- ZERAH HARDY, a general farmer and stock-raiser, residing
on section 25, in the town of Lima,
- is numbered among the prominent pioneers of this county,
where for the long period of half a century he has made his home.
In the trials and privations incident to frontier life he has
shared, and has been an active participant, in the work of development
and progress which has made Rock the banner county of Wisconsin.
Surely he is worthy a representation in the permanent record
of her leading citizens, and it is with pleasure that we present
his sketch to the readers of the Portrait and Biographical Album.
He was born in Cortland County, N.Y., on the 26th day of August,
1831, and is a son of Ara and Electa H. (HULL) HARDY, who were
also natives of the Empire State. He was educated in the common
schools of his native county and Rock County, to which he removed
with the family in 1840, at the age of eight years. On the 19th
day of September, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Amelia
KINNEY, a native of Walworth County, Wis., and a daughter of
Ira and Mary J. (GLEASON) KINNEY, who were born in New York.
Her mother is yet living, but her father has departed this life.
An interesting family of three children have been born of their
union - Mabel L., Gertrude E. and Ernest L.
- Throughout his life Mr. HARDY has shared the home of his
father - shared with him the toils and
- trials of frontier life, and was his able assistant in the
work of transforming the broad prairie into fields of the richest
fertility. He has now one of the most splendid homes in the community,
comprising 538 acres of arable land under a high state of cultivation.
For the past few years he has given his attention to the dairy
business, and keeps fifty head of fine cows for that purpose.
His well-spent life is worthy of emulation, and should encourage
the youth of the present day to greater efforts. He has been
identified with the best interests of the county during the fifty
years of his residence in this community, and has borne no inconsiderable
part in placing the county in its present exalted position. Since
the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its
warm supporters, and, as every true American citizen should do,
feels a deep interest in political affairs, but has never sought
or desired public preferment. At one time, however, he held the
office of Justice of the Peace, which necessitated the expenditure
of $1.50, while the fees received during his entire term amounted
to but twenty-five cents. Mr. HARDY is everywhere spoken of in
terms of the greatest respect, and he is universally esteemed.
Like his noble father, all delight to do him honor, and we feel
assured that this brief sketch of his life will be received with
the greatest pleasure by his many warm friends.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 906-907.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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