Our subject was of a family of fourteen children, four of whom are living: Dewane, resides in Dakota; Adaline, born July 17, 1819, at Warren county, N. Y., was the wife of Augustine Miller of Sandy Hill, N. Y., at which place her husband died, and lives at home; Amelia, born August 3, 1829, was for many years a teacher in the public schools of Jackson, Michigan, but for the past twenty years has been with her brother on the farm. This place was settled by the father in 1854, and here he lived until death.

Gardner Buck received his education in the district schools of New York before coming west. He remained at home and assisted his father on the farm, after his brothers had gone out in the world for themselves. When a young man he made a trip to California, also was for a time in Nevada. Twelve years of his life were spent in the far west. During this time the Civil War broke out and in 1864 he joined Co. E., of the 7th California Regiment of Volunteers and was mustered out, or in 1866. His brother, Horace, enlisted from Onondaga October 25, 1861, as Sargeant of Co. F., of the 13th Infantry. He was promoted November 12, 1862, to the rank of Second Lieutenant and February, 1863, to First Lieutenant, and to Captain on August 26th, 1864. He was mustered out July 25, 1865, and honorably discharged by reason of the close of the war. The 13th Regiment was mustered into service January 17, 1862, having upon its rolls of muster, nine hundred and twenty-five officers and men. It left the State under command of Colonel Chas. E. Stewart of Kalamazoo. It was one of the active regiments and did most of its work in Mississippi and Tennessee. It has to its credit more than thirty battles and skirmishes. The promotion of Captain Buck, runnning through his years of service, indicate that he was a brave man and good soldier. Charles, another brother, was a member of the 7th Michigan Calvary and fought under the gailant Custer and fell in battle at the Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864.

Garder C. Buck was united in marriage December 13, 1867, to Miss Hannah, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Duers of New York. Mrs. Buck was born in 1836. Her father died at the age of fifty years. Her mother's maiden name was Matilda Main; she was an orphan and resides at an aunt's of Mr. Buck's in New York. She died August 29, 1875 at the age of thirty-nine years. But one child was born to our subject and wife, which died in infancy, the mother passing away at th time of its birth.

Mr. Buck is a warm supporter of the Republican party, to which he has always given faithful allegiance. He is a pensioner and living in the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen.

Taken from:
"Past and Present of the City of Lansing and Ingham County, Michigan", by Albert E. Cowles.
Published by The Michigan Historical Publishing Association Lansing, MICH., 1905.
Pages 213 - 214

Biographies Michigan Biographies Project

Sondra Higbee