My Genealogy Hound

MARY E. GARD, widow of the late Silas H. Gard, has been a life-long resident of Clark County, and has witnessed and participated in its growth in all that is to-day visible of material prosperity or high civilization. Although her early educational privileges were decidedly inferior to those bestowed upon the rising generation, she made good use of what she had and during her mature years has read and observed so as to add to her store of knowledge. In the school of pioneer life she learned those practical lessons and firm principles which make her honored and useful in her day and generation, and bestow upon her the pleasing consciousness of duties done.

The history of the progenitors of our subject is not devoid of interest. Her grandfather, William Ross, was born in Kentucky and was stolen by the Indians when quite small, and preparations were being made to burn him when he was bought from his captors by an old French trader. He came to Clark County in 1798, took up three sections of land in what is now German Township, and toiled and suffered among the frontiersmen whose scattered homes gave but little promise of the present population. His home was thrown open to the people for worship whenever Methodist ministers came to the neighborhood, there being no church here. Mr. Ross assisted in building the first church put up by that denomination, it being one and a half miles north of Tremont City, of logs, and erected in 1820.

In the family of the pioneer Mr. Ross was a son Presley who was born in this county and who married Deborah Wallace, a native of Kentucky, who came to this section when a young lady. This worthy couple became the parents of a daughter whom they christened Mary E. She was born January 12, 1825, grew to maturity with the usual privileges of the subscription and later of the public schools of Tremont City, and the home influences of the day in a family of respectability.

Among the early settlers of this county were Gersham and Mary Gard, whose son Silas H. was born in German Township, April 14, 1818. Here he grew to man’s estate, acquiring such a store of knowledge as could be obtained in the schools of the time and a thorough understanding of farm work. During his entire life he kept up the habit of reading that had given to him an extended knowledge of general topics and the world’s progress, and ever manifested a deep interest in the welfare of humanity. He was a man of strong convictions, high aims, and hospitable and benevolent nature. In the temperance field he labored extensively, while in the work of the Lord he was zealous and efficient. In 1842 he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church and served as a Trustee, also acting as Superintendent of the Sunday-school for several years. After having been a Republican for a number of years he became identified with the Prohibition party. Although frequently solicited to accept offices of trust he preferred the quietude of his home life. He was a member of the Masonic fraternity.

On February 2, 1843, Silas H. Gard and Mary E. Ross were united in marriage. Beginning his wedded life with a capital of about $500, Mr. Gard, by a life of persevering industry and the use of excellent business qualities, accumulated a large estate of valuable land. During the later years of his life he and his companion spent considerable time in travel and visiting friends in various localities, partly as a means of enjoyment and partly as a measure of benefit to his health. On November 19, 1884, he was called hence, his death removing from his fellow-men one who had been respected by all who knew him. His widow still continues to reside on the home farm, finding consolation for her loss in the Christian’s hope and cheered by the friendship and love which are her portion. Like her deceased husband she is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of Tremont City, and she also belongs to the Home Missionary Society of that denomination.

Mr. and Mrs. Gard had a large family, seven of whom are yet living: Sarepta is the wife of Dr. B. F. Herman of Baltimore, Md.; Anson A. lives in Brooklyn, N. Y.; Emma R. is the wife of M. H. Lafetra of Los Angeles, Cal.; Darius F. lives in Virginia; Ida is the wife of Charles B. Woodhead of Los Angeles, Cal.; Emerson and Wilber R. live in German Township.

Mrs. Gard has made two trips to the Pacific Coast, one having been taken in company with her husband not many months before his decease. They left their home December 13, 1883, going south through Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama, and sojourning for a time at New Orleans. They then crossed the Mississippi and taking the southern route soon reached the Pacific Coast where they remained until October 1, 1884, when they began their homeward journey. They returned via San Francisco, Ogden, Salt Lake City and Pueblo, pausing at Reno, Nev., for a visit and spending a day and night at Salt Lake City, where they heard Mormon preaching. They spent several weeks at Topeka, Kan., and also visited at Kansas City, Mo., and at Springfield, Ill. The entire trip was very enjoyable, the curiosity of mountain travel and the scenery witnessed in crossing the Rockies proving of especial interest.