Gardner Obits and News

  Death of Samuel Gardner, Greencastle, Indiana area newspaper (Sept. 1896)

On Thursday evening, Sept. 3, after a sickness of only a few hours, Squire Samuel Gardner died at his residence in Madison township, in the 81st year of his age. Deceased was born in Virginia, and when an infant he was taken by his parents, Luke and Hannah Gardner, to Kentucky, where he lived until he was ten years of age. In 1826 he came to this county with his parents, who settled in Monroe township, about five miles north of Greencastle, where the fathered entered eighty acres of land, and where he lived until his decease. Uncle Sam Gardner was reared in this county, and educated in the early subscription schools. He experienced all the trials incident to pioneer life. He helped to cut and clean out the old National road in 1834, working for $8 per month. He was married February 16, 1837, to Miss Emily Hensley. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have had eleven children born to them, seven of whom are living. Perhaps no other man in Putnam county has done more toward developing the county than has Mr. Gardner. He served as deputy assessor three terms, and as justice of the peace for twenty-four consecutive years. He served as county commissioner one year under the old system, and three terms under the new. His death will be regretted by his large circle of relatives and friends, who have known him long and honored him for his rugged honesty and integrity; in the politics of the county the deceased took up a lively and untiring interest, and his fealty to Democracy and the Democratic party was pronounced.

  Reynold Gardner As A Candidate, "Carbondale Free Press" (Oct. 17, 1908)

Campbell Hill Eclipse

In this issue of The Eclipse will be found the announcement of Reynold Gardner of Murphysboro, Democratic candidate for the Circuit Clerk of Jackson county.

That Mr. Gardner will make a very strong race - perhaps stronger than any other man who could have been named for the place - is generally conceded, not only by his own partisans but by the large number of Republicans to whom he is favorably known.

He is a native of Indiana, but has been a resident of this county for 17 years, teaching school in the winter and clerking in a store or working on a farm during the summer. As an evidence of his good standing and popularity where he is best known, we need only state the fact he has been repeatedly elected to the office of Assessor of Murphysboro township, where Republican majorities are usually very large.

The people have come to realize that it is not the part of wisdom to rigidly draw party lines in the matter of choosing township and county officers, but are inclined to waive partisanship and give the preference to the man who seems best fitted for most justly entitled to the place. This being the case, it may be safely assumed that Reynold Gardner will make a splendid race for the office to which he aspires, and if elected he may be depended upon to fill the office with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the people of Jackson county.

He has an excellent education, is broadly intelligent, genial, obliging and trustworthy - essential qualities in an official with whom the general public must come in constant contact. - Adv.

  To the Voters of Jackson County, "Carbondale Free Press" (Oct. 28, 1908)

In the campaign now closing I have made the cleanest and most honorable fight I could, going among the people and asking their support. The only money I have spent was to pay my legitimate expenses. I have had the support of a county central committee without one dollar to help me with, nor will I have it on election day, being at the mercy of the opposition for I have no money to contaminate votes with and if elected it will be by the votes of the better class of citizens and not those that can be bought for one dollar a head.

During the fight I have not had the support of a single paper in the county and if successful will be under no obligations to give them work at big prices to pay for favors already rendered.

Believing that the taxpayers should at all times know the condition of the county offices, I promise if elected to make a statement twice a year, through the press showing where every dollar has come from, where every dollar has gone to, and the exact condition of the office.

The most amusing part of the campaign is that of my opponent posing as a farmer, to catch the farmer vote. He and I both live and vote in the fourth ward in Murphysboro, he maintaining an office there continually. It is true he has one of the finest fruit farms in Levan township, as some say when speaking of it, but living in one of the finest residences on Walnut street worth several thousand dollars and The Republican Era says: "Has been secretary-treasurer of an insurance company for 15 years and can have it for 15 years more if he will accept it."

Now Mr. Voter, don't that strike you as being about enough for one man? And as my last appeal to you, when you cast your ballot for Circuit Clerk on Nov. 3, think of our conditions, our positions, and our needs, and vote for the man you think most deserving and the best qualified to fill the office.

    Election Results for Circuit Clerk,"Carbondale Free Press" (Nov. 7, 1908)

Gardner, dem. 3760

Graff, rep. 3564

Maj. = 196

  "Rogers Democrat", Benton County, Arkansas (Jan. 6, 1910)

Garfield

Died on December 30th, Mrs. Sarah A. Gardner. She had a stroke of paralysis last February from which she never fully recovered but she was able to be around all summer. She had been on a visit to Dr. Rich’s, coming home Thursday and took bad Friday morning. She lay nearly a week without being concious of anything. She leaves two sons and one daughter and thirteen grandchildren to mourn her loss. She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C.W. Reeves.

