Frederick D. Gardner

Frederick (Fred) Dozier Gardner (November 6, 1869ndash December 18, 1933), an American businessman and coffin and hearse manufacturer from St. Louis, Missouri, served as the Governor of Missouri from 1917 to 1921.

Political career

Mr. Gardner was born in Kentucky, but [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/scripts/data/database.cgi?file=Data&report=SingleArticle&ArticleID=0000412|he rose to prominence] in St. Louis. The only political office he ever sought was a single term as governor, and he won in the election of 1916. However, he did later attend national conventions of the Democratic Party.

Businessman

In addition to his political career, Gardner spent 47 years in the funeral industry both as a funeral director and supplier. Beck, Todd Van. (June 2008) "Gov. Gardner: Funeral Director of the People". American Funeral Director 131(6),72-72] He worked for the Ellis Undertaking Co., [http://www.buchholzmortuary.com/ 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. He was also vice president of Gardner Motor Co. which operated in St. Louis from 1920- 1932 and [http://www.gardnermotorcars.com manufactured] hearses and ambulances. He also operated casket manufacturing plants in Memphis, Tennessee; Texarkana, Arkansas; and Dallas, Texas. Christensen, Lawrence O, (1999) Dictionary of Missouri Biography ISBN 0826212220.]

Masonic

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

Death and burial

Mr. Gardner died Dec. 18, 1933 in St. Louis, and was buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery there with full Masonic rites.

References

Websites

* [http://www.gardnermotorcars.com Gardner Motor Cars]
* [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=18467 Gardner gravesite - Findagrave]
* [http://www.accessgenealogy.com/scripts/data/database.cgi?file=Data&report=SingleArticle&ArticleID=0000412 Frederick D. Gardner Bibliography in the Centennial History of Missouri (v2), 1921]