REV. C. J. GARDINER settled in this township {Kane} in 1821.

REV. CHRISTOPHER J. GARDINER, one of the earliest pioneers of Greene county, was born in Prince William county, Va., June 10, 1798. His parents died in his infancy, and he was reared by his brother-in-law, William Evans, until he was 16 years of age. In the spring of 1814, he immigrated to Kentucky, and located in Hopkinsville, where he professed religion, and united with the Methodist church, of which, during his life, he lived an exemplary member, and was a minister for about 50 years. In July, 1818, he left Kentucky, locating in St. Louis, Aug. 18, where he established a tan-yard, which he continued to operate until the fall of the next year. While there, he was the first, and part of the time the only, Methodist class-leader in St. Louis. In Dec., 1819, he came to Greene county, and located on the farm, where he spent the remainder of his life. After selecting his land, he buried his money, all coin, and made a brief trip to St. Louis. After his return, he began improving his land, situated in T. 9, R. 12, on the south bluff of Macoupin creek. He was married, Dec. 14, 1823, to Margaret Mains, daughter of Robert Mains, an early pioneer of Illinois, and a native of North Carolina. By that union there were six sons - James B., died in Feb., 1881; William P., left many years ago, for California, and has not since been heard from; Sam'l G., present postmaster at Kane; Joshua A., residing in Mexia, Limestone county, Tex.; Christopher J., Jr., residing at Kane, and L. D., now residing at the old homestead. All those living, married, and all are members of the Masonic order, except L. D. Gardiner. It may be said that Mr. Gardiner raised a large and intelligent family of children; who grew up to be honorable men. Mrs. Gardiner died Oct. 10, 1835, and he was again married March 26, 1837, to Sarah Arnspiger. By this union there were three children, two of whom died in infancy. Their daughter - Mary E., has been thrice married, and is now the wife of Dr. Wier. Mr. Gardiner's second wife died June 5, 1844, and he was again married to Elizabeth Burch, Aug. 20, 1845. By that union there was one daughter, who met with a sad fate, having been burned to death by kerosene. She was the wife of George W. Witt, at the time of her death. Rev. Mr. Gardiner has the credit of preaching the first sermon in this township, and besides being a good citizen, of contributing his part to the growth and development of the county. When he landed in Greene county, he had only a small capital, but being a man of considerable energy and economy, he became eminently successful in his business of tanning and farming, and had the satisfaction of being able to live in affluent circumstances. He was one of the early advocates of the temperance cause in this state. He became a member of the Whig party from principle, and was the early friend of the free soil movement. he often regretted that his native state, Virginia, should have raised her hand against the Union. Henry Clay was his ideal statesman, and he never failed to vote for him when he had the opportunity. He was beloved and respected by a large circle of friends, and the purity of his christian character was known to all. In June, 1874, he died, and was buried in the Jalappa cemetery.