FREDERICK D. GARDNER was born in Hickman, Kentucky on November 6, 1869. His early education was attained in the Tennessee public schools, and later at Harvard University. He joined and expanded a successful business, the St. Louis Coffin Company, with branches in Texas and Tennessee. Gardner first entered politics as governor of Missouri, a position to which he won election on November 7, 1916. He was inaugurated into office on January 8, 1917. During his tenure, a harvest road bill was sanctioned; a state park system was initiated; women were granted the right to vote; the state tax commission was created; construction on the new state capitol in Jefferson City was finalized; and new tax laws were enacted. After completing his term, Gardner left office on January 10, 1921 and retired from political life. Governor Frederick D. Gardner passed away on December 18, 1933, and was buried in the Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.