Hardin County, Kentucky, established in 1792 and named after Colonel John Hardin, a veteran of the American Revolutionary War, is of considerable genealogical interest due to its role in the westward expansion of the United States. Elizabethtown, the county seat, has been central to the county’s development since its establishment and serves as a key repository for historical and genealogical records. The county’s geographic features, including its proximity to the Ohio River to the north and the establishment of Fort Knox to the west in 1918, have significantly influenced its economic and population growth. Genealogical researchers will find Hardin County’s archives to be a treasure trove of information, with records dating back to its founding. These records include land grants, marriage records, and court documents.
This microfilm is a copy of the original records located at the Kentucky State Historical Society in Frankfort and microfilmed in 1975. It is an incomplete copy of the set of records for each county but can provide the information for the specific counties and years as denoted in the list.
Richard and Daniel Brown, natives of Kentucky, were born in the 1820s and have dedicated their lives to farming. They moved to Illinois in 1854, initially settling south of Charleston before relocating to Douglas County in 1856. Richard briefly served as Assessor and was married twice, raising five children. Daniel, married to Mary Morrison, has seven children. Both brothers own over 200 acres of land and are involved in farming, stock raising, and road grading, contributing to their community in Humboldt, Illinois.
William M. Quinn, born in Hardin County, Kentucky, was a slave until the age of ten, when he and his family were freed after the Civil War. They were considered “gift slaves,” never meant to be sold, and he recalls receiving payment for work, a rarity among slaves. Quinn described his master, Steve Stone, as kind, contrasting with harsher treatment experienced by others. After emancipation, Quinn’s family stayed with the Stones, who treated them well, while his father remained enslaved due to his owner’s disbelief in the North’s victory.
Celia Henderson, born in 1849 in Hardin County, Kentucky, recalls her early life shaped by slavery. Her mother, a skilled cook, was sold to settle a debt, leading the family to Natchez, where they lived and worked. Celia, who helped with chores from a young age, shares memories of community gatherings and herbal remedies from her mother. Now 88, she reflects on her family history, including her own struggles with aging and the transition from enslavement to a life of limited means in Ohio.
Gen. Robert B. Mitchell, born on April 4, 1823, in Richland County, Ohio, was a prominent soldier and political figure. He served in the Mexican War before rising as a significant Union officer during the Civil War, where he commanded troops at major battles including Wilson’s Creek and Chickamauga. An advocate for free-state policies, he was active in Kansas politics and later became governor of New Mexico from 1867 until his death in Washington, D.C., on January 26, 1882.
W. W. Moore, born in 1844 in Hardin County, Kentucky, became a successful general merchant in Protem, Missouri. The son of Henry and Nancy Moore, he began farming at twenty-one and married Susan Burnett in 1866. In 1880, he transitioned to business, establishing a prosperous mercantile operation and a roller mill by 1890. Moore is recognized for his integrity and business acumen, earning respect as one of Taney County’s leading entrepreneurs and a member of Cloflin Lodge No. 229 of the A.F. & A.M.
Peter J. Holohan, an early settler of Wallace, Idaho, was born in Hardin County, Kentucky, to Irish immigrant parents. He moved to Iowa as a child and later settled in Idaho in the late 1870s. Holohan initially gained success by supplying mining camps before establishing a partnership in the Holohan McKinlay tobacco and cigar business. He is noted for his real estate ventures and mining activities. A prominent Democrat and community figure, he married Mildred Sebastian and has two children.
Job Francis Dye, born in 1807 in Kentucky, exemplified the spirit of pioneering on the Pacific coast. He ventured westward, enduring the challenges of wilderness life, and became an adept trapper and hunter in the Rocky Mountains. After significant experiences in California’s early days, he established a successful ranch and engaged in various businesses, including merchandising. Dye played a key role in the region’s transition from Mexican to American governance, known for his hospitality and contributions to his community. He passed away in 1883, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
James Brandenburg was born on April 20, 1820, in Hardin County, Kentucky. His family relocated to Clay County, Indiana, before settling in his current county in 1829. After working locally until the age of 18, he spent two years in Wisconsin before establishing a farm southeast of Salisbury in 1844. He later moved to his current farm on Section 7. Married to Neety Cooper in 1843, they had seven children, of whom four survived into adulthood.
Elisha Linder, born on August 16, 1807, in Hardin County, Kentucky, became a prominent farmer and community leader in Illinois. After losing his father at a young age, he took responsibility for his family. He moved to Illinois in 1829, later relocating his mother and siblings in 1831 with minimal funds. Linder successfully introduced sheep to the area and expanded his land holdings to about 1,200 acres. Married in 1839 to Rebecca Sawyer, they had fourteen children. He also served multiple terms as Township Supervisor.
Thomas Hart, born September 5, 1824, in Hardin County, Kentucky, was the son of Miles H. and Catharine C. Hart. He moved with his family to Coles County in 1826. Hart held various local positions, including Assessor and School Trustee, and married Vianna Sexson in 1851, fathering two surviving children, Mary E. and Hallie B. His father, Miles, originally from North Carolina, settled in Coles County after residing in Wayne County, Illinois, and had several children, many of whom remained in the area.
Benjamin D. Hamblen was born on March 17, 1840, in Mt. Pleasant, Kentucky, to Francis and Martha B. Hamblen. He relocated with his family to Moultrie County in 1852 and later to Coles County in 1868, where he became a farmer owning 120 acres. Hamblen held various public roles, including Justice of the Peace and School Director. He married Sarah M. Newport, with whom he had three children, and served as a Duty Sergeant in the Civil War. His parents both passed away in the late 1800s.
Thomas N. Cofer, born on July 20, 1839, in Hardin County, Kentucky, is a dedicated farmer and stock-raiser residing in Arcola, Illinois. After relocating with his family to Illinois in 1854, he established himself in Douglas County. He married Rachel E. Combs on November 23, 1870, and together they have three children. Cofer has worked diligently to acquire his 320-acre farm, reflecting his industrious nature. He is also the son of Col. John Cofer, whose biography accompanies this account.
Charles D. Post, born in Kentucky in 1825, played a significant role in Arizona’s early history. After studying law and working in various government roles, he moved to California during the gold rush. Post led an exploring party to Arizona after the Gadsden Purchase, later returning to the Territory to prospect for mines. He was appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs and became Arizona’s first Delegate to Congress. Post’s later career included influential positions in land management and irrigation efforts. He died in Phoenix in 1902.
J. H. Ardinger, a native of Berkeley County, Virginia, dedicated his life to the dry goods business. After moving to various locations, he established a successful store in Bonham in 1875 with a $10,000 inventory. His business flourished unexpectedly, leading to expansions despite suffering a devastating fire in 1877 that destroyed his stock. Resilient, he rebuilt and now operates a thriving enterprise grossing approximately $50,000 annually. Renowned for his integrity and exemplary customer service, Ardinger is a distinguished merchant in North Texas.