A. W. Gardner
A. W. Gardner, of Gardner & Lohr, the popular clothing merchants of London, was born in Adams County, Penn., November 17, 1846. His father, Daniel Gardner. was also a native of the Keystone State and lime burner by occupation. He died in 1863, aged fifty-two years. Mr. Gardner married Harriet Arnold. a native of Pennsylvania, who became the mother of four children, one daughter and three sons, the former now deceased. Mrs. Gardner is living in her native State, at the good age of sixty-eight years. One son. J. M. Gardner. formerly of Gardner & Miles, resided in London from 1870 to 1877. Our subject's paternal grandfather was Jacob Gardner, and the maternal one Dr. Arnold. He was reared in old Pennsylvania, receiving a good common-school education, and subsequently attending a college for two years. He taught school for six months, subsequently cultivating tobacco for one year. He was then employed as a clerk five or six years, and in the spring of 1870 came to London, securing like employment from Gardner & Miles, with whom he remained two years. Then in connection with William Ronemus, he purchased the stock and trade of his employer, and the firm enjoyed a good trade for six years. when Mr. Gardner purchased the half-interest of Mr. Ronemus, and subsequently sold a third interest to William F. Lohr, the new firm being the present one of Gardner & Lohr. They have met with fine success and enjoy a rapidly increasing trade. A merchant tailoring department is connected with the house, with Charles C. Corey as cutter, and employs from twelve to fifteen hands. Mr. Gardner is a charter member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge of London, and connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Republican party. He was united in marriage, October 10, 1872, to Florence, daughter of George W. Lohr, a pioneer citizen of London. They have three children -- Frank W. and Howard L., twins, and George D. Mrs. Gardner is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]