Hardin, John S. bio

History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with Sketches of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious, Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Persons and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co., Peoria, Illinois, 1879, page 937, Waterford Township
John S. Hardin was born in North Carolina March 23, 1816, son of Richard M. and Spicy A. (Lafo), emigrated to this county Oct. 11, 1848, settling on sec. 10; this township; occupation varied; Oct. 22, 1848, he married Sarah Hamilton, and they have had 6 boys and 6 girls; has 300 acres of land.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County, Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890; page 435-437; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
John S. Hardin. Waterford Township is the home of many intelligent, industrious and prosperous farmers, who from a small beginning have won a competence, securing a considerable amount of land and surrounding themselves with all the comforts and conveniences which heart can wish. Among this number may be mentioned John S. Hardin, who in addition to his reputation as an agriculturist, is well known as a man of much intelligence, honorable ancestry, and Christian character.
Mr. Hardin was born in Raleigh, N. C., March 23, 1816, and in his native place spent his days until seventeen years old. He attended school until he was ten years old, then entered a general merchandise store in which he worked off and on for six years. After he had entered his teens as before noted, he left home and went to Warren County, Tenn., where he engaged in the cattle business with a brother. After eight years spent in that business he became fireman on a steamboat and was promoted from time to time until he reached the responsible position of master. For ten years he held such a position, having charge of various boats during the time.
Mr. Hardin came to this county in the fall of 1848, rented land for three years and worked at odd jobs during the first decade of his residence. His first purchase of land was ten acres on section 12, Waterford Township, in the fall of 1851. He soon afterward bought the adjoining thirty acres, built a shanty and lived thereon for a considerable time. From time to time he has added to his landed estate until he now possesses three hundred and seven broad acres, the greater part of which is under cultivation, lying nearly in a body. He has divided his attention between the cultivation of the fruits of the earth and the raising of stock. In his agricultural pursuits, as in the other occupations which he has pursued, he has ever shown a disposition to improve his opportunities by means of unflagging industry and persistence.
The pleasant home of Mr. Hardin is presided over by one who became his wife October 20, 1846. Prior to that time this lady had been known as Sarah Ann Hamilton. She was born in Shelby County, this State, June 6, 1832, to John J. and Susannah (Little) Hamilton. Her father is a native of Kentucky, was an early settler in Shelby County, this State, and now lives in Hood County, Tex., at the age of eighty-four years. Mrs. Hamilton was also born in the Blue Grass State. Mrs. Hardin is one in a family of eleven children, eight of whom grew to maturity. Two were killed by the Indians in Texas.
Our subject and his good wife have had twelve children, viz: John J., Benjamin F., Samantha deceased; Spicey, now Mrs. Ames; Jonas Henry, William P., Mrs. Emily Hadsell, and Isaac, deceased; James W.; George O. Both parents have been members of the church for forty years, Mr. Hardin being identified with the Church of Christ and Mrs. Hardin with the Baptist Church. The worth of Mr. Hardin has been recognized by his fellow-citizens in the bestowal upon him of various offices, among them being those of Constable and Justice of the Peace. His wife is equally esteemed by all who know the usefulness of her life and the nobility of her character.
The original member of the Hardin family in America was Solomon, a native of Wales, who was one of the early settlers in Virginia. In that Colony his son Benjamin was born and reared, the occupation of his childhood being to herd cattle. He would tie himself up in a tree while herding and frequently spend the night in that position. During the Revolutionary War the British stole many of the animals. A portion of the Colonial Army, led by Gen. Washington, passed the Hardin plantation one day and the Commander-in-Chief called at the house and bought a large herd for their consumption. Benjamin Hardin was present at the interview and was so much impressed by Gen. Washington's appearance, that, although but sixteen years of age, he decided to follow that leader. A few days later he shouldered an old flint-lock musket and started on the trail of the army, reaching it after many trying experiences. He served until the close of the war, when he returned to his native State and settled down to farming. At one time he owned a large amount of land upon which he pursued farming and stock-raising quite extensively for that day. He lived to the age of eighty-two years, breathing his last in Tennessee. Our subject has very distinct recollections of him and his tales of the Revolution.
The next in line of descent was Richard M. Hardin, a son of the Revolutionary soldier, who was born and reared on a farm in Virginia. After growing to maturity he went to Raleigh, N. C., and secured a position as cabin boy on a vessel that sailed to ports in England, China and West India. He followed a seafaring life many years, working up from his first position to that of master of the ship. He finally became a ship owner but after a considerable lapse of time, sold this vessel and retired to a farm in Anson County, N. C. The remainder of his life was spent on the farm and at Raleigh, his demise taking place in the city at the age of seventy years. The wife of this gentleman was Spicey A. Lafo, who was born in France and so far as is known came to America with her parents in childhood. To Mr. and Mrs. Richard Harding six children were born of whom the following grew to maturity: James G., John S., Lucinda, William H. and Wilson P.