Monroe Township

Monroe Township

This township is number twelve of the first range of townships in the Connecticut Western Reserve. It is the largest township in the county, being seven miles in length by five in width. The surface is generally level and low. The soil is a heavy clay, except a portion of the township in the vicinity of the village of Kelloggsville, where it inclines to gravel. It is watered principally by Ashtabula creek, the main branch of which flows through the southwestern portion of the township. The north branch enters the township near the northeast corner, and flows in a southwestwardly course, meeting and uniting with the main branch a short distance south of Kelloggsville. Conneaut creek flows through the northwestern part of the township. These streams afford excellent water-power, which has been taken advantage of by the settlers while clearing up the heavy forests. Saw-mills and grist-mills have been constructed on both these streams in this township.

Early Settlements

Colonel Stephen Moulton, from Whitestown, Xew York, was the first white man to make a settlement in Monroe. He emigrated to this township in the year 1799, and settled on land just east of the village of Kelloggsville, on what is at present known as the Ensign farm. He erected the first log house in the township the same year, near the present site of John Wetmore's residence. He resided here for aboui two years, when he sold out his improvement to Jonathan Harrington, and moved on to a lot a short distance west of his first settlement, on land now occupied by a portion of the village of Kelloggsville. He erected a cabin here near the present site of the tannery. It is said that Colonel Moulton, when he came to this township, eloped with another man's wife, leaving behind him a family, wealth, and position in his native place. This woman soon left him, and married another man, who afterwards in turn left her.

Jonathan Harrington, from Pennsylvania, but originally from Rhode Island, was the second white settler in the township. He came to Monroe in 1801, buying out and settling on Colonel Moulton's first improvement. About the time Mr. Harrington settled in Monroe, or immediately after, a Mr. Wm. Moss, from Xew York State, settled just southeast of the present village of Kelloggsville, on the second lot east of the Sheffield town line. About a year after (1802) William and James Ferguson, from Virginia, originally from Carlisle, Pa., and George Ferguson from the latter place, brothers, settled in the township. William settled on a part of the same lot Mr. Harrington had taken, on the opposite side of the road. He bought his land of Judge Austin, of Austinburg. He sold his land and improvements in Monroe to Martin and Amos Kellogg, and removed to Huron county. James Ferguson settled on the flats of Ashtabula creek near the Sheffield line. He lived here but two years, when he removed to Conneaut. George settled on the south part of the same lot Mr. Harrington settled on, buying the land of Abel, a son of Jonathan Harrington.

In December, 1802, Mr. William Hardy and family, of Mifflin county, Pennsylvania, started for Ashtabula County. Mrs. Hardy was taken sick on the way, and died at Elack Lick, Indiana county. Pa. The rest of the family, Mr. Hardy and little sons, - John, Hance, and William,- - -John, the oldest, being but eight years of age, and a little daughter, not yet a year old, pursued their journey, arriving in Monroe on the 22d of April, 1803. George Ferguson and family, the same day that Mr. Hardy arrived, moved to Springfield, Erie county, Pennsylvania, and Mr. Hardy moved into his cabin. Mr. Hardy, in 1807, moved into the northwest part of the township, which was then a part of Salem township, now Conneaut. He died here in 1813. Mr. John Hardy, the eldest of the three boys, is still living, and resides in a pleasant home in the village of Kelloggsville. He and his two brothers, Hance and William, who died during the year 1S76, never have resided more than six miles from the place where they first settled in 1803.

David Xiles, Esq., from Mahoning county, originally from Vermont, came to the township in 1803, soon after the arrival of Mr. Hardy. He settled in the northwest part of the township, near Conneaut creek, on the farm where William Brydle now resides.

About 1803 or 1804, Mr. Daniel Talbot, from Maryland, settled near the present residence of Almeron C. Hill. He was a blacksmith, and built the first blacksmith -shop in the township. He lived here but a few years, and then moved to Kingsville, and afterwards to Huron county. In 1805 or 1806, Jacob Paden, from Crawford county, Pennsylvania, previously from the south part of Pennsylvania, settled in the northwest part of Monroe, where he made improvements. About 1S08, Cornelius Weidner and sons - Leonard, Michael, Benjamin, and Cornelius, Jr. - settled in the township on the place first settled by Geo. Ferguson. Mr. and Mrs. Weidner lived but a short time after, and about the year 1813 their place was bought by Perry G. Gardner.

