Essex County, Massachusetts Biographies THOMAS GARDNER Submitted by Kimberly Clifton Jones, who adds: "My mother in law was a Gardner and a direct descendent of Thomas. Her line eventually moved to Pittsylvania County, Virginia. " Thomas Gardner is historically credited as being the first "Governor of the area". Thomas Gardner, "The Planter" is remembered as the primary leader of the Cape Ann Colony. He held this title for a year, followed by Roger Conant. Thomas Gardner II was born in England between 1590/91. He founded the English Fishing station at Glouchester in 1623, he died December 29, 1674. In his will he named his wife Damarias as well as his sons, two surviving daughters and two granddaughters. He is said to have sailed on the Charity to the colonies then later followed by his family. Thomas was made the overseer of the fishing and planting. The ground was too rocky and planting difficult. Roger Conant then settled the area of Salem with the survivors of Cape Ann including the Gardners. Thomas became a selectman and was on the general court. He received several tracts of land in the Salem area; one was a 100 acre plot in the area now called Peabody. In 1637, Thomas became a representative to the General Court. In 1639, he and his wife Margaret joined Salem Church. Thomas II was married to a Margaret Fryer/Friar. They had nine children: 1. Richard Born 1620 D: 1688 Was a Chief Magistrate in Salem 2. John : Born 16114/24 3. Thomas III: Born 1618 D: 1684 4. George 1617-1689 5. Samuel 1627-79..He moved to Hartford Ct. 6. Captain Joseph Gardner: 1629. Was killed in King Phillip's war December 1675 7. Sarah Born 1630 8. Ruth 9. Miriam There is a street in Salem called Gardner Street, Also there is an old house called the Gardner Pingrill(?) Home. Thomas had a second wife by the name of Damarius Shattuck. This was her married name as she was a widow. She was reportedly interested in the Quaker Movement and was fined for not attending services. There is more on the Gardner family and the Shattucks in Salem's history. More information can be found in New England's Historic and Genealogical register.Pages199 A Genealogical Dictionary of New England by James Savage Pgs 228-230 More information can be found in New England's Historic and Genealogical register.Pages199 A Genealogical Dictionary of New England by James Savage Pgs 228-230 ©2006 K. Torp Genealogy Trails