John Hardy was born in the year 1781, in that part of Mifflin County, Penn., which, in later years was set apart and organized as Juniata County. He grew up amid the scenes that marked this country’s history after the close of the Revolution, acquiring as much of an education as the times afforded. He was reared on a farm, and , for many years after his marriage, was engaged in agricultural pursuits in connection with trade of a carpenter. In later years, he became an invalid, and was compelled to abandon all labor, his sons thereupon taking his place as the support of the family. He accompanied them to Carroll County, Ind., in 1838, and died on the 25th of August, 1854.
His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Barkner, was born on the 8th of September, 1787, in Dauphin County, Penn., near the city of Harrisburg. Her father was soldier in Washington’s army during the Revolutionary war, serving four years. He participated in the battles of Brandywine, Paoli and other memorable engagements, and was in the encampment at Valley Forge. Subsequently, the family removed to Mifflin County, Penn., where Miss Barkner and Mr. Hardy were united in marriage about the year 1810. In early life, Mrs. Hardy untied with the Lutheran Church, and although in later years she was no identified with it, she was during her entire life a noble Christian woman, and her religion was exemplified in her daily life. She was devoted to her husband and family, and spent her life in ministering to their comfort and happiness. She won her way into the hearts of all around her by her kindly offices and womanly tenderness, and when, on the 19th of February, 1866, she died, her loss was sadly lamented in the community where she was so well known and so universally esteemed.
Of the children who accompanied them to Carroll County, Thomas, Hugh and William still reside here; Alexander is in business at Logansport, Ind.; Catherine married William Bassler, and died in 1862; Jane married G. P. Freeman and died in 1857; Mary A. married William R. Lamb and now resides near Barnettsville, White Co., Ind., and Lydia, the youngest daughter died in 1850, aged nineteen years.
County Coordinator: Suzy Sprague suzyq.wa@worldnet.att.net