Individual Details

DAR Lineage gives year of birth as 1747, born in Augusta Co VA

DAR Lineage #109172 lists William as a private in Capt John Anderson's Company, 5th VA Regt Name appears on the Company payroll for Jul 1778 . Date of enlistment 25 Mar 1778; discharged 28 Feb 1779. Reference: War Dept, the Adjutant General's Office. "Collins History of Kentucky Vol II, p.97. County records from Hardinsburg, KY.
DAR Lineage #119506 & 123802. Private in the 3rd VA regt of foot, 1778. Also served in KY and IL.

William likely moved with his father's family to Hampshire Co VA about 1763 and then to Georges Creek in PA where he was deeded land from his father in 1772. 9 Oct 1779, William and his brother John, sold 319 acres on the East side of the Monongahela, adjoining lands of Mark Hardin.

In Feb of 1772, John gave to his son William Hardin of Bedford Co PA for and in consideration of natural love and affection, the tract of land he now lives on and all other estate on this side of Laurel Hill. This land was Surveyed on 22 May 1770 (Order #3084) but patented to Charles Griffen 9 May 1788.


William Hardin received his Kentucky lands from the state of Virginia before Kentucky became a state. The earliest warrant I've found was No. 382, dated 15 Oct 1779, for 1000 acres in Jefferson Co on the head waters of the south fork of Hardin's Creek, a branch of the Ohio River, between the sd south fork & Dorretts Creek, the upper side of the road from Soverns Valley to Hardins Station. This tract was surveyed 22 Nov 1784 and not patented until 18 May 1787, GB 8, p.712. I could not match this with other Kentucky grants for 1000 acres as the date of the survey differed.

Other warrants dated the same date, 15 Oct 1779, were Numbers 1010, 1011, and 1023, each for 400 acres. He received two tracts in Jefferson Co for these warrants - one was for 100 acres on the south fork of Hardins Creek, surveyed 22 Aug 1783. The other was 1100 acres on Tuel's Creek, a branch of Rough Creek 3/4 mile below the forks of Tuels Run on the West fork, surveyed 22 Aug 1783. Both of these were patented on 2 Dec 1885, GB T, p.473 & 582 and are found in the Kentucky Grants in Book 9, p.140 & 145.

Warrant 1025, also dated 15 Oct 1779 and surveyed on 24 Sep 1783 was for 300 acres in Jefferson Co on the northeast fork of Clover Creek, a branch of the Ohio River, adjacent John Walkers 600 acre survey and Isaac Hite's 500 acre survey at the head of Shot Pouch Creek, 4 miles west of Hardins Station. Patent received on the same date as the two previous, 2 Dec 1785, GB X, p.525, Kentucky Grants 5, p.57

Warrant 1026, 15 Oct 1779, was taken out by John Hardin and was for 400 acres on a branch of the south fork of Hardin's Creek, below Hardin's Station, on the west side of the branch. John received this patent on the same day as William, 2 Dec 1785. G.B. Z, p.469, Kentucky Grants 4, p.563. The problem is which John Hardin is this. Jack Hardin Jr, who wrote the quite fanciful tale about the Hardin family and their adventures with the Indians consistently refers to "Little John" who was frequently a companion of William and who settled near William. It is clear in his narrative that when he refers to Little John Hardin, he does not mean either John "Jack" Hardin, the illegitimate son of William's oldest brother John [William's brother John never left Virginia/Pennsylvania], nor does he mean Col. John, William's first cousin, and son of Martin & Lydia Hardin. William's father was also a John Hardin and he did settle near William. William had a son John, but he seems a bit too young to have been the daring young man who participated in Indian fighting with William, and a bit too young to have been settling on his own land. William had another cousin - the half brother of Jack, who was called John Jr who is said to have come out to Kentucky and later go back to Pennsylvania. This John Jr received his Revolutionary pension in Pennsylvania; he enlisted from there and served under the command of his father. William's brother Mark, also had a son named John about this same age. Both of these last two Johns were married in Nelson Co KY in the early 1790's. In spite of the presence of several John Hardins, I think it most likely this was William's father.

Only William and John Hardin received these earliest warrants in October of 1779. However, at least thirteen warrants for land were issued to Hardins in 1780. Martin Hardin received one; Mark Harden received three, William Hardin received one as assignee of Benjamin Hardin, Benjamin received one of his own, and his daughters Katey & Lydia Hardin each got warrants for 200 acres, John Harden received four warrants, and John Hardin Senr received one.

William Hardin received 400 acres as assignee of Benjamin Hardin, Warrant 2586, dated 14 Feb 1780 and surveyed 8 Jun 1784. Description was on Hardin's Creek, a branch of the Ohio including Hardin's Settlement, crossing the creek above the Station. Granted 21 Jun 1786, GB 1, p.320. This would be the tract where Hardinsburg was laid out. Benjamin apparently decided not to locate next to his brother but next to his cousins in what is now Washington Co.

