SAMUEL G. GARDINER was born in Greene county, Ill., Sept. 23, 1829, and is the third of a family of six children, his parents being Christopher J. and Margaret Gardiner, early pioneers of this county. Samuel's birthplace was at the old homestead, where his father settled, on coming to this county, in Feb., 1819, and which is now owned by C. J. Gardiner, Jr. There Samuel was reared and received what education could be obtained in the district school. At the age of 16, he commenced learning the saddler's trade, at which he continued five years, remaining at home during that time. His father then gave him a farm, on which he labored to raise two crops, but on account of the failure of these, he decided to quit farming. This he did, and then engaged in the saddlery business, at which he continued for three years. He then engaged in merchandising at Old Kane, entering into partnership with Filley & Williams. In three months the firm dissolved, and Mr. Gardiner again resumed his old business, at which he was engaged for one year. He then purchased a stock of merchandise, and in partnership with his brother, carried on that business until 1882, when he closed out. Mr. Gardiner has been in the nursery business since about 1875, to which he has devoted most of his attention, his brother attending to the store. He has two pieces of land outside of town, but most of his property lies in the village, he owning seven buildings there. On the 3d of Oct., 1853, he was married to Sarah Morris, daughter of Marvil and Mary Morris. There were five children by this marriage, two of whom are living - Eugene M., married, and residing in Limestone county, Tex., where he has a sheep ranch; Clara V. D., now in the postoffice here. Mrs. Gardiner died Nov. 6, 1866. On the 28th of Sept., 1867, Mr. Gardiner was again married to Carrie Griswold, daughter of Elias and Lucinda Griswold. He has been a member of the Masonic order since 1850, having been initiated in the Morning Sun lodge, at Jerseyville. He joined the chapter at Alton, in 1862, and was one of the charter members of the chapter, at Carrollton. He is one of the trustees of the Methodist church, and is now the postmaster of Kane. He is a pleasant, companionable gentleman, and is esteemed by many friends.