Theodore Gardner, now a resident of Lawrence, is one of the interesting survivors of the border and civil warfare period of Kansas. He is a son of that Kansas pioneer and patriot, Joseph Gardner, whose picture now hangs on the walls of the Memorial Building at Topeka. Theodore Gardner had furnished a graphic sketch of his father, published on other pages.
Theodore Gardner was born November 13, 1844, came to Kansas in 1857, and at the age of twelve had finished his education in a backwoods school. From the time he came to Kansas he had constant training in the strenuous and dangerous duties of real life, and for many years was striving to keep the gaunt gray wolves from the door of his home.
On June 6, 1862, he enlisted in the First Kansas Battery, and had since become the historian of that battery’s services. He was with it until discharged June 6, 1865, at Chattanooga, Tennessee, by reason of expiration of his term of service.
His wife, Wilhelmina Selig, was born at Hamburg, Germany, in 1851. Two children were born to them: Wilbur L., born December 12, 1873, and May E., born November 8, 1876.