My Genealogy Hound

Harry S. Gardner, the principal of the schools of Royal Oak, is building up an enviable reputation as an educator, and the indications are that he will achieve considerable distinction in the field of pedagogy. He was born in Oxford, Oxford township, Oakland County, February 26, 1875, and is a son of Harper and Lorena (Osmun) Gardner and a grandson of Solomon Gardner.

Solomon Gardner, who was a native of New York State, came to Michigan in 1850 and settled in Oxford township, where he identified himself with the farming interests of his community.

Harper Gardner was born in Oxford township, in 1851, and is still living there at the age of 52 years. He followed the same occupation as his father, and was very successful in his farming operations and as a breeder of fine stock. A year ago he retired to Oxford village, where he intends to pass the remainder of his life, having acquired a sufficient competence to enable him to refrain from active labor the rest of his days. His wife was born in Elba, Lapeer County, Michigan, January 3, 1855, and was a daughter of Zebediah Osmun. She died in Oxford township at the age of 39 years, leaving one child, Harry S., the subject of this sketch.

Harry S. Gardner received his education in the schools of Oxford township, and at an early age began to teach district schools in the vicinity of his home during the winters, the time not engaged in school teaching being devoted to work on the farm. He remained at home thus engaged for two years, and then taught a year in Commerce township. He removed to the village of Royal Oak in 1896, as principal of the schools, and is still the incumbent of that responsible position, having under him five teachers and 225 pupils. When he first took up the work in Royal Oak, he had two assistant teachers and 160 pupils. The citizens of Royal Oak give Mr. Gardner the credit for arousing the necessary interest in the taxpayers to put up the fine school building that is now such an ornament to the town; the structure cost upwards of $12,000. The school has 12 grades, including the primary, grammar and high school classes. The excellence of the school has attracted a large clientage from outside districts, and there are now 35 pupils who are paying tuition. Mr. Gardner is well known and highly regarded throughout the township, and has countless friends.

Mr. Gardner was married in 1895 to Mabel Jones, who was born in Waterford township, Oakland County, in 1868, and is a daughter of Edward and Jennie (Walker) Jones. They have one child, Ferris, who was born October 3, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject is a Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Foresters. He is a Republican, in politics, and is a member of the Board of County Examiners. He is also a member of the Oakland County Teachers’ Association.