Warrant No 5166, dated 30 May 1783, was issued to John Hardin for 4000 acres. William had part surveyed 4 Nov of the same year. 1000 acres in Jefferson County on the headwaters of Little Yellow Bank Creek & SugarTree Run, branch of Limestone Creek commonly called Hardin's Creek. Patent dated 2 Dec 1785. GB X, p.493, No matching KY grant found.
John Hardin also had two surveys for 400 acres and received grants under this same warrant.
William received three more tracts as asignee of John.
Surveyed on 23 Aug 1783, 400 acres, Jefferson Co, on Shot Pouch Creek, a branch of Hardin's and emptying into Falls of sd Creek. Also patented on 2 Dec 1785. GB X, p.491, KY Grants 2, p.207
Surveyed on 1 May 1783, 200 acres, Jefferson Co, South branch of Clover Creek, the 1st fork above the Tar Spring fork. Patented 2 Dec 1785. GB T, p.586, KY Grants 9, p.146
400 acres surveyed for John Hardin on 28 Apr 1784. Jefferson Co, on heads of branches of Clover Creek adj his 500 acres survey on the upper side of Popes preemption, Duvall's line. Assigned to William Hardin.
William ended up with at least half of the 4000 acres, I've not found it all.

Two other grants were received on 2 Dec 1785. William Hardin had another 297 acres as assignee of William May, who was the assignee of Stephen May. Surveyed 12 Dec 1783 in Jefferson Co, on SugarTree Run, branch of Limestone adjacent John Hardin's 1000 acres, South side, Wm May's 2000 acres on the East and his 5000 acres on the North, large spring, Hardin's southwest corner in May's line. Warrant #17436. GB T, p.584; KY Grant, 9, p.146.
Daniel Hardin, adopted son of William, also received 400 acres on the Beech Fork branch of Clover Creek of the Ohio, below the falls of the sd creek. GB X, p.485, KY Grants 5, p.524.

Treasury Warrant No 8258, was issued to Michael Ryan on 29 Mar 1782 for 5000 acres. He assigned it to John Washington Esq who assigned it to Alexander From, 3 Aug 1782, then assigned it to Capt. Benjamin Roberts who then assigned part of it over to William Hardin in at least five tracts.
One tract surveyed on 23 Nov 1784 was for 600 acres, now in Nelson Co, on the South fork of Hardin's Creek adjacent James F. Moore's 400 acres and Isaac Hites 500 acres, both on the East, and John Hardin Senr's 400 acres on the North. The grant was dated 18 Aug 1788. William wasn't particularly prompt in getting his paper work done. GB 18, p.519, KY Grant, 15, p.103.
Another part of the warrant was surveyed the next day and was for 300 acres, Jefferson Co, on the West fork of Shot Pouch, a branch of Hardins Creek and adjacent William May. Granted the same day, 18 Aug 1788. GB 18, p.427; KY Grant 15, p.61.
A tract of 180 acres was surveyed on 10 Feb 1789. It was between the head of Hardins Creek and Bushes run in Hardins Settlement about three quarters of a mile above where Hardin lived. Begin intersection of Duvalls & Mosses lines; Bushes line; William Hardin's line; corner to Dorritts; up Hardins Creek; intersection of Dorritts line with Duvalls. Daniel Hardin was one of the chain carriers for the survey. Grant dated 19 Nov 1793
Survey dated 11 Feb 1789 was for 400 acres, part of Warrant No. 8258 and was on the South fork of Hardin's Creek in Hardin's Setllement. Begin line of William Mays; west side of rad from Hardins to Dorritts place. Grant is dated 19 Nov 1793.
I found one more survey from this grant for 500 acres, dated 16 Feb 1789. It was on the waters of the Beech fork, a Branch of Clover Creek, adj on the southeast side of John Reeds 656 1/2 acre survey, George Meriwether's line; corner to James Douglas. William Hardin served as one of the chain carriers. Grant dated 19 Nov 1793

Nelson Co was formed out of Jefferson Co in 1784, but the descriptions from surveys done prior to 1784, or even that year, might still show an earlier county name. Hardin & Washington Co were formed from Nelson in 1792; Breckinridge formed 1799. The town of Hardinsburg was laid out in 1800 and is located at the site of Hardin's Station.

Warrant #15113, dated 19 Feb 1783, for two tracts to William Hardin as assignee of William May. 2000 acres, Nelson Co, surveyed 19 Feb 1783, on the west side of Tuel's Creek, a branch of Rough Creek adjacent Jacob Funks Station and his 1600 acre survey. Grant dated 22 Apr 1788. PB 16, p.637, KY Grants 11, p.254.
And 1000 acres, Nelson Co, surveyed the same day. Between Tuel's Creek and Long Lick Creek on waters of Rough Creek. Adjacent Mays 2000 acres survey that joins Funks. Granted 21 Apr 1788. PB 17, p.21. KY Grants 9, p.598
I wondered if these were perhaps for a different William Hardin since they are located in what is now Hardin Co, but it seems he received these in consideration of his services as a surveyor, see next.


