Daughter of Michael & Ann Hitchcock Leard.


MONDAY MORNING, JANUARY 22, 1900 – The Pantagraph
Death of Mrs. Gardner
Saturday morning at 8 o'clock in Cheney's Kas., occurred the death of Mrs. Elisabeth Gardner, of this city. She left for that place five weeks ago to visit her son and was in her usual health. She made the journey on the car alone. About a week ago she was attacked with paralysis, which, on account of her age made death certain. Mrs. J. A. Rankin, a daughter, left a few days ago for the bedside and was present when the end came. Mrs. Gardner was 75 years old and for many years lived in Downs. She took a great interest in her family affairs and was a lovable woman in all respects.

Her maiden name was Elizabeth Leard and she was born in Harrison County, Ohio, in 1824. In 1845 Miss Leard was married to Samuel Gardner and to the union was born nine children, six of whom survive. The husband died in 1885.

The children who survive Mrs. Gardner are: James K Gardner, of Cheney, kas., Mrs. Anna Bennecotar, of Des Moines, Ia,; Mrs. J. A. Rankin, of Bloomington; Mrs. James Houghton, of Normal, and Patrolman W. E. Gardner, of Bloomington; and M. L. Gardner, of Chicago. The remains will be brought her for burial.


Funeral of Mrs. Gardner.

The funeral services over the remains of Mrs. Elizabeth Gardner, who died Saturday at Cheyney's Grove, Kan., were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Rankin, at the corner of Wood and Center streets, yesterday morning. Rev. James Shaw conducted the services. The deceased formerly lived in Downs and the internment was at the cemetery there. The remains being taken on the Big Four shortly after 1 o'clock. Five generations of the family were known to Reverend Shaw, the family having originally lived near his birthplace in Ireland, and he knew the deceased when he was pastor of the Methodist Church at Downs.