Elias Gardner and Wives

Elias Gardner was born 2 April 1807 in Vernon, Oneida County, New York, to William Gardner and Nancy Graves. He is the second son, the first, William, Jr., was born 30 Nov., 1801 in Tyringham, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts.
William and Nancy moved to Vernon, New York, around 1802. While there Ira was born about 1803; Harriet was born 31 Dec 1804, then Elias in 1807 and George, the baby born about 1809.
This was Elias’ family, his parents with five children, one girl and four boys. It would be hoped that it was a happy family, but indications are that it was not. When Elias was around three years of age, his father left the home, leaving Nancy with this young family to carry on. Tradition has been handed down that William was a drinker, and this could account for his leaving his family. The family was cared for by others.
Elias and William, Jr. were taken into the home of their grandparents in Tyringham, Massachusetts. This was after Elias was 3 yrs of age. He was only there about six yrs. when his Grandfather, James Gardner, died, 11 Nov., 1816. Elias was nine years of age at this time. He undoubtedly was heart broken, for his Grandfather Gardner was in most respects the only father he had known.
Elias continued to live with his father’s family and learned the trade of Shoemaker, most likely from one of his uncles. “At the age of 14 yrs., Elias was working as an apprentice and by the age of 18 he was established in a shoemaker business.”



Ruth Markham Abbot, a sister of Betsy Markham, had been reunited with her daughter Ellen in Salt Lake. They moved to a plot of ground on the old 4th North between West Temple and East Temple. Some accounts have said that Joshua became offended over a land dispute with the church and left. Ruth, in a statement in her “Declaration for a Widow Pension” writes, “Joshua went to California in the spring of 1849…She presumed he was dead.”
Ruth, in 1851, was living in Davis County, next door to Stephen Markham, and evidently taking in boarders. In 1852, three years after Joshua left, Ruth was having a struggle caring for her two daughters, and she expressed these feelings to her sister Betsy in a letter. This letter was discussed in the Gardner household, and Betsy encouraged Elias to marry Ruth and have them come to Payson and live with them.
For a glimpse of how Elias viewed Polygamy, the following quote comes from instruction that he gave his son-in-law on the subject:
“It is a call to religious duty. It is not to be accepted as a pleasure. The purpose of Plural marriage is not earth happiness but earth discipline. Polygamy is a holy thing. It is a means whereby a man might inherit a higher degree of glory in the next life. The ideology of the doctrine is to raise a large number of children who will be faithful to the teachings of the Church. You’re a good man, and it is your obligation to make it possible for as many worthy spirits to take advantage of our religious teachings as you can.”
Elias knew of his own mother’s struggles and what it was like to be deserted by a father. He also had watched his grandmother in the years after she had become a widow. Viewing the commandment of polygamy as before explained, it was decided that not only should he ask Ruth to marry him but Ellen as well. This was discussed with Betsy and Diantha and the letter was written.
According to one story “when Betsy’s letter came suggesting that Ruth marry Elias, she thought it the only way out, but when he wanted to marry Ellen too, she almost backed out. She finally agreed to marry him, but she would never live with him as a wife as long as he was married to her daughter.”She couldn’t stand the thoughts of sleeping with her daughter’s husband.
Ruth was told by Elias “that she never again would be without a roof over her head. Never again would she have to worry about being taken care of.” If she had some misgivings about actually sleeping with Elias, she would have been readily assured that she did not have to live with him as a wife. He was concerned only with her welfare, and he would care for her as long as he was able.
So it was that the journey was made to Salt Lake City. Elias stayed at the home of Hosea Stout on Sunday 8 Feb 1852. A good visit with old friends was shared again. The next day was spent at the Endowment House. Elias spent some time officiating for the men that day, and Ruth and Ellen received their endowments. Elias, age 45, Ruth, 42, and Ellen, nearly 16, were sealed together for Eternity. Ruth’s belongings were gathered up and with Ellen’s sister Emily at their side, they journeyed to Payson with new hope and determination..
On 28 Aug 1852, a special conference of the Elders of the Church assembled in the Tabernacle. At the conference, Brigham Young gave the following: “I do not wish to detain the congregation longer this morning, Bro. Kimball set before you the object of the meeting, and I have hinted at it. We will now read over a few names that we have selected. May the Lord God of Israel bless you, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.” The clerk read 98 names of individuals who had been proposed to foreign missions. Elias Gardner’s name was among the 37 Elders who were going to England. Elias was set apart at this conference and instructed to be back in Salt Lake on the 15th of September, and ready to go. Elias was appointed to labor in the New Castle in Tyne Conference under President Thomas Squires in England. A complete diary of the missionaries’ journey across the plains and ocean to England is found in Kay Lundell’s book.




Emily Ann, the daughter of Ruth and sister to Ellen, had been living in Elias’ home all the while she was growing up. She did not have good health, and so Ruth and Ellen encouraged her to marry Elias. They felt that if she were to marry Elias, they would be better able to care for her in her poor health. Having thus been persuaded, Elias agreed. Elias was 60 years of age and Emily was 19. The family traveled to Salt Lake and on 13 July 1867 the sealing took place.
Ann’s mother, Martha Todd English, who was dead, was also sealed to Elias on that day.
Elias supervised the dances in the Salem area for many years. He taught the youth to dance many of the popular dances of that time, the Lancers and the Quadrille among them. Elias was an ordinance worker at the temple, and he and his wives did temple work at every opportunity.
Elias would often walk many miles to attend his meetings. At the age of 84, he walked to Richfield from his home in Annabelle to attend a meeting, though he was cautioned that this was not wise, with the cold temperature of the day. As a result of that walk, he contracted pneumonia and died 15 Feb 1891.
Elias taught his children this motto: Learn to speak right; Learn to think right; Learn to do right; and then you’ll be right. He also taught them “Respect yourself and you will be respected.” One of Elias Gardner’s favorite songs was “Home, Sweet Home”.