In a message dated 3/27/00 7:12:53 PM Eastern Standard Time, vashti@theshop.net writes: << GARDNER, Judge Jefferson, Choctaw, b. 1844, Wheelock, Choctaw Nation father: Noll Gardner wives: (1) Lucy James children: Eliza (2) Lucy Christy daughter of James Christy children: John, Willie Emma and Scott (3) Julia Christy >> Nalora , would you look up Jefferson Gardner for me Paul

"Leaders and Leading Men of the Indian Territory", Vol. I, Choctaws and Chickasaws By H. F. O'Beirne published 1891. [ a photo of Judge Gardner accompanies the bio ] page 174 JUDGE JEFF GARDNER The subject of this sketch was born near Wheelock, Choctaw Nation, in July 1844. He is the eldest son of Noll Gardner, at one time interpreter for the missionaries. In 1855 he was sent to Norfolk School, Towsen county and the following year went to Spencer Academy, where he remained two years. In 1862 he married Lucy James, who lived but a short time. The issue of this marriage was one child, named Eliza. In 1864 he married Lucy Christy, daughter of James Christy, by whom he had four children--John, Willie, Emma and Scott. Mr. Gardner engaged in farming and stock-raising in 1862, and in 1864 was appointed county clerk, and the following year district clerk. In 1873 he was called to represent Eagle and Norshoba (Wolf) counties in the senate, and in 1884 was elected national treasurer, which office he held for four years to the complete satisfaction of all parties. In 1888 he became supreme judge of the Second District, which office he still holds. In 1878 Mr. Gardner engaged in the Mercantile business at Eagle Town, and became United States Postmaster at the same time. His second wife dying, he married Julia Christy, who is still living. His property consists of three hundred acres of land under cultivation, a small herd of cattle, and a substantial and comfortable home. He is perhaps the most popular man in the Choctaw Nation, and is undoubtedly a gentleman of the highest principle, conscientious almost to a fault. On several occasions he has been solicited to become a candidate for principal chief, but his modesty kept him in the back ground. There is still time, however, and we shall rejoice to see him wear the executive title before his days are numbered. ---------------- Nalora