W. J. Gardner
W. J. Gardner, farmer, P. O. Rootstown, was born April 20, 1812, in Nantucket, Mass., son of Isaac and Debra Gardner, the former of whom was lost at sea in 1813. His widow remained in Massachusetts for a great many years, and died in Ohio, April 20, 1858, while on a visit to her son. Our subject was married June 29, 1834, to Lydia C. Ray, born in Nantucket, Mass., October 22, 1812, daughter of Paul and Lois Ray, both of whom died in Massachusetts, the former December 6, 1846, the latter September 19, 1857. To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have been born three children, two of whom now survive: Annie L., wife of Reuben Russell (deceased), and Isaac W., married to Annie Huber (they reside in Kentucky). George R. is deceased. Our subject followed a sea-faring life for twenty-two years; then came to Ohio, locating in Rootstown, this county, on the farm where he and his family now reside. He owns fifty acres of improved land. With his family he is a member of the Congregational Church.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885