(Taken from "Obituaries of Benton County, Ark.; Vol. 4; 1910-1913")

  Our Candidates, "Murphysboro Independent" (Nov. 1, 1912)

Reynold Gardner

Reynold Gardner, who is seeking to be returned to the duties of Circuit Clerk, has won the confidence of every person who has had dealings with the courts. Next to States Attorney the office of Clerk to the Circuit Court is of next importance. It is in his hands that the records of the legal transactions of the people are kept. He is familiar with all of those duties and he knows how to expedite the matters that come before him. He has made a splendid official and the voters will do well to return him for another term. He is a man of family, is a good citizen, and not one word can be said against his record as clerk.

  To the Voters of Jackson County, "Carbondale Free Press" (Nov. 4, 1912)

In November 1908, I was elected to the office of Circuit Clerk of Jackson County and since that time I have performed the duties of that office to the best of ability. I am now seeking re-election for a second term and if elected will do the best I can in the future. I am making this race as every candidate on either ticket is, because I have the right to do so. Some of my political enemies claim that I am making a sympathetic campaign. Now that is not fair, as those that have known me for twenty years know that I have always made my living by any honorable work that I could secure. I want to make it plain here, that I do not want any man to vote for me through sympathy sake alone, but ask you support upon my record.

As to my opponent I have nothing to say against him, neither do I censure him because he is wealthy, but only wish you and I were in the same financial condition that we might be able to pass our declining years free from want. During the time I have been in office, I have saved all my salary that I could, trying to pay for a home for my family, and if re-elected, will do the same in the future so that I may leave the office at the end of the next four years, with enough money to enter some small business, that I may not be dependent upon an office for my support.

Hoping that my past record will merit your support, I am, sincerely yours,

Reynold Gardner

Democratic Candidate for Circuit Clerk

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  ELECTION RESULTS, "Carbondale Free Press" (Nov. 11, 1912)

For Circuit Clerk:

Totals Plurity

Reynold Gardner (d) 3535 540

Fred S. Rude (prog) 1010

Zenus V. McCord (rep) 2990

  Willard Gardner Claims Indiana Girl for Bride,"The Daily Independent" Murphysboro, Ill. (Jan. 6, 1932)

Word has been received of the marriage of Willard Gardner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Reynold Gardner of South Legion Way, to Miss Helen Cudahy of Frankfort, Ind.

The couple was married Saturday evening at 6:30, at the First Christian Church in Topton, Ind. The groom is a graduate of the MTHS and attended the S.I.N.U. He has been employed with the Bell Telephone Co. for the past several years. The couple will make their home in Topton, Ind., where the groom is employed at present.

   Miss Helen Gardner and William H. Carruthers Married This Morning at Nine O'Clock, "The Daily Independent" Murphysboro, Ill. (June 16, 1938)

Well Known Young Couple United in Single Ring Ceremony by the Rev. H.H. Hempel of First Christian Church

Miss Helen Gardner, daughter of the late Reynold and Mrs. Jessie Gardner, 712 South Legion Way, and William H. Carruthers, 1828 Pine street, were married this morning at 9 o'clock at the parsonage of the First Christian Church.

The bride wore a powder blue crepe street dress with white accessories and she wore a corsage of pink rosebuds and baby's breath.

Both young people are well known throughout the community and members of respected families. The bride, a talented violinist, attended the local schools, graduated from the Murphysboro Township High School in 1928 and also graduated from the S.I.N.U. and the University of Illinois. He is a member of the First Baptist Church and of the Masonic Lodge, and is City Superintendent of the Murphysboro Grade Schools. The young couple will reside here after a wedding trip.

  Mr. R. Gardner Expires Today; Was Long Ill, "The Daily Independent" Murphysboro, Ill. (March 4, 1938)

Ex-Circuit Clerk Reared Fine Family Here: Rites Sunday

Mr. Reynold Gardner, Ex-Circuit Clerk of Jackson County and former Secretary of the Murphysboro Building and Loan Association, expired at 4:20 a.m. today, March 4, 1938, at the home at 712 South Twentieth Street.

A stroke several days ago signaled early reprieve from an illness of six years' duration that progressed to a stage of seriousness two years ago.

