Obituary: Adams County, Wisconsin: Oliver GARDNER

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Submitted by Joan Benner, <jmbenner@tznet.com> May 2005

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From the Adams County Press, Volume XLIV, Number 17, Saturday 26 Nov 1904,
Page 4

Oliver GARDNER, son of Abigail and Roswell GARDNER, was born at Attica,
Wyoming County, New York, March 4, 1816. He died at his home in Roche-a-
Cris, Adams County, Wisconsin on Thursday November 17, 1904.

On April 4th, 1839, he was married to Melissa TULLER at Attica, New York.
Two children were born to them: William H., who died in infancy, and
Annette B., now Mrs. Oscar C. ELY of Spring Creek, Wisconsin. His wife died
April 12, 1853. He was married again at Arcadia, New York in 1853 to Louisa
A. LEE, and she died at Utica, New York November 22, 1860. He then married
at Arcadia, New York, Harriet E. LEE, on November 13, 1861, who survives
him. To them were born two children: Melissa G., now Mrs. E. E. JONES of
Hancock, Wisconsin and Fred O., who is living near the old home at Roche-a-
Cris, Wisconsin. 

He was the oldest of the five children in his father's family and the last
to die. He leaves five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and a
large circle of relatives both here and in the east. He moved west to
Oconomowoc, Wisconsin in 1855, remaining there nearly two years, and he
left there with two ox teams for Roche-a-Cris arriving here January 1,
1857, where he has lived nearly half a century. The journey was a difficult
one in the depth of winter, the snow being four feet in depth with three
heavy crusts, and by old settlers is spoken of as the "winter of the deep
snow". There being no house he could obtain to move into, he built one from
timbers and lumber coated with ice, making the best shelter he could for
his family, who came a week later. 

His strong will and genial disposition helped him to tode over many
hardships and trials of life. Affectionate and thoughtful in his family
relations, kind and sympathetic in any trouble, and many will miss his
kindly counsel and advice. He often expressed his willingness to depart
this life, trusting only in Christ for his salvation. Rev. F. A. Crown, our
pastor, spoke the words of comfort and the friendship choir rendered some
beautiful music. The funeral was held at the home and a large concourse
followed his remains to the cemetery.