Samuel Gardner represented Warren County, a rural county near Augusta. He was listed in the Georgia Weekly Telegraph as a local deacon at the Georgia Annual Conference of African M.E. Church held in Macon in March 1868.  Gardner was removed from office along with the Black Republican legislators in 1869. An article published in the Atlanta Constitution on May 25,1869 lists Gardner as one of several Black assemblymen afraid to return to their homes in their elected counties due to threats of physical violence. Along with Gardner was Mr. Norris, Sheriff of Warren County. 

In the 1870 census lists a Samuel Gardener, 52 (black,) working as a laborer and living in Atlanta Ward 2, Fulton, Georgia married to Leah Gardner, 38. They have 3 children, Roberts (17), Emma (16) and Nancy (12.) (See here.)

REFERENCES:

“People Who Are Afraid to Go Home.” Atlanta Constitution, May 25, 1868

“Georgia Annual Conference of African M.E. Church” The Georgia Weekly Telegraph  March 20 1868 p. 4