George Gardner

Notes:

It is not know just when and how George Gardner came to America. He first appeared at Portsmouth, RI, in 1638. He was admitted as an inhabitant of Aquidneck (the island on which Newport is situated) in October of 1639, and was made a freeman of Newport on 17 Dec 1639. On 17 Mar 1641/42 he was chosen Constable & Senior Sergeant of Newport.

Shortly after this, George began a close relationship with Herodias (Long) Hicks, wife of John Hicks of MA, RI, and later of Long Island, NY. George & Herodias eventually lived together in a common law marriage, while John Hicks divorced Herodias and moved to Long Island, where he remarried.

George & Herodias lived together for over 20 years and had at least seven children together: Benoni, Henry, George William, Nicholas, Dorcas, & Rebecca. However, the couple separated in 1665. Around this time a man named John Porter separated from his wife Margaret, and not long afterwards he married Herodias.

George then married Lydia, daughter of Robert Ballou of Portsmouth, RI, and Boston, MA. George & Lydia had five children: Joseph, Robert, Mary, Lydia, & Peregrine. After George's death c.1677, Lydia remarried to William Hawkins of Providence, and had four children with him.

George married Herodias Long Between 1641 and 1645. Herodias was born 1623. [Group Sheet]

1. Benoni Gardner was born Between 1640 and 1645, London, England or RI; died Abt 1731.
2. Samuel Gardiner was born Abt 1645; died 8 Dec 1696, Swansea, MA.
3. Henry Gardner was born Abt 1645; died 26 Apr 1744, South Kingstown, RI.
4. Dorcas Gardner was born Abt 1650.

George married Lydia Ballou Aft 1664. [Group Sheet]