My Great Grandfather Charles William Hardy

Charles William Hardy

Compiled and Edited by W. Craig Burrell

Key Points

Born: 28 July 1842, Groverland, Essex County Massachusetts

Parents: Josiah Guile Hardy and Sarah Clark Parker

Spouse and Marriage: Marinda Andrus, 31 May 1872

Death: 6 June 1914

                        Charles William Hardy was born the 28^th of July of 1842 in Groverland, Essex County, Massachusetts. He was the fourth child of nine born to Josiah Guile Hardy and Sarah Clark Parker.

            His parents were converted to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while living in Massachusetts.

            Charles’ family left Bradford Massachusetts on 7 April 1850 to travel west to Zion. The family settled temporarily near Columbus, Missouri where his father, Josiah worked in a saw mill. Their objective was to earn enough money to purchase a wagon, team and supplies to travel to Utah. Josiah earned $30 a month and at the end of 23 months they had earned enough to purchase an outfit.

            On 7 April 1852 they left Columbus, Missouri traveling to the Omaha area to meet with the James Bay pioneer company. They met the company on the Iowa side of the Missouri River. William’s father, Josiah, was appointed clerk of the first ten of the company. On 29 May 1852 they crossed the Missouri river and traveled west.

            Josiah wrote in his journal that they had a pleasant trip. William was ten years old and he traveled with 5 brothers and sisters. They made good time and were met by Samuel B. Hardy at the head of Echo canyon on 16 August 1852. They arrived in the valley 20 August 1852.

            His father, Josiah, had a large family. His first wife, Sarah, had eleven children and second wife, Ann Denston, had eleven children. Charles William was raised in Salt Lake City where he received his schooling.

            Civil Engineering became his profession. In 1862 he apprenticed to the firm of Hinckley and Stewart. He was employed in 1869 by the Utah Central Railroad which was later known as the Oregon Short Line. He was employed by them until the project was completed in 1871.

            He was made First Assistant Engineer of the Utah Southern Railroad, which was later known as the San Pedro. He remained in their employ until the road was completed to the Frisco Mine.

            He served as the County Surveyor in Salt Lake County for eight years from 1870 to 1878, and held the office of Assistant Territorial Surveyor General for two years.

            In 1872 he was made Chief Engineer of the Wasatch and Jordan Valley Railroad. He also served in the capacity of Chief Engineer of Saltair, Park City, Fort Douglas and Emigration Canyon roads.

            He had charge of the construction of the Sevier Reservoir dam and many other similar projects all over the Western States and in Old Mexico.

            He married Marinda Andrus daughter of Milo Andrus and Mary Ann Webster 31 March 1873. They had eight daughters and one son: Lucy May 1873, Sarah Alice 1876, Marinda Maude 1878, Mary Edna 1881, Charles Jesse 1883, Bertha Andrus 1887, Minnie Viola 1888, Bertha Andrus 1892, and Cynthia 1894.

            His second wife was Bertha Starley, whom he married on 28 November 1878. Their son, William Henry was born in 1881.

            He was committed to church service and was very earnest in the performance of any duty placed upon him. In 1878 he was called as a counselor to John Nicholson on the stake board of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association.

            From 1881 to 1883 he filled a mission to the Southern States. He served as president of the Eighth Quorum of Seventies and also as a counselor to bishop T. A. Williams of the Twelfth Ward.

            He was an influential teacher in the Sunday School all of his life and he served diligently as a Ward Teacher.

                        The Charles W. Hardy family prospered financially for many years, however, some time after 1902 they had a real set back. Charles W. lost some money he had invested. The family struggled financially for several years. Marinda and the children had to work to keep the family afloat. This interfered with college plans for some of the children.

            Charles William was a very even tempered man. He was loved by everyone and his advice was sought constantly by his host of friends. He was a friend in deed and served constantly among the sick and distressed. He had an unwavering faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He put a stop to any gossip started in his presence, and refused to allow a disparaging word uttered about the church. In mathematics he was a genius, never having been stumped by any mathematical problem submitted to him.

            His death was sudden and unexpected. He had walked home from town to his home on 1^st South and 6^th East in Salt Lake City carrying a large reference book on Utah Pioneers. When he reached the porch, he collapsed dead.