years one of the most important factors in the advancement of the social and business interests of the city. The mother of our subject enjoyed the advantage of a superior education, and is a lady of worth and fine attainments.

In 1877, Charles Gardner, with his wife and son, removed to Battle Creek, Mich., and engaged successfully in the dry-goods trade, and continued to profitably handle merchandise until 1891, when he sold out and retired from business. Our subject attended the primary and grammar schools of Battle Creek, and having passed through the highest grade of the latter with great credit, came in 1885 to Dowagiac. Residing with his maternal grandfather, Mr. Beckwith, he entered the High School, and after a three-years course of instruction, graduated from that institution, and in 1888 returned home. He spent one year in the dry-goods business in Battle Creek, but January 1, 1889, again made Dowagiac his residence. He received immediate employment in the Round Oak Stove Works, and for several months worked in various parts of the factory, familiarizing himself with the details of the extensive and prosperous business. Within a twelvemonth Mr. Gardner was appointed Cashier, and has since discharged with ability the responsible duties of the position.

October 23, 1889, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Stark, daughter of Myron and Sarah (Harris) Stark, of Dowagiac. The youthful couple occupy an enviable social position, and are participants in the leading events of the city. Mr. Gardner is in political conviction a strong Democrat, and takes an active interest in local and national issues. Earnest, energetic and devoted to his daily round of care, he is also enterprising, and now only upon the threshold of manhood, has already entered upon the beginning of a career whose future outlook is bright with hope and promise. Our subject is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of Dowagiac Lodge. He is also a prominent member of the Round Oak Society, and, liberal spirited, is ever foremost in any work tending to promote the public welfare.