John J. Gardner


John James Gardner was an American Republican Party politician who represented New Jersey's 2nd congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1893 to 1913, and was Mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Biography

Born in Atlantic County, New Jersey, Gardner attended the common schools and the University of Michigan Law School in 1866 and 1867. He served in the 6th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry from 1861 to 1865 and one year in the United States Veteran Volunteers. He engaged in the real estate and insurance business. In a tragic accident in 1899 his 17-year-old son Albert was out bicycle riding at Egg Harbor City attempting to cross the railroad tracks when he was hit by a fast express train, the "Nellie Bly," and instantly killed.
Gardner was elected alderman of Atlantic City in 1867. He served as Mayor of Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1868 to 1872 and again from 1874 to 1875. He served as member of the common council and coroner of Atlantic County in 1876. He was a member of the New Jersey Senate from 1878 to 1893, serving as its president in 1883. He engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a delegate to the 1884 Republican National Convention.
Gardner was elected as a Republican to the Fifty-third and to the nine succeeding Congresses. He served as chairman of the Committee on Labor. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1912 to the Sixty-third Congress and resumed agricultural pursuits.
He died of heart disease at his farm in Indian Mills in Shamong Township, New Jersey on February 7, 1921 and was interred in Atlantic City Cemetery in Pleasantville, New Jersey.