Fifth son and ninth child of Thomas and Ann Gamer, is one of a pair of twins, a son and a daughter, and was born in the township of Hardiston, Sussex county. New Jersey, September 2, 1810. When in his eleventh year he moved with his parents to Paterson, New Jersey, and in September, 1825, to the town of Pultney, Steuben county, New York. In April, 1833, he came with his father to Oakland County, Michigan, and the two located land on sections 5 and 8, the elder purchasing for himself and sons, and Robert in his own name. They returned to New York, and immediately thereafter, on the 20th of May, 1833, Robert Garner was married to Miss Mary E. Armstrong, whose father, Andrew Armstrong, was of Scotch and her mother of German descent.

Three weeks after his marriage, or early in June, he emigrated with his father and brothers, himself, his brother John, and his father having families) to Michigan, and settled on the land he and his father had entered in April. They passed the last house on the way, that of Harley Olmsted, on section 36, eight miles frum their new home, and came on through the woods. They built a shanty at first, in which all three families lived for some time. This was on the land of Thomas Garner, Sr. A log house was next erected close to the site of the shanty, and they lived in that for some nine months. Previous to this, however, John Garner had moved into a house on his own place, and in the spring of 1834 Rubert moved into a log house, eighteen by twenty-six feet, one and a half stories high, which he had built on his own place on section 5. He first occupied it May 21, 1834, one year and a day after his marriage. His present substantial stone dwelling was built in 1847.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gamer are the parents of eleven children, two sons and nine daughters, of whom four are now living. Their children are as follows: Jane, born March 13, 1835 ; died March 27, 1837. Marqaretta and Mary, born July 8, 1836; Margaretta died April 17, 1856, and Mary, January 27, 1837. Mary Jane, born November 14, 1838; married November 30, 1858, to Lyman Mathews ; now living in Highland township. Devina, born November 23, 1840 ; married April 1, 1862, to Isaac W. Mills ; also living in Highland township. Andrew A., born September 23, 1843; married May 19, 1870, to Cora Kelly ; now living near his father. Ann, born January 13, 1846; died February 20, 1847. Mattie, born February 18, 1850; married October 16, 1872, to James Pepper ; living near her father. Charles C, born November 11, 1853 ; died May 23, 1855. Ada M., born October 20, 1856; died April 9, 1860. Clarissa, born May 3, 1859 ; died August 13, 1874.

In the fall of 1832, Mr. Garner experienced religion, while living in the State of New York, and in August, 1835, united with the First Presbyterian church of White Lake, being chosen one of its first elders. About 1846 he joined with other members of the Presbyterian church and formed an independent congregation, which has never been connected with any organization. It is now known as the "White Lake church," and both Mr. and Mrs. Garner are members. Mrs, Garner was converted at the first revival held in the old Presbyterian church, and united with that organization. Mr. Garner was superintendent of the first Sabbath school in the neighborhood, which was organized about 1837, for the accommodation of all who chose to attend, whether Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, or of other belief. He has been superintendent of six different Sabbath schools, and holds that position at present in one in the south part of White Lake township. He is also a prominent member of the order of Patrons of Husbandry; was for three terms Master of White Lake grange, No. 253, and is now Overseer of Pomona grange, No. 5, at Pontiac.

His father was a Democrat in politics, and in 1832 Robert cast his first vote, for Andrew Jackson. Finally he left the Democratic party, and joined the Whigs, who he considered possessed more honest principles. Was afterwards an abolitionist and finally a Republican, voting for Lincoln in 1860. He has always been a foe to slavery and a strong advocate in favor of teetotalism. He was a candidate at one time for State senator, on the Prohibition ticket, and was defeated by a party vote. His name was used because his temperance principles were so well known. Previous to that time he had been a candidate for representative in the legislature, on the Republican ticket, but was defeated, although he ran far ahead of his ticket, and his opponent was only elected by a very small majority. This in a district containing but two Republican towns speaks well for Mr. Garner's popularity.

He has always been foremost in matters of reform, and also in the general improvement of the county. Railways, plank-roads, etc., have been aided in a large degree from his means, although the returns have not always proved profitable to himself. He has perhaps done more than any other man in this portion of Oakland County for the general advancement and improvement of the country he chose to make his home more than forty-four years ago.

He is the present owner of two hundred and forty-five acres of land, and has given a considerable amount to his children. He makes a specialty of wheatraising, and has harvested in one season as high as two thousand five hundred bushels. He also raises a large amount of clover seed, and invests to a considerable extent in fine stock. His farm is well improved and in excellent condition.