History of Gardner, Massachusetts, USA

Gardner, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Otter river, a considerable stream, a branch of Miller's river, rises partly in this town, and affords good mill seats. On this river is some good intervale land; the high lands are rough, but good for grazing. The value of palm-leaf hats, straw bonnets, chairs, cabinet and wooden wares, leather, boots and shoes, manufactured in one year, amounted to $132,272. The cabinet ware and chairs amounted to $109,000. Gardner was incorporated in 1785, and lies 54 miles N.W. by W. from Boston and 23 N.W. by N. from Worcester. Population, 1837, 1,276.
A church was formed here in 1786, and the Rev. Jonathan Osgood was ordained. He died in 1825, after sustaining the vocations of pastor, physician and school master, 30 years.

Gardner was made up of four corners cut from the neighboring towns of Westminster, Templeton, Winchendon and Ashburnham.

It was named in honor of Col. Thomas Gardner, who fell in the battle of Bunker Hill.

The town is part of the high lands that separate the waters of the Connecticut from those of the Merrimack, and a source of Miller's River, called Otter River, issues from Gardner.

The land is adapted to agriculture, and the only considerable manufactures are cabinet furniture and palm-leaf hats.

Distance from Worcester, 20 miles; from Boston, 54.

This town was taken from Westminster, Templeton, Winchendon, and Ashburnham, a corner from each. It was incorporated and made a distinct town in 1785, and named Gardner, to perpetuate the memory of Col. Thomas Gardner, of Cambridge, who fell in the battle of Bunker Hill. The church was gathered here in 1786, and the Rev. John Osgood was ordained pastor in 1791. He died in 1821, and was the pastor, teacher, and physician for his people nearly 30 years. Rev. Sumner Lincoln, his successor, was ordained in 1824. Rev. Jonathan Farr was ordained over the Unitarian society in 1829, and was succeeded by Rev. Curtis Cutler in 1833.

The surface of this town is uneven, abounding in small hills and valleys, and though the land is somewhat rocky, it is strong and fertile. It is peculiarly adapted to grass and pasturage, being naturally moist, and abounding in springs and rivulets. The largest stream is Otter river, which flows into Miller’s river in Winchendon. There are two ponds in this town, ...

Gardner, a post-township in Worcester co., Mass., on the Vermont and Mass. railroad, 50 miles W. N. W. from Boston. Pop., 1533.

GARDNER, a township in Worcester, co., in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 58 m. NNW of Boston. Pop. 1,260.

GARDNER, MASS. - An Anti-Slavery Meeting will be held in Gardner and South Gardner, on Sunday, Jun 9th, to commence at half-past, 10 o'clock, A. M. Friends of liberty and their country are, one and all, invited to attend.

Samuel May, Jr., Parker Pillsbury and other speakers are expected to be present.