Hello, Shelagh, I am descended from the second Emma Gardiner. Emma Gardiner Martin is in Witton cum Twambrook in Cheshire in 1841 with daughter Sarah Ann and baby David. Her husband, Robert Martin, is with his father, David Martin, and oldest son, James Gardiner Martin in Liverpool in 1841. I have conjectured that Robert might be building a house for the family -- just a fun idea. I have found no relationship between Emma and the family she is with in 1841. Lydia Deakin is NOT Robert's sister. I cannot be certain of all the children I have attributed to James Gardiner and Sarah James because there are more than one couple with the same two names during that time period in Liverpool. Here is what I have:
Mary Gardiner b. 27 Oct 1804, d. 27 Mar 1876 in Nova Scotia
Anne Gardiner b. before 8 Feb 1806
Emma Gardiner b. before 17 June 1808,. d 17 June 1808
Jane Gardiner b. before 13 June 1808, d. 13 June 1808
Emma Gardiner b. before 8 Oct 1809, d. Mar 1895 in Barnet, Middlesex, m 29 May 1830 St. Phillips, Liverpool, Lancashire to Robert Martin. Emma and Robert are my great great grandparents.
Harriet Gardiner bap. 8 Jul 1816 Saint Mark, Liverpool, Lancashire
Edward Gardiner b abt Nov. 1818 Liverpool, d 23 Jul 1819 Liverpool
Harriet Jane Gardiner 21 Feb. 1821 Liverpool
Samuel Gardiner 25 Jan 1823 Liverpool, record gives James as mother's surname -- Sarah James
Sarah Gardiner b. 14 Apr 1827 (mother would be 43)
No idea why no children born between Emma 1809 and Harriet 1816 (7 year gap)

We know James Gardiner was a lay minister from family records. I have a photo of him in 1854 so some people having an earlier death date are wrong. I found an article in the Liverpool Mercury 28 Nov. 1834 about him and others who were dissenting from the actions of the local Methodists.

Please let me know who you are, why are you researching this family, and if we are related. Thank you. Shirley