Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
GARDNER, David (Colonel) - Burlington
Among the native early pioneers of this town and county not a man,
so far as we know, has lived so long on the place where he was born
as the subject of this sketch. He is of English origin by both parents.
His father, Samuel GARDNER, was a native of Pownell, Bennington
Co., Vt., and was born July 6, 1775. His mother, Miss Deidamia
JOSLIN, a native of Thompson, Ct., was born April 5, 1775. Samuel
Gardner was married to Miss Deidamia JOSLIN, Jan. 3, 1799, and
immediately emigrated to Otsego County, and settled in Burlington on
the farm now owned by their son David. They had five children,
namely, Mehetabel, David, Hiram, Edward, and Benjamin, the last
of whom is dead. In politics, Samuel Gardner was a Whig. He died
April 28, 1860. Mrs. Gardner died Nov. 21, 1853. Colonel David Gardner
was born on the farm where he now resides in Burlington, Otsego Co.,
N.Y., Oct. 11, 1802. His advantages for an early education were very
limited, as he was obliged to remain at home on the farm to aid in
supporting the family.
He continued with his parents on the farm until their death, and
has since resided here. He married Miss Maria J. COOK, a native of
Exeter, Otsego County, Oct. 20, 1829. She was born about 1806. By
this union five children were born, namely, Adaline M., Deidamia,
Carrie A., Otis C., and Samuel W. Mrs. Gardner was a lady greatly
esteemed by those who knew her. She was a faithful wife and very
devoted mother. She died in June, 1846, and was buried in the town
of Winfield, Herkimer Co., N.Y.
The colonel was married to his present wife, Mrs. S. R. JOSLIN,
widow of S. R. Joslin, of Essex, Vt., Feb. 15, 1847. Mrs. Gardner's
maiden name was Martha ENOS, daughter of Sessions and Mehitabel
Enos, and was born in Lester, Addison Co., Vt., July 6, 1816. Her
father was a native of Woodstock, Conn., and her mother of Union, Conn.
Mr. Gardner has now one of the best farms in the town, of more
than 300 acres, and at one time he owned over 400 acres. He has lived
to aid in the building of all the improvements on his farm, a view of
which, with portraits of himself and wife above, may be seen elsewhere.
The colonel cast his first presidential vote for General Jackson at
his first election; but in politics he was identified with the Whig
party until the organization of the Republican party. He never sought
any political offices in his town, preferring the quiet of home to any
political honors. He has, however, been assessor for a great many
years, and supervisor of his town.
The colonel was formerly connected with the State militia, entering
at the age of eighteen as a private, and gradually advanced through the
various military positions until he became colonel. He was very fond
of the military tactics. He is now an old gentleman of nearly
seventy-six, very much broken down in health, but his mind is as clear
as ever. He enjoys the confidence of his neighbors, and reviews the
past with no apprehension of the future.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, page 105