Frederick D. Gardner

Frederick "Fred" Dozier Gardner (November 6, 1869 – December 18, 1933), an American businessman and politician from St. Louis, Missouri, served as the 34th Governor of Missouri from 1917 to 1921.

Frederick D. Gardner
Frederick Dozier Gardner circa 1915
34th Governor of Missouri
In office
January 8, 1917 – January 10, 1921
LieutenantWallace Crossley
Preceded byElliot Woolfolk Major
Succeeded byArthur M. Hyde
Personal details
Born(1869-11-06)November 6, 1869
Hickman, Kentucky
DiedDecember 18, 1933(1933-12-18) (aged 64)
St. Louis, Missouri
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)Jeannette Vosburgh
Childrenfour
Professionfuneral director and supply manufacturer, businessman

Political career
Frederick D. Gardner in 1916

Gardner was born in Hickman, Kentucky; his father was William H. Gardner.[1] He rose to prominence in St. Louis. The only political office he ever sought was a single term as governor, and he narrowly won the election of 1916. However, he did later attend national conventions of the Democratic Party.

As Governor of Missouri he oversaw the elimination of the state's debt; it was $2,250,000 when he took office, but the state had over $3,500,000 in the treasury at the end of his term.[1]

Businessman

In addition to his political career, Gardner spent 47 years in the funeral industry both as a funeral director and supplier,[2] starting his career as an office boy.[1] He worked for the Ellis Undertaking Co., M. Hermann & Son Livery & Undertaking, and the Southern Undertaking Co., all located in St. Louis. He eventually owned the St. Louis Coffin Co., and served as its president.[2] He was also vice president of Gardner Motor Co. which operated in St. Louis from 1920 to 1932 and manufactured hearses and ambulances.[2] He also operated casket manufacturing plants in Memphis, Tennessee; Texarkana, Arkansas; and Dallas, Texas.[3]

  • Embalmer's Manual published by St. Louis Coffin Co., 1905

Masonic

He was also a Freemason belonging to the historic Tuscan Lodge #360 Masonic Temple.

Personal life and death

He married Jeannette Vosburgh in 1894 and they had four children: William King, Dozier, Lee, and Janet Gardner. He died December 18, 1933 in St. Louis, from an infection of the jaw.[1] He was buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery there with full Masonic rites.

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References
  1. "F.D. Gardner Dies; Former Governor". New York Times. 19 December 1933. p. 21.
  2. Beck, Todd Van. (June 2008) "Gov. Gardner: Funeral Director of the People". American Funeral Director 131(6),72-72
  3. Christensen, Lawrence O, (1999) Dictionary of Missouri Biography ISBN 0-8262-1222-0.
Party political offices
Preceded by
Elliot Woolfolk Major		 Democratic nominee for Governor of Missouri
1916		 Succeeded by
John Atkinson
Political offices
Preceded by
Elliot Woolfolk Major		 Governor of Missouri
1917-1921		 Succeeded by
Arthur M. Hyde


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