A native of New York, born in Otsego county June 3, 1833, and is a son of Dr. Marlin and Clarissa (Ruggles) Gardner, who were natives of Massachusetts. Artemus began his education in the common schools of his native state, and continued his studies in Kane County, Illinois, after the family located there. On the 6th of September, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss A. D. Wood, who is a daughter of Professor Steven and Letitia (Pangburn) Wood. In 1856 Mr. Gardner came to Clinton county, Iowa, and settled in Sharon township, where he bought one hundred and twenty acres of government land. He made all the improvements upon his place and successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising until 1894, when he removed to Lost Nation. He was a progressive and practical farmer, as well as a man of good business and executive ability, and to these characteristics may be attributed his success. As a Republican Mr. Gardner has taken quite an active and influential part in public affairs, and on his party ticket was elected to the state legislature in 1878, although his district was strongly Democratic. He also served as supervisor of his township one year, and has filled the offices of assessor and trustee, besides other minor positions. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge of Lost Nation and other fraternal orders.