Born in Penn Yan, New York, April 12, 1854. He was the son of Stinson B. and Nancy (Bonney) Gardiner, was educated in the public schools of Penn Yan and Clinton, Iowa, and married Catherine Marshall, in Clinton, Iowa, April 24, 1877. Mr. Gardiner came to Laurel little more than thirty years ago and was one of the founders of Eastman, Gardiner & Co., one of the largest lumber manufacturing plants in the south. He introduced many improvements in methods of lumber working and in caring for his employees. When he came to Laurel the present site of the city was little more than a swamp. It was largely due to his great vision and progressiveness that Laurel developed into the beautiful city of homes, fine schools and churches. Although for some years Mr. Gardiner had not been active in the conduct of the business which he headed as president, he never lost interest or failed to take part in matters pertaining to the up building and betterment of the community and section in which he lived and he, was especially interested in the school and church life of the people of Laurel. He was a leader in St. John's Episcopal church and a 32nd degree Mason. He was a member of the: Boston Club in New Orleans and of the Lotos Club in New York. Mr. Gardiner never entered politics in Laurel, but was always interested in good men being elected to office. In Clinton, Iowa, he was elected to the state house of representatives in 1890 on the Democratic ticket.