HARDIN, John R.

HARDIN, ROOF

Posted By: Norma Jennings (email)
Date: 10/25/2011 at 22:38:22

JOHN R. HARDIN is a farmer and stock-raiser residing on section 6, Oregon Township, where he is the owner of 120 acres, in addition to which he owns forty acres on section 5. He is a native of Sussex County, N.J., born in 1833, and is the son of Joshua and Effie (Roof) Hardin, both of whom were also natives of New Jersey. The former died in 1868, aged fifty-five and while the latter is still living in her native State.

The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm and has made farming his life's work. He came to Iowa in 1858, and settled in Muscatine County, where he remained a little over twelve years, coming to Washington County in 1871. He was married in Muscatine County, in 1867, to Julia A. Everett, a native of Iowa, born in 1844. By this union there were eleven children, five of whom are yet living—Lizzie, Harry E., Thomas, Carrie and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Harding are worthy members of the Baptist Church, and in the work of the Church they take great delight. Politically, he is a Democrat, having an abiding faith in the doctrines of Jefferson and Jackson.

In 1863, during the darkest years of the war, Mr. Hardin enlisted in Co. A. 35th Iowa Vol. Inf. He went into the field a strong man, and but a few months passed before he was overtaken by disease, an on account of disability was discharged, after six months' faithful service. As a partial compensation for the loss of health sustained while while defending his country, he now receives a small pension. Like many other respected citizens of Washington County, he knows what it is to endure toil and privations. Commencing life in poverty, he has by his industry, good managment [management] and economy, acquired a fine property, having one of the best improved farms in this section of the county. As a Christian man he endeavors to exemplify in his life the teachings of our Savior.

Portrait and Biographical Album, Washington, Iowa pp 191