I found only the back side of the recording of 400 acres, No. 330, for Wm Hardi's Platt received by Will. May 13 May 1793, recorded 16 May 1793. The original entry made 10 Dec 1783. Sent to the Regitors Office with former Survey of Sd Hardin's, 9 May 1793.

Nelson Co Deed Book A, p.1-3 [first deeds in the book]
9 Jan 1796 William May & Mary his wife to William Hardin for 5 shillings and for the following consideration. William Hardin located land for William May and is to receive the same quantity for himself. Two tracts in Hardin Co. One of 9830 acres on N. fork of Rough Neck, forks of Buffalo & Lost Run, about 8 or 9 miles from Hardin's Settlement. Surveyed by John Helm 29 Apr 1784. One of 5000 acres on Sugar Tree Run, branch of Limestone [later named Sinking Creek] commonly called Hardin's Creek; Dry Valley; adj Mays 2000 acre survey on Little Yellow Bank Crk, South side; Hardin's SE corner.
Recorded 23 Feb 1796 in the Court of Quarter Sessions. Proved by witnesses Wm McClung, John Rowan & John Nourse. J. Morrison was a 4th witness but did not come to court.
Deed Book A, p.4-6 [2nd deed recorded]
9 Jan 1796 Same parties and considerations. Two tracts. One tract, 600 acres, Waters of South frk of ...clerk may have left out a line here], adjacent John Hardin's 400a survey, Duvall's line. Another tract, 500 acres, Tuels Crk adjacent Mays 400 acres on the East, his 2000 acres on North & Hites 1000 acres on the South and East. Surveyed by John Helms on 24 Nov 1785. Recorded on the same day and proved by the same witnesses.
Deed Book A, p.7-9 [3rd deed recorded]
9 Jan 1796 Same parties and considerations. Two tracts. One of 2000 acres beginning SE corner of Wm Hardens 1000a survey on Tuels Crk. Surveyed by John Helms, 16 Nov 1783. Another, 600 acres on Tuels Crk, a branch of Rough Crk, adjacent Wm Hardin's 1100a survey, line of Wm Oldhams 5225 acre entry. Surveyed by Wm Shannon on 22 Nov 1784. Also recorded on 23 Feb 1796 and proved by the same witnesses.
Note: William May was the first surveyor of Nelson Co. His wife Mary was formerly the widow of Col. Isaac Cox, founder of Cox's Station where the first Jefferson Co Land Office was located. Isaac Cox was killed by Indians in 1788.

So far I've found over 10,000 acres of land granted to Capt. William.

1800 Tax LIsts. Breckinridge Co, KY
William Hardin Sr, William Hardin, Jr., Henry Hardin, Daniel Hardin
Interesting that John E. Hardin, thought to be one of the older sons was not listed.

20 Jan 1800
The 1st meeting of the Breckinridge County Court was held 20 Jan 1800, at the home of William Hardin to appoint the first officers & decide on a site for the county seat. The 2nd meeting was 17 Mar 1800. William Hardin, Jr, gave bond for the office of sheriff. Elijah Hardin was commissioner of the tax. Justices of the quarter session court were William Comstock, Edward Pate, and James Jennings; they met for the first time on 21 Apr 1800.
Hardin's Town had already been laid out so it was chosen the seat of justice for the new county. On 19 Jan 1801, it was named Hardinsburgh. Lots were given by William Hardin for the purpose of erecting the courthouse.
INVENTORY OF THE COUNTY ARCHIVES OF KENTUCKY; No. 14; Breckinridge County; by KY Historical Records Survey Project, WPA

