Direct 4th generation descendant of Richard Gardner who came to America in 1642. Son of Henry Gardner. He said he bore the first gun fired for liberty at the Battle of Lexington April 19. 1775. (Note. However that he was only 12 years old at that time. Also Lexington appears to be approximately seven miles from Charlestown - later W. Cambridge.) At the age of 17 he entered the army (July 1870) was given the postion of Ensign & continued in the service 6 1/2 months. His mother, fired by zeal for the cause....melted the pewter places which were extensively used for table ware, moulding the bullets with her own hands...for this just and holy war. Graduated from Harvard College in 1788 .“Phi Beta Kappa”. Conferred on the first eight in the class. It is stated in a history of Woburn Mass that from the foundation of Harvard to his time twent of his family were graduates and several of them were “Phi Beta Kappa”.
Graduated from Mass. Medical School. Moved to Lynn MA in 1792 and practiced medicine there. President of the first bank in Lynn - 1826. President of the first Fire Insurance Co. Member of the “OLd Tunnel Meeting House. Married 3 times.