Thomas Gardiner (publisher) facts for kids

Thomas Gardiner (born June 1826, died June 10, 1899) was an important journalist from Scotland who moved to America. He helped start and manage big newspapers like the San Diego Union and the Los Angeles Daily Times. These newspapers later became the San Diego Union-Tribune and the Los Angeles Times, which are still famous today.

Thomas Gardiner's Early Life

Thomas Gardiner was born in June 1826 near Glasgow, Scotland. When he was a boy, he worked in a dry goods store in Kilmarnock, Scotland. Later, he moved to the United States. He first lived in Cleveland, Ohio. Then, he traveled to California during the exciting gold rush of 1850.

Starting a Career in California

In 1852, Thomas Gardiner decided to stay in California for good. He became the publisher of the Sacramento Union newspaper. In December 1881, he helped Nathan Cole Jr. start the Los Angeles Times. However, Gardiner soon had to leave the business. He couldn't pay a printing bill for the newspaper. So, the newspaper was taken over by Jesse Yarnell, Thomas J. Caystile, and S.J. Mathes.

New Newspaper Ventures

In September 1882, Gardiner helped start another newspaper called the Los Angeles Telegram. After less than a month, he moved this newspaper to Portland, Oregon. He also briefly published a magazine called The Arizona Quarterly Illustrated in Tucson. His first issue in July 1880 even featured photos by C. S. Fly. After a few issues, Gardiner moved to San Diego. There, he became the advertising manager for the Coronado Beach Company. In 1891, he became the manager of the San Diego Union newspaper.

A Unique Personality

People said Thomas Gardiner was quite a stylish person. Many years after he passed away, a reporter from the Los Angeles Times wrote about him. The reporter said Gardiner wore "mutton-chop whiskers" (a type of sideburns), a tall silk hat, and a frock coat. This made him stand out to the people in Los Angeles. Nathan Cole Jr. provided most of the money to start the Los Angeles Times. But it was Gardiner who acted like the important "business manager" around town.

Later Life and Passing

In his final months, Thomas Gardiner had health problems, including heart and kidney issues. He passed away on June 10, 1899. He was survived by his wife and four sons. He was buried in Oakland, California.