Mr. William Hardy is the son of John and Elizabeth Hardy; was born March 2, 1819, in Juniata County, Penn. He enjoyed a common school education, and at an early age, began to contribute his share toward the maintenance of the family. He was about nineteen years of age when he came to Carroll County, Ind., but in the labors necessary after arrival here, he preformed a man’s part. The land purchased by the brothers was devoid of improvement, and only a very small portion of it had been cleared, so that there were many weary months of hard labor ere their farm could be cultivated. They cleared away the timber, however, and reduced the wilderness to fine and fertile fields. Upon this farm, Mr. Hardy has ever since continued to reside, it being owned and cultivated jointly by himself and his brother Thomas.
His life has been marked by industry, and this, in turn, has brought success. For a period of forty-four years, he has been associated with the history and interests of Carroll County and Washington Township, and during that period, has steadily advanced from a position bordering closely upon poverty to one of independence. He has acquired an ample fortune, which is of itself a monument to his enterprises and energy, and at the same time he has, by his strict integrity and uniformly fair dealing with his fellowman, won a high place in their regard, and all who know him unite in pronouncing him an honorable, upright man.
On the 1st day of May, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Hardy. Twelve years later, death invaded his home and claimed a loving and devoted wife for his victim. She died on the 27th of November, 1878, leaving two children – Wilson A. Dugan and Juniata M., both of whom are now living with their father. On the 23d of June, 1881, Mr. Hardy was united in the bonds of Matrimony with his present companion Miss Mary C. O’Donnell, a young lady of charming manners and fine accomplishments. Mrs. Hardy is the daughter of James O’Donnell, Esq., a highly respected citizen of this county.
County Coordinator: Suzy Sprague suzyq.wa@worldnet.att.net