Hannah G. Barnes Gardiner, daughter of Richard and Rebecca Barnes, was born in Salem county, N. J., Dec. 7, 1852, and died at her home in Salem, West Virginia, Oct. 4, 1902 after a long and painful illness.
She became a member of the family of Rev. Walter B. Gillette when seven years of age, and continued her home with him while he lived. She was converted in early life and united with the Shiloh Seventh-day Baptist church. She was married to Rev. T. L. Gardiner Sept. 22, 1889. Possessed of a cheerful disposition and a good degree of ready wit, she was often able to "drive dull care away" and live in the enjoyment of the sunshine of hope when others, with no greater burdens, walked in the shadows of forlorn hope. Courageous, untiring and sympathetic, she was not hindered nor easily overcome by obstacles. Nothing short of eternity can show how many, both old and young, have been cheered and helped through her influence. Life is not measured by years but by acts, by cheering and helpful words. Measured by such a standard, Sister Gardiner has lived many more years than the date of her birth would indicate. A few days before her death she said to her pastor, "I could not lead in prayer nor be active in testimony. I could not show any love for the Master and his cause in that way, but I hope that in some way my love for him will be manifest in the deeds of my daily life." "She hath done what she could" is the testimony that will be borne before the angels of God by a multitude who have known her. A large company of friends gathered at the home Sabbath afternoon, where brief services were held. In the evening after the Sabbath, President Gardiner, his two daughters and Pastor Witter accompanied the remains to Shiloh, N. J., where burial services were held, conducted by Pastor Witter, assisted by Pastor Saunders, and the remains of a sister who will be greatly missed were laid to rest among the friends of other days. E. A. W.
