Biographies
from
The History of Otsego County, New York
1740-1878
D. Hamilton Hurd
Published by Everts & Fariss, Philadelphia
HARDY, William R - Milford
William R. HARDY is a native of the town of Unadilla, Otsego
County, born Jan. 13, 1809, being the son of William and Esther Hardy.
Soon after his birth his father removed to Broome county, where
William remained until 1821, when he came to the town of Milford,
being then only twelve years of age. He spent his time summers in
working as a farm laborer, and his winters in trying to obtain an
education at the district school, till he became of age. He at that
time hired for four years to John LOW, of Milford, and served his time.
He was married, Feb. 25, 1835, to Margaret, daughter of his employer,
she being born in the town April 15, 1807. He then purchased a
farm of sixty-three acres, and with this, in connection with one
hundred and fifty acres which he hired, and with a debt of five
hundred dollars on his shoulders, he began life for himself. He has
always carried on that business, and stands to-day as one of the
leading and successful farmers of his town, enjoying a comfortable
and honorable fortune. Nine children came to bless his home, only
four of whom are living at the present time: Albert, born Feb. 2, 1836;
Oscar, Sept. 1, 1839; George W., March 14, 1845; Elbridge G., Jan. 2,
1850; all being natives of Milford. In politics Mr. Hardy belongs to the
Democratic party, having cast his first vote for president of the United
States for Andrew Jackson, for his second term of office. He has held
several county and town offices, having been elected, in 1854,
superintendent of the county poor for a term of three years. He
represented his town as supervisor in 1863, was justice of the peace
for four years, and has held the offices of school commissioner,
assessor, and commissioner of highways. Mr. Hardy is one of the
most respectable and reliable citizens of the town of Milford, and
stands to-day as a living model of an American farmer.--
Excerpt from History of Otsego Co., NY, page 200