Deceased led a useful, purposeful life, in his earlier years as a school teacher for 17 years, later as Circuit Clerk and a local leader of the Democratic party of eight years, and after that and prior to his physical decline served the aforenamed association in a secretarial capacity.

Reynold Gardner was a man of stern convictions for the right, churchman and stickler for community morality and a man of deep, abiding love of home. He gave Murphysboro a splendid family and an exemplary life.

Mr. Gardner was born April 22, 1866, in Greencastle, Indiana, and had resided in Murphysboro the last forty years. He was married December 24, 1901 to Jessie Blevins and the wife and following children survive: Leo Gardner, Manila, Philippine Islands; Mrs. John Ford, Alma, Ill; Willard Gardner, New Albany, Indiana; Helen Gardner, at home; Robert Gardner, St. Louis, Mo.; Alice Gardner, at home. Six grandchildren also survive and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Jennie Blevins, who resides with the Gardner family.

Mr. Gardner was the last survivor of a family of eight children. He was a member of the I.O.O.F. and Modern Woodman of America. He was a devout member of the First Christian Church and until the time of his illness took an active part in all affairs of his church. Even after his health had failed, he made a special effort to attend church services and activities whenever possible and remained faithful to the last.

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the First Christian Church with Rev. H. Hempel in charge, and interment will be in Pleasant Grove Memorial Cemetery.

The body will remain at the Crawshaw Funeral home until 1 p.m. Sunday and will then be taken to the church to lie in state until the hour of the funeral. The casket will not be opened after the services.

  Miss Vestal Val Jean Neher and Robert Gardner Married Saturday Afternoon in Carbondale, "Murphysboro Daily Independent" Murphysboro, Illinois (Oct. 16, 1939)

Miss Vestal Val Jean Neher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Neher, of Guthrie, Oklahoma, became the bride of Robert Reynold Gardner of Murphysboro, in a ceremony Saturday at 4:30 o'clock at the home of Dr. and Mrs. William Bailey in Carbondale. A candlelight service was performed by J. Allen Watson, pastor of the First Christian Church.

Preceding the ceremony a medley of love ballads were played on the violin by Miss Reba Hartley, accompanied by Miss Vivian Springer. Mrs. John Ford, sister of the groom, sang, "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life", and "I Love You Truly".

As a background for the ceremony, the south end of the living room was banked with natural oak leaves, artemisia, and white chrysanthemums. Miss Neher, on the arm of her father, descended the staircase to the altar below. Her gown was white stain made on simple lines. Her fingertip veil was caught by a band of white braided satin entwined with lillies of the valley. She carried a white satin muff covered with gardenias and rose buds and sprayed with lillies of the valley. There were no attendants.

A reception for relatives and about 50 guests was held after the ceremony. The four tiered wedding cake decorated the dining room table which was lighted with white tapers in silver candelabra.

The bride received her degree from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, and was graduated form the Washington University School of Nursing in St. Louis. She is the school nurse and a teacher in the Carbondale Community High School.

Mr. Gardner was graduated from the Murphysboro Township High school and the S.I.N.U. at Carbondale and has done post graduate work at the University of Illinois. He is teaching commerce at the Bath-Lynchburg Community High school at Bath, Illinois.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardner will not establish a home until the end of the present school semester.

  Mrs. Jessie Gardner Dies At Home Last Night, "Murphysboro Independent" (June 25, 1948)

Mrs. Jessie Gardner, 70, died at her home on S. Twentieth St. last night after an illness of about one week.

She was born in Kansas City, Mo., and had lived in Murphysboro for 41 years. She taught school before her marriage. She had been recorder of the Royal Neighbors of America for several years.

She was married in 1901 to Reynold Gardner, who preceded her in death. Survivors include six children; Leo and Willard of Indianapolis, Ind.; Mrs. Lelia Ford of Alma, Ill.; Mrs. Helen Carruthers of Murphysboro; Robert of Alexandria, Va.; and Alice of Chicago; 11 grandchildren and two brothers, Emile Blevens of Caldwell, Idaho, and Leo Blevens of Wilmer, Calif.

She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America, the Murphysboro Woman's Club, the King's Daughters, the Jackson County Home Bureau, and the First Christian Church.

The body will remain at the Crawshaw Funeral Home until noon Sunday when it will be removed to the First Christian Church where services will be held at 2:00 p.m., the Rev. A.J. Collins officiating. The casket will not be opened after the services. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Memorial Cemetery.

