My Genealogy Hound

Col. Tom Hardison, attorney, Stephens. Mr. Hardison is one of those men, too few in number, who fully recognize the truth so often urged by the sages of the law, that of all men, the reading and thoughts of a lawyer should be the most extended. Systematic reading gives a more comprehensive grasp to the mind, variety and richness to thought, and a clearer perception of the motives of men and the principles of things; indeed of the very spirit of laws. This he has found most essential in the prosecution of his professional practice. He was born in Coweta County, Ga., December 8, 1861, and was the younger of two sons born to Luther W. and Mary A. (Taylor) Hardison, natives of South Carolina. His brother, William Harvey Hardison, was also born in Coweta County, Ga., and there attained his growth. After arriving at years of discretion, in choosing a profession to which to devote his life, he selected that of medicine, and to perfect himself in that branch he entered a medical school at Atlanta, Ga., and after the usual course of study was graduated from that institution. Immediately after his graduation he entered a medical college in Philadelphia, and later, one in New York, and was graduated from both of these institutions with high honors. After his studies were completed, he received the appointment of surgeon for the western division of the United States army, stationed in Kansas, but after holding that position for three years, he resigned. He then came to this county, and entered upon a bright career which was cut short by his untimely death. Although he had been a resident of this county but a short time, he had already established a large practice, and his prospects for the future were bright. Tom Hardison was reared on a farm in Georgia, and at the age of seventeen years commenced reading law with Benj. H. Hill, the leading attorney of Atlanta, Ga., and in 1879 was admitted to the bar. He entered upon his legal career in Atlanta, Ga., but continued there only one year, and then moved to Kingston, Tex., and shortly after locating there was chosen State attorney of Greenville District. Eighteen months later he resigned that position to accept that of attorney for the Texas division of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and he acted as attorney for that company until 1888, when he resigned in order to more thoroughly devote his attention to the interests of the Van Slick Coal Mining Company (incorporated under the laws of Arkansas), of which he is president and one of the largest stock holders. He is now engaged in the practice of law in the Civil, Federal and Supreme Courts of Arkansas and Texas, and is considered one of the best criminal lawyers in Southern Arkansas. Out of seventy-eight criminal cases which he defended in Texas in 1888, he won sixty-seven. He was united in marriage, December 30, 1886, to Miss Lottie Scott, who is counted among the members of the Missionary Baptist Church. Col. Hardison is a Royal Arch Mason, and past master of his lodge, and is also serving as chancellor commander of his K. of P. Lodge. He also holds membership in a new order called the White Rose, of which he has the honor to be called the worthy chief of the State. He is one of the prominent Democrats of this county, and in 1889 he acted as delegate to the Democratic Convention, which was held for the purpose of nominating the judge of the Federal Court. His parents are still living, their home being in Stephens, Ark.