Breckinridge DB 1 [NOTE: This book is a copy, not the original. At the end of the book is a statement that it is a complete transcript of Deed Book A, by the clerk, 3 May 1884.]
p.1/1
19 May 1800 Balser Claycorn and Catherine his wife to William Hardin Senior for 23#'s. Two lots of half acre each in Hardins Town, number 27 and 31. Also one lot, number 4, containing four acres. Signed: Balser Clacorn, Catherine Clacorn. Acknowledged and dower released 19 May 1800. Recorded 21 Aug 1800.
p.7/6
18 July 1800 William Hardin Sen. and Winifred his wife to William Hardin Jr. For 150#'s. 300 acres of land on a north east fork of Clover Creek, a branch of the Ohio, joining John Walkers 600 acres and Isaac Hites 500 acres on the head of Shot Pouch. Being said Walkers SW corner, about 4 miles from Hardins Station, running with Walkers line; Hites line, his corner, head of the Rock spring, east side of a hil, Walkers line. Signed: William Hardin, Winifred Hardin. August Term 1800 - Acknowledged and dower released. Recorded 23 Aug 1800.
p.9/7
18 Aug 1800 William Hardin and Winifred his wife to William Crawford and Melinda his wife. For $1. Two lots in Hardins Town, half an acre each, number 39 and 47. Signed: William Hardin, Winifred Hardin. August Term 1800 - Acknowledged and dower released. Recorded 25 Aug 1800.
p.12/9
18 Aug 1800 William Hardin and Winifred his wife to Henry Hardin. For $1. Two lots in Hardins Town, half an acre each, number 31 and 27. Signed: William Hardin, Winifred Hardin. August Term 1800 - Acknowledged and dower released. Recorded 2 Sep 1880.
p.13/10
18 Aug 1800 William Hardin and Winifred his wife to Frederick Fraze for 5#'s. Two lots in Hardinsburg. One inn lot containing half an acre, number 50. One lot of four acres, two quarters and 34 poles, number 36. All houses and appurtenances belonging. Signed: William Hardin, Winifred Hardin. August Term 1800 - Acknowledged and dower released. Recorded 2 Sep 1880.
p.15/11
18 Aug 1800 William Hardin and Winifred his wife to John McClellen for 40#'s. Tract on waters of Jewells Creek, 200 acres, part of a 600 acre survey in the name of William May. Signed: wm Hardin, Winifred Hardin. August Term Acknowledged & dower released as law direct. Recorded 2 Sep 1800.
p.16/12
18 Aug 1800. William Hardin and Winifred his wife to Abraham McClellen for 60#'s. Tract containing by survey 300 acres, part of an 1100 acre survey in the name of William Hardin. Signed: Wm Hardin, Winifred Hardin. august Term 1800. Acknowledged and dower released as law directs. Recorded 4 Sep 1800.
p.21/17
12 Feb 1801 William Hardin and Winifred his wife to Mary Comick for 3#'s. Two lots of land in the town of Hardinsburg, one of one half acre, the other one quarter of an acre, known by number 11 and 2. Signed: Wm Hardin, Winifred Hardin. Acknowledged and dower released the same day.
p.24/21
3 Apr 1801. William Hardin sell to Thomas Hynes of the Mississippi Territory for $700 the following slaves: Mulatto woman Jude, mulatto child Jennie, Negro woman Lucy, Negro girl about five named Jude. Warrant them to be slaves during life. Signed: Wm Hardin. Witness: Wm Kelso, Elijah Hardin William Hardin acknowledged the sale in presence of the subscribing witnesses. Admitted to record. 3 Apr 1801.
p.30/26
17 Jun 1801 William Hardin, Sheriff, by Samuel Allen, deputy Sheriff & Christopher Bush of Hardin Co. Writ 13 Dec 1800, clerk of Quarter Sessions Court of Hardin County at courthouse in Elizabethtown. Sum of 19.17.2# of estate of Peter Claycomb late of his Baileywick. Lot land in Hardinsburgh number 70, half an acre. Sold to Christopher Bush for $5. Signed: Samuel Allen dpty shff for Wm Hardin.
p.39/38
24 April 1801 William Hardin & Winifred his wife to John Claycomb. For 5 shillings, parcel of 126 acres on waters of Sinking Creek. Metes & bound, Allen's line. Signed: William Hardin, Winifred Hardin. Acknowledged and dower released, 6 July 1801.
p.44/56
27 May 1801. William Hardin & Winifred his wife to Sarah McDonald. For 5 shillings. Lot in Town of Hardinsburg, half an acre, number 52. Signed: William Hardin, Winifred Hardin. Acknowledged and dower released, 7 July 1801
p.47/50
28 May 1801 William Hardin & Winifred his wife to William Crawford & Melindia his wife. For 5 shillings. Two lots or parcels in the town of Hardinsburg, half an acre each and known on the plan of the town by number 39 and 47. Signed: William Hardin, Winifred Hardin. Acknowledged & dower released, 7 July 1801.
p.50/54
10 August 1801 William Hardin, late Sheriff of Breckinridge County by Samuel Allen his deputy Sheriff and Christopher Bush of Hardin County. Writ dated 13 Dec 1800 issued by clerk of Quarter Sessions of Hardin County at Courthouse in Elizabethtown to Sheriff of Breckinridge to make the sum of 19.17.2 #'s out of the estate of Peter Clacomb of his bailiwick. Tract of land on Hardins Creek, 150 acres. Exposed land to sale - Christopher Bush was highest bidder for $30. signed: Samuel Allen Dpty sheriff for Wm Hardin.
p.64/74
29 May 1801 William Hardin & Winifred his wife to Abraham McClellan. For $200. 300 acres part of a 2000 acres survey in the name of William May lying on west of Jewells Creek.
p.72/84
27 April 1801 William Hardin & Winifred his wife to Henry Hardin both of Breckinridge Co. For 5 shillings, tract of 632 acres, part of a 5000 acres survey on Sugar Tree Run. Harshfelts' line, Daniel Hardin's Corner, Adam Bears corner, another of Bears corners. Signed: William Hardin, Winifred Hardin. Acknowledged by William Hardin; Winifred relinquished right of dower. 25 May 1801.
p.85/101
18 July 1801 Reuben Huff and Hannah his wife to William Hardin Senior. Sum of 14#'s. Two lots in Town of Hardinsburgh, one In lot of half acres, number 30. One lot of 4 acres, three roods and five poles, number 19. Signed: Reuben Huff, Hannah Huff. Acknowledged & dower released, the same day.
p. 99/118
2 Jun 1802 William Hardin Senior to William Crawford and Melindia his wife. For $1 sell a tract on south fork of Hardin's Creek, part of 1000 acres survey entered in the name of Isaac Hite, 640 acres. Begin Davison's corner; metes and bounds, the Barrens corner to said Davison, his line. Signed: William Hardin. Acknowledged 2 June 1802 and admitted to record.
p.105/124
16 Aug 1802 William Hardin Senior to William Davison. For 125#'s. Tract of 360 acres on waters of Cugar Camp, part of William Hardin's 1000 acres survey to include saidj William Davison's Improvment. Begin edge of the Barrens, metes & bounds, etc. Signed: William Hardin. Acknowledged 16 Aug 1802 and admitted to record.
p.109/130
18 May 1802 William Hardin binds himself, his heirs, etc in case Balser Claycow should be evicted that said Hardin and his hsirs will convey other Lands in fee simple, equal in quantity and quality. William Hardin sets his hand and seal. Signed & Acknowledged that day by William Hardin
p.112/134
28 Aug 1802 William Hardin Senior to Jesse Huff for $100. Tract on waters of Hardins Creek, 200 acres part of a 600 acres survey in the name of William Hardin. Moors line, NW corner of said survey & corner to Hite's, Hite's line. Signed: Wm Hardin. Acknowledged, 28 Aug 1802 and admitted to record.
p.114/136
2 June 1802 William Hardin Senior to William Comstock. For $1, lot in the town of Hardinsburg, one half acre, number 20. Signed: William Hardin. Acknowledged the same day.
p.115/138
2 Jun 1802 William Hardin Senior to William Comstock for $2. Part of a tract laid off in lots adjoining the town of Hardinsburg, 4 acres, one rood, 22 poles, number 32. Signed: Wm Hardin. Acknowledged the same day.

