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Archiver > GARDNER > 2002-11 > 1037029609


From: Liz Boulais <>
Subject: [GARDNER] Zachariah Taylor Gardner, Garvin Co. OK
Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2002 10:46:23 -0800


Garvin County, Wynnewood Confederate Veterans
Oklahoma

Zachariah Taylor Gardner

Private

Company A, Caddo Indian Battalion
Born August 15, 1829 in Mississippi

Died January 14, 1917 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma from pneumonia
Buried in Oaklawn Cemetery In Wynnewood, Oklahoma

In 1867, he settled on the Washita River east of Pauls Valley. He
farmed for several years there and in the early seventies he built the
first grist mill. This was a turbine wheel mill run by water. He
ground corn into meal for the soldiers at Fort Sill and for the
surrounding community. The Gardner's lived in this area before
there was a Wynnewood. Zach owned over 1300 acres of land
on which he also ran cattle.

Around Pauls Valley he was known as Uncle Zach. The
community would meet at his place for picnics on Sunday. He is
said to have had a beautiful home, painted white with a white
picket fence. His home and mill were some of the sights you
wouldn't want to miss seeing if you visited Pauls Valley.

A large portion of the Indian Pioneer Interviews done by the WPA
at least mention Zach Gardner and many of the interviews have
quite a bit of information about him. See Jennie Campbell Reel's
biography of him from this collection. She does say he was
Choctaw while most other accounts say he was Chickasaw and
she lists wifes and children.

Betty has documents on the Choctaw Trading Post which do show
that Zach was indeed Choctaw.

Zach was married to Annie on November 4, 1906 in Pauls Valley.
Annie was born February 6, 1849 (this date was taken from her
tombstone).

Some sources say Zach served under "Major George Washington,
who was in charge of a Caddo Indian Battalion" while others say
he served in a Chickasaw Battalion.


-----------------------------

off-topic

I have a great article listing sources for finding
military information. If you want it contact me
off-line.
Liz


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