Will County ILGenWeb Biographies..... 
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File contributed for use by:
Dori Leekly & Margie Glenn

Author: History of Will County, Illinois; Chicago: Wm LeBaron Jr & Co, 186 Dearborn Street, 1878.

W. D. GARDNER, steel-blower, Joliet; was born in Portage Co., Ohio, in 1847; his life was that 
of a farmer's son until he was 22 years of age; his father-in-law, A. S. DUNNING, was for a 
number of years superintendent of the converting department of the Cleveland Rolling-Mills, 
and when in the employ of the same company in 1868 he came to Chicago. Mr. GARDNER accompanied 
him, and engaged in the manufacture of steel for the Union Rolling-Mills Company; in December 
1872, his father-in-law took the same position in the works at Joliet, where he remained till 
1877. Mr. GARDNER came at the same time, and has remained ever since. He was married Dec. 27, 
1868, to Anna E. DUNNING, a native of Ohio; has one daughter - Emma. He is recognized as one 
well qualified for the very responsible position he occupies.