Breckinridge Co DB B,
p.5
16 Apr 1803 WilliamHardin Senr to Joseph Allen for 10#'s. Two lots in the Town of Hardinsburgh, number 62 and 66, one half acre each. Signed: William Hardin. Wit: Elijah Hardin, Horace Beardsley, William Hardin, Junr.
Acknowledged by William Hardin Senr. 30 Apr 1803
p.13
7 June 1803 For $80 William Hardin sells to Ralph Crumes Junr, tract on waters of the north fork of Rough Creek on said William's 10,000 acre survey. George C. Smith's house, metes & bounds. Signed: William Hardin. Acknowledge the same day.
p.14
7 June 1803 For $120 William Hardin sells to Ralph Crumes, Senr, tract on waters of the north fork of Rough Creek and on said William's 10,000 acres survey. Begin Harvey Dillyard's East corner, metes & bounds, 250 acres. Signed & acknowledged by William Hardin the same day.
p.15
17 June 1803 William Hardin to Coonrad Walters of Hardin County, for $1, 300 acres, the most southerly end of a survey of 1100 acres lying on Tuels Run, granted by the Commonwealth of Virginia to William Hardin, patent dated 2 Dec 1785. Being about 3/4 of a mile below the forks of Tuels Run, metes & bounds. Signed & acknowledged by William Hardin the same day.
p.51
4 Jan 1804 John Helm of Washington Co and William Hardin of Breckinridge. The said Hardin and Helm made two locations on William Mays warrants for which the said Hardin & Heln was jointly entitled to one half upon a division with Mays. 1000 acre survey on the beech fork of Clover Creek which was wholly conveyed by the said William May to John Helm instead of Helm and Hardin. For 5sh paid by Hardin, Helm doth great William Hardin his moiety of the 1000 acres survey. Begin coren to 200 acres survey made for William Merriweather and corner to said 1000 acre survey, metes & bounds. The said Helm does agree to quit all right. Signed: John Helm. Acknowledged by Helm the same day.
p.81
19 Mar 1804 William Hardin Senior to Peter Peckenpaugh. For $1, 138 acres lying on Sugar Camp Creek. One other tract adjoining, 85 and 1/4 acres. Signed & acknowledged by William Hardin the same day.
p.83
26 Feb 1804 William Hardin, Junior for $1 sell to Wm Hardin Senior three town lots, numbers 6, 22, and 23, half an acre each. Signed: Wm Hardin, Jnr. Wit: Friend McMahan, Horace Beardsley, Peggy Allen. 22 Mar 1804 acknowledged by William Hardin Junior.
p. 84
26 Feb 1804 William Hardin Junr for $500 sell to William Hardin Senr, tract of land, bounded at John Walker, Walker's line, Hites line. 300 acres. Signed: William Hardin Junior. Wit: Friend McMahan, Horace Beardsley, Peggy Allen. 22 Mar 1804. Acknowledged by grantor.
p.86
26 Feb 1804 Friend McMahan for $100#'s sell to William Hardin Senior, two certain inn lots in the town of Hardinsburgh, number 21 and 24, half an acre each. Signed: Friend McMahan. Wit: Wm Hardin Junior, Horace Beardsley, Peggy Allen. Mar 22 1804. Acknowledged by Friend McMahan.
p.92
24 Apr 1804 William Hardin Senior to Edward Smith. for 1# sell tract on Tuel's Creek, part of 2000 acre tract patented to William Hardin, 50 acres. Smith's land, Smith's corner, Palk's line. Signed: Wm Hardin. Acknowledged the same day.
p.94
24 Apr 1804 William Hardin Senior to Jesse Davis of Nelson Co. For 5#'s, tract on waters of Tuels Creek, 500 acres, conveyed to me by William May and wife Indenture dated 9 Feb 1796 and adjoins Mays 400 acre survey on the East, his 2000 acre survey on the North and Hites 1000 acre survey on the South. Signed & acknowledged by William Hardin on the same day.
p.96
24 Apr 1804 William Hardin Senior to Jesse Davis of Nelson Co. For $5, tract of 200 acres, part of a 400 acres survey. Begin SE corner of William Hardin's 1100 acre survey, Hite's line. Signed & acknowledged by William Hardin on the same day.
p.102
18 Jun 1804 William Hardin Senior for 20 sh sell to Friend McMahon, three inn lots in the town of Hardinsburgh, numbers 49, 63, and 67, half an acre each. Signed: Wm. Hardin. Acknowledged 19 Jun 1804.
p.122
17 Nov 1804 William Hardin Senior to John Johnston of Hardin Co. for $1, 200 acres, the most northwardly end of a three hundred acre tract patented to the said William Hardin Senior. Signed & acknowledged by William Hardin the same day.
p.128
26 Nov 1804 William Hardin Senior to Ichabod Radley of Hardin Co for $1, 200 acres, half of a 400 acre tract conveyed to me by William May. Beking line of said William Hardin, Hite's line. Signed & acknowledged by William Hardin the same day.
p.131
29 Nov 1804 William Hardin Senior to Elijah Hardin for 60#'s. Tract in the dry valley, part of a 5000 acre tract patented to William May, 533 acres. Being old line of the 5000 acres, Hashfield's line. Signed & acknowledged by William Hardin the same day.
p.132
29 Nov 1804 William Hardin Senior to William Comstock and Winnian his wife. For $100, tract of 400 acres on the beech fork of Clover Creek, which land was entered, surveyed & patented in the name of Daniel Hardin and by the said Daniel Hardin and conveyed to the said William Hardin Senr by deed 25 May 1801. Signed & acknowledged by William Hardin the same day.
p. 214
24 Feb 1806
William Hardin Senior to Aquilla Huff for $1. 100 acres corner to Reuben Huff, metes & bounds, etc. Signed: Wm. Hardin
Acknowledged in clerk's office 24 Feb 1806 and admitted to record. Attest: Jo Allen Clk.BC
p.217-218
17 Jul 1805 William Hardin Senior to Susanna Walker, infant orphan of Henry Walker, deceased, for $1. Lot in Hardinsburgh known by plan of town by Lot Number 64. Signed: Wm Hardin
Breckinridge County Clerk's Office 17 Jan 1806. Acknowledged by William Hardin and admitted to record. Attest: Jo Allen, Clk

