James Gardiner was born on a farm in nearby Hibbert Township. He moved to western Canada in 1901 where he farmed and became a school teacher and principal. A strong debater, Gardiner was elected to the Saskatchewan legislature in 1914 as Liberal member for North Qu'Appelle. He was appointed minister of highways in 1922 and in 1926 was elected premier of Saskatchewan. Gardiner resigned in 1935 to enter federal politics. As minister of agriculture under Mackenzie King and Louis St. Laurent, he represented rural Canada and introduced progressive farm legislation. When John Diefenbaker and the Conservatives swept to power in 1958, Gardiner left politics and returned to farming.

Location

On the grounds of Thames Road United Church, Highway 83, east of Exeter

Themes

• Education
• People
• Politics and law