David Gardner From History of Grant County, Wisconsin, 1881, p. 905.

PLATTEVILLE

DAVID GARDNER, one of the now deceased pioneers of Grant Co., was born March 4, 1816, in County Meath, Ireland. When in his 17th year, he came to America, and spent some years in various Eastern and Southern States. During the Seminole Indian war, he was in New Orleans; in 1840, he reached Galena, and soon after made his first visit to Platteville and vicinity. Here he worked in the "leads" about the Whig settlement, and spent one winter in a cabin built where Straw & Co.'s furnace now is. He was one of the discoverers of the old "Boots" range of mineral, which famous deposit is still being worked, and a branch of it on his own farm by his own sons. He married in Galena, Mary Murphey, who survives him. He died Nov. 1, 1876, leaving seven children - John M., David P., James V., Mary E., Dennis J., Bridget and Cecilia, all born on the old homestead farm. Mr. Gardner settled upon this farm as early in 1843, and here the widow and three eldest sons have a good home. The youngest son is now reading law in the office of the Hon. W. E. Carter, of Platteville. Mr. Gardner was a steady and industrious farmer and miner, and a man who is remembered by many old friends and neighbors.

 


This biography generously submitted by Roxanne Munns.