1810 Census. Breckinridge Co KY
William Hardin Senr. 1m 10-16, 1m 16-26, 1m over 45 [William]. 2f -10 [Hannah & Lucinda], 1f 16-26 [Susanna McGee]

Breckinridge Co Circuit Court Records 18 Oct 1814. In a suit of Martin Hardin against John Handley, James Patton & William Tayler concerning land, William Hardin testified that "he with his family landed at the south of Hardins Creek on the 19th day of April 1780 and on the 20th removed to where he built his Station." Later in the suit we find that Capt William Hardin, Sr. along with Joseph Tobias, Roger Barlow, Leighton White & others, came down the Ohio from the falls in January of 1779, sometime later in that year he left that part of the Country to return again in April of 1780. When he returned there were three families as well as William Scott, John Walker, Lewis Duval, Joseph Tobias; Bush was one of the other families. The deposition said 7 men were in the party so one is not named.or they counted the 16 year old Bush son as the 7th man.
In this deposition, William also pointed out that the Creek called Sinking Creek [it's name today] was called Limestone Creek by some.
The Martin Hardin in this lawsuit was probably William's cousin, son of Martin & Lydia Hardin. Benjamin Hardin also gave testimony in this case - possibly William's brother. The suit was not settled until July of 1817 in the Court of Appeals, by then John Handley had died and the suit was with his heirs. Martin Hardin was successful in defending his 1000 acre entry made 19 May 1780 "on the waters of Green River...to include improvement of Leighton White".