  Funeral Services Wednesday,"Southern Illinoisan" Carbondale, Ill. (Apr. 21, 1958)

William Carruthers Dies in Murphysboro

William H. Carruthers, 51, superintendent of Murphysboro Unit School District 186 and a statewide education leader, died Sunday in St. Andrew's Hospital. Carruthers was stricken with an apparent heart attack early Sunday morning, and died at 1:45 p.m. He had been under medical care for a heart condition. He had suffered a heart attack in February.

An acknowledged expert on school legislation and finance, Carruthers had spent his entire teaching career in the Murphysboro school system. He was born in Murphysboro Dec. 1, 1906. Carruthers received a bachelor of education degree at Southern Illinois University in 1929, and a master of arts degree from the University of Illinois in 1939. He had completed more than a year of work on a doctorate.

Carruthers joined the Murphysboro school system in 1930 as principal of the Lincoln Grade School. He transferred to Logan Junior High in 1931, and served there until 1950, when he was appointed city school superintendent. He carried a fight for a new junior high school through three elections to success in 1956. The new school, nearing completion near the north Murphysboro city lines, was named Carruthers High School in his honor. Carruthers was a driving force for unit district formation in Murphysboro, reached in an election shortly before school started last September. He was appointed first superintendent of the new unit.

Carruthers held almost every major office in the field of education. He was president of the Illinois Education Assn. in 1955-56, president of the SIU Alumni Assn. In 1953, chairman of the IEA legislative committee for 1952 through 1955, president of the Southern Illinois Schoolmasters Club in 1940, and a trustee of the Illinois Teachers Retirement System controlling teacher pensions. He helped organize the Educational Council of 100 for Southern Illinois in 1949, and was a life member of the National Education Assn.

He was a member of the First Christian Church, and a member of the Board. He was a teacher of the Joy Class, a Bible class of mixed high school age students. Carruthers was a member of the Elks Lodge 572, and the Murphysboro Lions.

Carruthers was married in 1939 to the former Helen Gardner, who survives. He also leaves daughters Ann, Virginia and Sue, all at home, his mother, Mrs. Ollie Carruthers of Murphysboro, and a brother, John Carruthers of Murphysboro.

Friends may call at the Crawshaw Mortuary Chapel in Murphysboro after 5 p.m. Tuesday until services Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the First Christian Church. The Rev. A.J. Collins will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Memorial Cemetery.

(Note: A picture accompanied this obituary.)

Leo M. Gardner

GARDNER

Mr. Leo M. Gardner, age 77, of 835 Park Central Dr., husband of Mrs. Bertha J. Gardner, father of Mr. L. Kelly Gardner, grandfather of 2, brother of Robert Gardner, Helen Carruthers, and Alice Skoropad. No visitation. Private Memorial services. Shirley Bros. Service.

(Note: These obituaries were found with "The Works of Sarah Louzetta Gardner Jollief" and were taken from Indianapolis area papers.)

   Helen V. Carruthers, "Murphysboro American" (Oct. 28, 1991)

Helen Virginia Carruthers, 80, of Summit, Ohio, formerly of Murphysboro, died October 24, 1991 in Summit.

Funeral services will be today at 2 p.m. at Crawshaw Funeral Home with Pastor Dee Armes of First Christian Church in Murphysboro, officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church.

She was born January 8, 1911, in Murphysboro and was the daughter of Reynold and Jessie Blevins Gardner. She married William H. Carruthers who preceded her in death.

She was a public school teacher and a member of the Illinois Education Association and National Education Association, and American Association of University Women.

She is survived by three daughters, Carol Ann Carruthers of Stow, Ohio; Virginia Orlina of Chicago, and Sue Carruthers of Washington, D.C.; one sister, Alice Skoropad of Chicago, and three grandchildren.

   SKOROPAD, Chicago Area Newspaper (June 1998)

Alice Skoropad, 77, of Chicago, beloved wife of the late Stephen; loving mother of Stephen J. (Judith A.) Skoropad and the late Robert W. Skoropad and the late Virginia A. Skoropad; dear grandmother of Stephen R. Skoropad; dear aunt of Virginia Orlina and many others. Visitation 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 23 at Kelley and Spaulding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL. Mass 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 24 at Immaculate Conception Church, 1590 Greenbay Rd., Highland Park, IL. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Justice, IL. Funeral info, 847-831-4260.

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