L. W. Gardner, manager of the Spot Cash Store of
Carlinville, has displayed unusual business ability and, although he has
resided but a short time in Carlinville, has gained recognition as one of
the most able men of the city.
Mr. Gardner was born in Mansfield,
Illinois, October 21, 1879, and is a son of T. F. and Lavinia (Woodruff)
Gardner, his father being a native of Wheeling, West Virginia, and his
mother of Manchester, England. He was educated in the common schools of
Gibson City, Illinois, and during a part of his time in school was also a
clerk in the post office of that town. After leaving school he became clerk
in the extensive department store of Frank H. Barber, there learning the
rudiments of a business education. He became a first-class salesman and
acquired a thorough knowledge of the business in its minute details. His
ability impressed itself upon his employer, who is himself a man of great
business sagacity, and resulted in Mr. Barber placing our subject in charge
of a branch store at Carlinville, in April, 1902. This store was established
in the St. George Hotel Building, but under capable management the business
grew with such rapidity it became apparent that more commodious quarters
must be secured. This was done in September, 1902, the store being moved to
its present location in the Burgdorff Building. The dimensions of the store
are 108 by 25 feet; it is well lighted and ventilated and provided with
modern conveniences. They carry a very complete line of general dry goods
and notions, carpets, ladies' furnishings, crockery and light hardware. Four
clerks are constantly employed to look after the wants of the customers, and
during the holidays as many as 16 clerks are on the pay-rolls. Mr. Gardner
has made a name for fair and honest dealing, and the patronage of the Spot
Cash Store extends throughout Macoupin and adjoining counties. He has made
many friends since locating here, and is firmly established in the good will
of his fellow citizens. Religiously, he was formerly a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Gibson City, but since moving to
Carlinville has become identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Extracted 2018 May 04 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 29-30.
Macoupin County ILGenWeb Copyright
Design by
Templates in Time
This page was last updated
07/01/2022