By 1782, William lived in Hardinsburg, KY - he laid out the town. In a deposition in 1812, William Hardin stated that he arrived at the site of Hardinsburg on 10 Apr 1780 and had been there ever since save in 1783 and 1786-7 when he was driven away by the Indians. The Jack Hardin book states family members laid out the town without compass or chain in the Fall of 1781; their only instruments were a vine and ax.

The 1st meeting of the Breckinridge County Court was held 20 Jan 1800, at the home of William Hardin to appoint the first officers & decide on a site for the county seat. The 2nd meeting was 17 Mar 1800. William Hardin, Jr, gave bond for the office of sheriff. Elijah Hardin was commissioner of the tax. Justices of the quarter session court were William Comstock, Edward Pate, and James Jennings; they met for the first time on 21 Apr 1800.
Hardin's Town had already been laid out so it was chosen the seat of justice for the new county. On 19 Jan 1801, it was named Hardinsburgh. Lots were given by William Hardin for the purpose of erecting the courthouse. INVENTORY OF THE COUNTY ARCHIVES OF KENTUCKY; No. 14; Breckinridge County; by KY Historical Records Survey Project, WPA.

Deed Book 1, p.3 17 Feb 1801. William Hardin Sr and Winifred his wife sold 6 lots in town to Philip Tabor.

Deed Book A, p.114-116 2 Jun 1802. Two deeds from William Hardin Sr to William Comstock. Lot #22 in Hardinsburg, 1/2 acre for $100. Lot #34 4 acres for $2.
Deed Book B, p.132. 29 Nov 1804. William Hardin Senior to William Comstock and wife for $100, 400 acres on fork of Clover Creek, patented in the name of Daniel Hardin and deeded to William Hardin on 25 May 1801.


William Hardin spent a great deal of time in court defending his early entries and surveys.
An Isaac Hardin is mentioned several times in the court orders of Breckinridge Co - any relationship is unknown.

1820 Census. Breckinridge Co KY StephensPort
William Hardin Senr. 1m 10-16 [could have been grandson, Elijah Comstock], 1m over 45 [William]. 2f 10-16 [there probably should have been three girls this age - the granddaughter Levina Comstock, and Hannah & Lucinda Hardin], 1f 26-45 [Susanna]

16 Apr 1821, Grandson Ephraim Comstock was indicted on a felony (forgery) and William Hardin, Sr. put up $500 security for Ephraim to be released on his own recognizance. Ephraim did not show up for Court again - apparently left the state at this time. In the Circuit Court Records, Vol. 5, p.193, Monday, 15 Oct 1821, the Commonwealth brought suit against William Hardin for the $500 but notes that he "has departed this life and John E. Hardin is the acting executor of the Last Will and Testament of William Hardin, Senior.

Will dated 19 Jun 1821. Names wife, Susan; remainder equally between children Henry, Malinda Crawford, Amelia, Merry Celia Davidson, John E., Hannah Ann, Lucinda, and children of deceased daughter Winny Ann Comstock - Elijah & Levina. [William Hardin omitted entirely the eldest child of Winny Ann - Ephraim - but that's understandable given the situation mentioned above.] Gives son William $3 and nothing more. Executors were John E. Hardin & Robert Huston. Witnesses: Gideon Brown, Robert N. Washington, Robert Huston. Probate 18 Sep 1821. Will Book 1, p.35.

I William Hardin Senr of Breckinridge county Kentucky knowing that it is appointed for all to die do make and ordain this my last Will and testament in the following manner towit.
1st It is my will that all my just debts be first paid out of my estate.
2nd I do will to my lawful wife Susan Hardin upon her relinquishing all her claims to the balance of my estate Eight hundred acres of land having her first choice out of any lands I possess to be laid off in and of two tracts as she may think proper and to have and to hold the same forever. I also will to my wife Susan all my household furniture farming utensils and stock for her natural lifetime and after her death to be equal property of my two youngest daughters, Hannah Ann Hardin & Lucinda Hardin and their heirs forever. It is also my will that my wife Susan is to have all the rent corn that is due me this present season.
3rd It is my will the balance of my estate indiscriminately be equally divided quality and quantity between Henry Harden, Malinda Crawford, Amelia Merry, Celia Davidson, John E. Hardin, Jehu Hardin, Mary [should have been Hannah!] Ann Hardin, Lucinda Hardin and Elijah Comstock and Levina Comstock heirs of Winny Ann Comstock decd the two latter being entitle to one equal part of the others as their mother would have been entitled to if she was living taking into consideration what each one has received by references to deed records in the clerks office that those who have received more or to have less to make all my before mentioned heirs equal.
I do also will unto my son William Hardin three dollars out of my estate and not anything more out of my estate.
I do hereby nominate and constitute John E. Hardin and Robert Huston my executors giving them full power to appoint commissioners to value all the lands I possess and invest them with authority to have and make a division of the land among my before mentioned heirs as soon as convenient after my death and be it clearly understood that my executors before mentioned have first a right and authority to sell any lands I possess to discharge my just debts.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal this 19th day of June 1821. William (hisXmark) Hardin
In presence of Gideon Brown, Robert W. Washington, Robert Huston

