Biographical Summary
Nothing much is known about Mayflower
passenger Richard Gardinar. There was a Richard Gardinar baptized
on 12 February 1582 at Harwich, Essex, England to John Gardinar and Lucy
Russell. Lucy Russell was the step-aunt of the Mayflower's
captain, Christopher Jones. William Bradford recorded in 1651 that
Richard Gardinar "became a seaman", which would be consistent with this
theory.
Richard Gardinar is mentioned in a
letter written by Emmanual Altham in May 1624: "And he hath sent me word
that he will provide me a sufficient man for master, notwithstanding
Richard Gardinar hath earnestly requested it, claiming it as his due by
place, but some say not by sufficiency. I will say no more concerning
him because I know you shall understand it by others."
This is the last conclusive mention of
Mayflower passenger Richard Gardinar. At some point he does
succeed in becoming a seaman, leaves Plymouth, and dies at sea or in
England. Bradford, writing in 1651, indicates he was dead.
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