David, died Jan. 29, 1864, aged 79 yr., 3 mo., 20 d

History of Livingston County
from The History of Caldwell and Livingston Counties, Missouri. 1886

DAVID GIRDNER

(Farmer and Stock-dealer, Post-office, Spring Hill).

This representative, substantial citizen of Jackson township was born May 3, 1826, in Whitley county, Ky., being one of 13 children which blessed the union of his parents, David and Elizabeth Girdner, formerly a Miss Penman. The names of the others were Mary, now Mrs. White:, Nancy, wife of Pleas. Blakely; Granberry, Michael, deceased; Charles G., Mahala, wife of Thomas Yves; Joseph, James M., Elizabeth, who married Sam Darr; Elijah, Samuel and Elizabeth A., the last three named also being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Girdner were both natives of Pennsylvania and upon leaving there went to Greene county, then, going thence to Kentucky in an early day. In 1834 they came with their family to this county and continued to make their home here until their deaths, the father dying January 31, 1864, and the mother in November, 1862. David Girdner was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was drum major of his regiment. David, the subject of this sketch, was raised upon a farm and has always devoted himself to this occupation. Having come here at the time he did he saw much of pioneer life and has witnessed a great change in the affairs of the county since that time. Then Indians were numerous in the county and wild beasts were at home here. Neither schools nor mills were here and many hardships were undergone by those brave enough to undertake for themselves a home in the wilderness. Young Girdner's educational advantages were limited but this has not deterred him from being successful in a material point of view. He now owns 1,035 acres of good land and is giving considerable attention to the stock business, in which he is well versed. Mr. G.'s wife was formerly Miss Martha, daughter, of Jonathan and Martha Smith Six children have been born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Girdner; Michael P., born February 3, 1860; Jonathan C., born July 22, 1861; Sarah K., born October 30, 1863, now Mrs. Thomas Wingo; Louis M., born July 13, 1865; William M., born September 21, 1867; and Jemima, born December 20, 1870.