Kentucky Breckinridge County
At a county court begun and held for the County aforesaid on Monday the 17th day of September 1821. The within writing purported to be the last will and Testament of William Harden dec'd was proved in due process to be the act and deed of the said William Hardin Senr by the oath of Robert W. Washington and Robert Huston witnesses thereto and ordered to be recorded. And on the 18th day of September John E. Hardin in open court made oath to the same according to law. Attest
Jo. Allen, Clerk Breckinridge County Court


Apparently William and Winifred brought up Mary "Polly" and Daniel Hardin - their parentage remains a mystery. They were not mentioned in William Hardin's will. Polly married Benjamin Huff and William Hardin signed the marriage bond as her father. The Will of John Hardin refers to Polly's mother as Margaret but the surname is unreadable. Daniel married Alice Jolly. There were lawsuits after William Hardin's death initiated by Daniel against Hardin's heirs. B. C. Holtzclaw believed that John Hardin had another son [perhaps Jesse?], deceased and unnamed in the will of John Hardin and that Mary "Polly" and Daniel were his children; their mother Margaret had remarried and her name may have been Margaret Huston. A deed from Mary & Benjamin Huff in Hardinsburg to a Margaret Huston was to a younger woman. [The mother of Polly Harden has long been debated. Her given name was Margaret in the will, but the surname has a strike-over on the first initial - I read it as Kirby tho most everyone else has thought the first letter was an "H". I believe this suggests further research. He says "Margaret Kirby that was" indicating Kirby could have been Margaret's maiden name. This does indeed leave the possibility a Margaret Kirby married a Hardin and then a Huston.]

Author Francis Huron mentions an 1834 deed in the papers of his collaborator George Harding but neglects to say where this deed may be found. It lists as the heirs of William Hardin: Henry Hardin, William Hardin Jr., John E. Hardin, Jehu Hardin [not mentioned elsewhere], Amelia Merry, Celia Davison [wife of Wm Davison], William Crawford [husband of Malinda Hardin], Hannah Ann Wilson [wife of Rhodes Wilson], Susanna Armstrong [wife of Robert Armstrong], Lucinda Holder [wife of John Holder], Elijah Comstock, and Levina Spickernagle [wife of Wm Spickernagle].
The son Jehu was also included in George Harding's research as having died unmarried in 1850. I have found no records of Jehu - I wonder if this was a misreading of the name John.

Birth	Abt 1745	Frederick County, Virginia
Marriage	Abt 1773	Virginia - WINIFRED ANN HOLTZCLAW
Military	1778	Capt John Anderson's Company, 5th VA Regt; also served in KY and IL, Revolutionary War
Marriage	10 Jul 1808	Breckinridge County, Kentucky - Susanna McGee
Death	22 Jul 1821	Hardinsburg, Breckinridge County, Kentucky

Spouse	WINIFRED ANN HOLTZCLAW (1752 - 1801)
Child	John E. Hardin (1774 - 1850)
Child	WINNY ANN HARDIN (1775 - 1818)
Child	Elijah HARDIN (1776 - 1805)
Child	Henry Hardin (1778 - 1855)
Child	Melinda Ann Hardin (1780 - 1829)
Child	William Hardin Jr. (1781 - 1850)
Child	Amelia Hardin ( - )
Child	Jehu HARDIN ( - )
Child	Celia Hardin (1794 - 1854)
Child	Mary "Polly" HARDIN (1770 - 1839)
Child	Daniel HARDIN (1770 - 1828)

Spouse	Susanna McGee ( - )
Child	Hannah Ann Hardin (1809 - )
Child	Lucinda Hardin (1811 - 1847)

Father	Maj. JOHN HARDIN (1710 - 1789)
Mother	CATHERINE MARR (1711 - 1783)
Sibling	Capt John "Miller John" Hardin (1733 - 1803)
Sibling	Mark Hardin (1735 - 1792)
Sibling	Mary "Polly" Hardin (1735 - 1805)
Sibling	Benjamin Hardin (1739 - 1816)
Sibling	Jesse HARDIN ( - )
Sibling	Abigail Hardin (1753 - )
Sibling	Catherine Hardin ( - )
Sibling	Elizabeth Hardin (1757 - )
Sibling	Susannah Hardin (1757 - )

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