JOHN G. HARDY. A prominent figure in connection with financial and other
business activities of Southern Illinois and a citizen whose influence has
been cast in support of progressive measures along both civic and material
lines, John G. Hardy is known as one of the representative citizens of
Murphysboro, the judicial center of Jackson county, and has done much to
foster its progress and prosperity. He is president of the City National
Bank, one of the solid and popular financial institutions of this section of
the state and one of which specific mention is made on other pages of this
work, so that further data concerning the same are not demanded in the
present article.
John G. Hardy was born in Vienna, Johnson county,
Illinois, on the 16th of April, 1859, and is a son of William B. and Malinda
(Willis) Hardy, natives of Kentucky. William B. Hardy established his home
in Johnson county, Illinois, in the pioneer days and became one of the
prosperous farmers of this state, where he was known as a man of ability and
sterling integrity and where he gained independence and definite prosperity
through his well-directed efforts. Both he and his wife passed the closing
years of their lives in Jackson county, and passed to eternal rest secure in
the high regard of all who knew them. Both were zealous members of the
Methodist Episcopal church. South, and in politics the father gave his
support to the cause of the Democratic party. Of the four children two sons
and one daughter are now living.
He whose name initiates this review
has been a resident of Jackson county from his childhood days and here he
was reared under the sturdy discipline of the farm, in whose work he early
began to lend his aid. He was afforded the advantages of the public schools
and the Southern Illinois Normal University, at Carbondale. He forthwith put
his scholastic attainments to practical test and utilization and for four
years was engaged in teaching in the district schools. He proved successful
and popular as an exponent of the pedagogic profession, but soon sought
other fields of endeavor. In 1884 he was appointed deputy county clerk of
Jackson county, and he continued to be identified with this important
department of the county government until 1892, when, upon the organization
of the same, he assumed the position of cashier of the City National Bank,
in the organizing of which, as successor of the Bank of Murphysboro, he had
been instrumental. In this position Mr. Hardy proved a most discriminating
and able executive, and the estimate placed upon his services was shown by
his election to. the office of president of the institution, on the 1st of
May, 1899. As chief executive he has followed the same progressive and duly
conservative policies which he had furthered during his services as cashier,
and the upbuilding of the large and substantial business of this bank has
been in large measure due to his efforts. He is a thorough and careful
business man and his personal popularity, which is of unequivocal order, has
its basis in the inflexible integrity of purpose manifested by him in all
the relations of life and to his kindly and considerate attitude in his
association with his fellow men. He is a man of broad views and
well-fortified opinions, is essentially loyal and public-spirited as a
citizen, and takes a vital interest in all that touches the welfare of his
home city and county.
In addition to giving scrupulous attention to
the affairs of the bank Mr. Hardy .has given his influence and capitalistic
support to various other enterprises of important order. He is treasurer of
the Murphysboro Telephone Company and also of the Ohio and Mississippi
Valley Telephone Company; is secretary and treasurer of the Murphysboro
Electric Railway, Heat, Light & Power Company; and is a director of the
Jackson County Building & Loan Association, besides which he is the owner of
much valuable real estate in Jackson county. In politics Mr. Hardy accords
staunch allegiance to the Democratic party, but he has not had ambition to
enter the turbulent stream of so-called practical politics. Aside from his
service in the office of county clerk his only active association with
public office has been as a member of the Murphysboro board of education, of
which he was a director for a long period and at one time president, his
interest in educational affairs being of most earnest order. Both he and his
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, South, in their home
city and are zealous in the various departments of its work. He has served
for a number of years as a member of its official board and is still in
tenure of this position. Mr. Hardy is affiliated with the Masonic
fraternity, in which he is a member of the local lodge and chapter; is
prominently identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which
he is a past grand and which he has represented in the Grand Lodge of the
state, besides which he holds membership in the adjunct organization, the
Daughters of Rebekah. In the time-honored Masonic fraternity he is
identified also with the Order of the Eastern Star, and as a member of the
Knights of Pythias he also holds membership in the woman's auxiliary of the
same.
On the 6th of January, 1886, was solemnized the marriage of
Mr. Hardy to Miss Neal, who was born at Murphysboro. Illinois, and who is a
daughter of the late Henry B. Neal, an honored resident of Murphysboro at
the time of his death. Concerning the children of Mr. and Mrs. Hardy the
following brief record is entered in conclusion of this review: Ruth is the
wife of Harry C. Wilson, of Jonesboro, Union county; Nell remains at the
parental home; John G., Jr., is a student in High school; Carl N. and Robert
H. are attending the public schools of their home city; and Mary E. and
Esther both remain at home. The family is prominent and popular in
connection with the social affairs of the community and the pleasant home is
known for its gracious hospitality.
Extracted 15 Jan 2018 by Norma Hass from 1912 A History of Southern Illinois, volume 2, pages 690-692.