NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

It is a well attested maxim that the greatness of a State lies not in its machinery of government, not even in its institutions, but in the sterling qualities of its individual citizens, in their capacity for high and unselfish effort, and in their devotion to the public good. The career of Warren A. GARDNER, of Succasunna, although he is comparatively a young man, fairly illustrates what can be accomplished by a man actuated by an honest, manly purpose, and a determination to make the most of his opportunities and ability.

The family is an old and prominent one in Rhode Island, and a number of the earlier members proved their patriotism by enlisting their services in the Revolutionary War. The first ancestor of the line here under consideration of whom we have definite information was Samuel GARDNER, a resident of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where he was regarded as a man of integrity and worth. He was the father of several children as follows: Mrs. Dorcas ARNOLD; Mrs. Hannah VAUGHAN; Mrs. Weltham HALL; John, married Mary PARKHURST; George S., of whom further.

George S. GARDNER, son of Samuel GARDNER, was born in East Greenwich, Rode Island, 1799, died 1863. His entire life was spent in his native town, where he gained the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens by his many excellent traits of character. He married Hannah, daughter of Joseph HOPKINS, who bore him three children: John G., deceased, who was a resident of Red Cliff, Colorado; George A., formerly of Brooklyn, New York, now of Providence, Rhode Island; Warren D., of whom further.

Warren D. GARDNER, son of George S. and Hannah (HOPKINS) GARDNER, was born in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, February 14, 1845. He attended the public schools of his birthplace until sixteen years of age. In early life he learned the trade of carpenter, and he also followed the sea to some extent, working on a schooner engaged in the coasting trade, and by diligence and perseverance attained the rank of mate. For a number of years he was a contractor and builder in his native city, later was connected with the American Mill Company, in the capacity of mechanic, and when that firm failed in business he was offered a similar position with the Atlantic Dynamite Company, at Kenvil, Morris county, New Jersey, now known as the Hercules Powder Company, where he has remained to the present time, enjoying the full confidence of his employers, who have always estimated him at his true worth.

Inheriting in a marked degree the patriotism of his ancestors, it was not surprising that he should render his service in defense of his country during the struggle between the north and south. He was a volunteer in Company K, Fourth Rhode Island Infantry, enlisting in September, 1861, and serving for thirteen months, during which time he participated in the battles of Roanoke, Fort Macon, Newberne, receiving an honorable discharge, participated in the Red river expedition and the battle of Pleasant Hill, was stationed at Alexandria, Louisiana, and was mustered out of service, November 29, 1865. He took an active interest in military affairs in his native State; he enlisted in the Kentish Guards, one of the oldest regiments in the United States, was promoted from the rank of sergeant through the various positions of the company and regiment until commissioned colonel by Governor BURNSIDE. Mr. GARDNER is a Democrat in politics, a Baptist in religion, and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the German Valley Encampment.

He married, in January, 1867, Alice L., native of Rhode Island, daughter of Horace HARRINGTON. Children: 1. Anetta H., wife of State Senator Richard FITSHERBERT, of Dover. 2. Warren A., of whom further. 3. Elmer E., of Bernardsville, New Jersey, an electrician, employed by the firm of WHITCOME & GARDNER. 4. George D., employed in the office of the wire chief of the Bell Telephone Company, Dover, New Jersey. 5. Hattie R., resides at home.

Warren A. GARDNER, son of Warren D. and Alice L. (HARRINGTON) GARDNER, was born in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, August 27, 1872. He received his education in the public schools of his native place, completing the course at the age of twelve, and then entered Coleman’s National Business College, of Newark, New Jersey, where he pursued a thorough business course. After spending a few years in business life, he took a course in pharmacy in the College of Buffalo, graduating in the class of 1899, and receiving a certificate from the New Jersey Board of Pharmacy. In the year of his graduation he engaged in the drug business at Succasunna, New Jersey, where he resides with his parents at the present time (1913). His store is well equipped with a full line of goods, and he receives the patronage of the best people of the town, having gained their confidence by strictly attending to their wants and by his courteous treatment. In addition to this business ha acted as special agent for the New York and New Jersey Telephone Company, starting an exchange with two subscribers and raising the subscription to seventy-five. In 1907 he relinquished this position, owing to the pressure of his other business interests. For some time he has been interested in real estate business, his largest transaction being with Mr. J. C. OUDERMEULER, selling to him the LIPPINCOTT property, one of the largest deals made in the immediate vicinity. Mr. GARDNER is a Democrat in politics, has served on the board of election, also a member of the school board, performing his duties in a highly creditable manner. He is a member of Roxbury Lodge, No. 184, I.O.O.F.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)

Copyright ©1999-2018 by Brianne Kelly-Bly, all rights reserved.