Explorer, Civil War veteran, and brush-maker.
Hardy was born in Poland, Maine, but grew up in Naples, Maine. As a young man he joined a geographical surveying party in connection with the Union Pacific Railroad, and travelled into the wilderness almost to the Yellowstone. In 1864 he enlisted for Civil War service with Co. C, Third Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, and soon was transferred to Washington, D.C. where he was appointed dispatch orderly. After the war, he returned to Maine and entered the brush-making business in Naples, Lewiston, and finally, Portland.
From the description of Journal : of an exploring and survey expedition on the Upper Plains from Fort Snelling (Minn.) to the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains along "Nobles Road", 1856 May 18-1856 Aug. 20. (Newberry Library). WorldCat record id: 50902359
