MRS. ELIZABETH GARDNER, an estimable and respected lady of Jefferson township, is a daughter of John and grandchild of Caleb Merriman, who were natives of the State of Maryland. She was born October 8, 1831, in what is now West Virginia, and assisted her mother in the household duties of the farm in her early youth. She was united in marriage March 15, 1855, with David Gardner, who was born January 29, 1827, in the home where Mrs. Gardner is now living. It was then known as a public tavern, and was kept by David's father, who came from Maryland in 1814, and on February 10, 1820, was married to Nancy Donovan. His father then erected the tavern for the accommodation of travelers going from Pittsburgh to Steubenville, and also engaged in farming. To David and Nancy (Donovan) Gardner fourteen children were born, of whom but ten lived to maturity, namely: Eliza, John, David, James, George M., William, Rachel, Ann, Martin and Mary. Mr. Gardner died September 9, 1845. David Gardner was born on the home farm which came into his possession after the death of his father. He lived at home during his early manhood, and after his marriage to Miss Merriman continued to reside on the home place, where the following children were born: Laura A., born December 15, 1855; George S., born September 25, 1857; Howard, born March 25, 1860; Nancy K., born March 18, 1862; Henry, born July 11, 1864; John, born September 28, 1866; David F., born January 11, 1869; Chapline B., born February 12, 1871; and Thomas P., born April 26, 1873. Mr. Gardner was an industrious man, a good neighbor and an enterprising citizen. He was a member and liberal supporter of the Disciple Church; in politics he was an ardent Democrat, and served many years as justice of the peace. He died May 15, 1878, and was buried in the cemetery at Eldersville. He gave all his children a good education, and at the time of his death owned a good farm of 184 acres.

Text taken from page 765 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed April 1997 by Jack McNatt of Valrico, FL as part of the Beers Project. Published April 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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