Inventive genius is the yardstick of human progress and a city’s prominence is measured often by the accomplishments of outstanding citizens. Frederick N. Gardner was recognized as a mechanical genius in the industrial field. His inventive mind provided the foundation for an important industry in this community.

While his contribution came after the days of pioneers, the firm he founded prospered, and disc grinders produced by the Gardner Machine Company, and similar machines, have been distributed the world over.

Frederick N. Gardner was born in 1850 in Ashfield, Massachusetts. He came to Beloit in 1888, and he became superintendent, then general manager at C.H. Besly Company. He was associated with that firm for 15 years.

In 1905 he organized the Gardner Machine Company, and in its factory some of the finest tools have been designed and manufactured. He shared his mechanical and business ability with desire to help his community.

While his participation in city government was limited to aldermanship in the fourth ward, he was vitally interested in many things relative to city welfare.

He was a musician, and for a number of years he was the leader of the city band. He had a real enthusiasm for outdoor life, and he was an authority on deep waterways.

He died May 11, 1913.