My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM B. HARDIE. There is probably not within the limits of Xenia Township, Greene County, a more pleasant and attractive home than that belonging to the subject of this notice. He is a man well-to-do financially, as the result of energy, industry and good judgment, and has wisely devoted a portion of his income to the gathering around himself and family the things which naturally elevate and refine the mind and which in their place have a large share in the completion of human happiness. Mr. Hardie is located not far from the place of his birth, he having been born in this township March 17, 1825. He was reared, however, in New Jasper Township, to which his parents removed when he was a lad eight years of age. He acquired a practical education in the common school and became familiar with the various employments of farm life which he chose for his vocation.

When twenty-seven years of age Mr. Hardie was married January 29, 1852, at the bride’s home in New Jasper Township, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Campbell) Dean. The newly wedded pair commenced the journey of life together in New Jasper Township, where they sojourned for a period of twenty-seven years, and then removed to Xenia Township, of which they have since been residents. The farm is two hundred and sixty acres in extent, embellished with a fine residence, substantial outbuildings and the other appurtenances of the model country estate. Mr. Hardie keeps himself posted upon matters pertaining to his calling and avails himself of the most improved machinery in the tillage of the soil.

Six children have been born to our subject and his worthy wife, the eldest of whom, Laura B., remains at home with her parents. Mary E. is the wife of J. W. Liggett, of Union County, Ohio; Anna N. remains under the home roof; Robert H. married Miss Matie Rogers, and lives in Kearney, Neb.; Ida L. and W. Clark are at home. Mr. Hardie has held some of the town offices, being at one time Treasurer, but prefers the quiet of his own fireside to the responsibilities of public life. He supports the principles of the Republican party and with his excellent wife is a member in good standing of the United Presbyterian Church.

The father of our subject was the late William Hardie, a native of Scotland, who married Miss Isabella Buick who was born and reared not far from the early home of her husband, in Perthshire. There also they were married and in 1820 emigrated to America, coming at once to Ohio and settling in Xenia Township. About 1833, they removed to Jasper Township, and from there later to the city where Mr. Hardie died, November 24, 1860. The mother continued to make her home in Xenia but died at the home of her daughters in Bellefontaine, December 23, 1873. The parental family included six children, two sons and four daughters, three of whom are living and of whom our subject was the next youngest. Mrs. Hardie was born in Jasper Township, Greene County, December 20, 1827. She spent her childhood and youth in a comparatively uneventful manner under the home roof, where she was trained to all useful housewifely duties, becoming well-fitted to preside over a good man’s home. She shares with her husband the esteem and confidence of the people around her, and their hospitable doors are frequently opened to hosts of warm friends.