The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1891-08-01
JOHN n. GARDINER.

Capt. Gardiner was born in Charles county,
Maryland A. D. 1911. His ancestors were Eng
lish. They are said to have arrived in America
and to have settled in that State, contempor-
aneously with Lord Baltimore, endearingly
called in his day the father of Maryland. He
was placed at common primary school o2d where Were
he entered Georgetown College in the District
Of Columbia. We know nothing OF his habits
OF study and progress in learning While there,
but are informed that he remained there until
he completed his educational career. at the
age of twenty five he came to this parish 1886,
and purchased the properly on no Which n ne LIVED
his attention to farming in quiet, systematic
and frugal manner.
In 1852, at the age of forty,one years, he mar, I
ried Miss Augusta Mcpherson, one of the
daughters of Samuel C. Mcpherson, who emil
grated to st. Landry about the same time with
several admirable families. From this marrt-
age eight children were born-fOur sons and
four daughters.
III politics he was whig, one of the old type
OF whom the party was justly proud.
In A. d. 1846 he was elected to the lower
branch OF the Legislature, and was reelected in
184S. His career as a representative was salts
factory to the people of st. Landry:
the excitement of politics, and accordingly re-
sumed the improvement of his plantation.
When Gov John McEnery was elected he was
appointed tax collector of the parish.
In 1852 he took an active part in promoting
the call of constitutional convention, and was
ardent in his support OF the then projected New
road, since completed and now known as the
Morgan, Texas and Pacific Railroad. We have
not the space to enumerate with particularly
each and all of the public and useful enterprises
in which he took an active part. 1t suftiees to
say that guided by circumspection and sound
Judgment, he always gave his support in
good lesults. He never speculated on, mere
possibilities, but acted promptly in whatever
he considered practicable and advisable.
Whatever he found to do, was done for the good
he saw in it,
He never eourted applause, and it may be
said he was to some extent Indifferent to it, but
the uniformly calm and dignifed tenor of his
life was such as to deserve it, and with this he
contented himself.
He was Christian man, whose faith was
untainted by illiberality. He was a model citi,
honor and could always be relied on in what
ever he said or undertook. His general health
remained good until about one month before he
died.
His eyes failed, and for long time he saw
very imperfectly. This, of course, compelled
him to forego the pleasure of going about among
his neighbors and he lived in retirement, devot-
ing his time to reflection. His affections ex-
panded in his soleitude. His heart was with
his family his pride was in his children that
surrounded him, and all was quiet and content
ment.
Always delighted to have mis- neighbors and
friends call to see him, he enjoyed their visits
About one month before his DEATH he was pro-
strated by dysentery. Medical aid was called
in, but nothing was found to afford relief, and
its progress was unchecked until on Saturday,
July 18th, at the hour of p. m., he passed
quietly and resignedly away surrounded by
his family and friends. He was a member of
the Roman Catholic church and closed his
earthly career in an abiding faith in the sufici-
ency of Christ's at0nement, and the mercy of
his Maker. Unfortunately for us, we have not
a sufficiency of such sterling men among u.s.
His entire life was an example of honor, recti-
| tude, and temperance, which all of us may well
accept as type worthy of ambitious imitation
Let us feel grateful for the kind prolongaton
of it to the age of eighty years.
The writer feels that if the spirits of departed
friendsl are ever permitted to return and hover
unseen about the loved ones they leave behind
| them that Of tue Hon. John T. Gardiner, will
revisit St. Landry from its celestial home, and
whisper benedictions on all he has left behind
| him. e. N. G.