Mr. Caleb Blodgett, from Batavia, Xew York, originally from Vermont, came to Monroe about the year 1809 or 1810. He first bought fifty acres of land near the northwest part of the present village of Kelloggsville, where he then settled. He was a man of very much energy, and was more prominently connected with the business interests of Monroe for many years than any other man. He first bought out the distillery of Wm. B. Frazier, in the northwest corner of the township. He afterwards built four or five distilleries in the township ; was proprietor for some time of important stage-lines on the Ridge road, and on the route from Erie to Pittsburgh, which ran through Kelloggsville. He built, in connection with a company in which he was the leading spirit, a turnpike-road from the southeast corner of Richmond to the north line of the original township of Monroe, a distance of fifteen miles. This was known in those days as Blodgett's turnpike. For several years - about 1820 to 1825 - he had the contract of supplying beef and pork to the garrison at Green Bay. He built a large flouring-mill in the east part of Sheffield, and a steam grist-mill in the village of Kelloggsville about the year 1S33. He was a man who assumed great risks, and many times would be unable to meet his obligations. It is said that at one time he bought a boiler at Pittsburgh, and in transporting it home hid himself in it in order to evade being stopped by men whom he owed at his stage stations along the route. At another time he came very near being kidnapped by a party who were going to take him to Batavia, Xew York, where a bail-bond was lying against him. He was decoyed into their wagon by the parties on a pretense of their desiring to buy his farm ; but when they reached his place they whipped up, at the same time holding him in the wagon so he could not escape. He called to his men, and they hearing him, took horses and pursued, overtaking the party in the vicinity of Clark's Corners, where they rescued him. There are many other interesting incidents connected with Mr. Blodgett's history. He broke up here about 1834, and in the year 1836 went to Rock county, Wisconsin, where he settled on the site of the city of Beloit, erecting the first log house in that place.

Martin Kellogg, from Virginia, originally from Massachusetts, came to Monroe in 1S13, and the following year his brother, Amos Kellogg, from Massachusetts, settled in the township. They at first bought and settled on six hundred and forty acres of land just north of the village of Kelloggsville, but afterwards bought William Ferguson's improvement of two hundred acres, the present site of the village, where Martin then settled. The Kelloggs were also prominently connected with the history of this township. The village of Kelloggsville, at first known as Ferguson's settlement, derived its name from this family.

Harvey Dean, a brother-in-law of the Kelloggs, from Virginia, though originally from Massachusetts, came to the township in the year 1814. He settled one and a half miles north of Kelloggsville. In 1816, Elijah and Peter Peck, brothers, from Xew York, settled in Monroe. They at first hired the Jonathan Harrington farm, then owned by William Ensign, who had settled here a year or two previous.

They afterwards bought three hundred acres of land south of the village, the present Holbrook farm being a part of the same. Here Elijah Peek built the same season a saw-mill and grist-mill on Ashtabula creek. These mills were burned in the spring of 1822, and rebuilt by Mr. Peck during the summer following. About the same time he built a distillery near the mills. A few years after he sold out his improvements at this place to Caleb Blodgett, and bought land about a mile farther south, on the main branch of the Ashtabula, where he also erected mills and a distillery. He also built mills in the northwest part of the township, and at the north centre of Sheffield.

About the time the Pecks arrived in Monroe, settlements began to be made along the centre road, and in the northeast part of the township. Previous to

Among the first who settled in the north part of the township and along the Centre road were Ezekiel Colby, Rufus Hatch, Sr., Rufus Hatch, Jr., Harvey Hatch, Solomon Durkee, Sr., Solomon Durkee, Jr., David Durkee, Humphrey Cram, James and Joseph Hicks, Ambrose Ford, John and Sedgwick Bushnell, Daniel Kelsey, Nathaniel Welsh, David and John Eaton, and Samuel Eaton, Sr., Benjamin Abbott, Danville Hayward, John and Eber Sanford, John Haviland, and Francis Kellogg.

The early settlers of Monroe, as well as those of other townships, had many privations and hardships to experience. Mr. Hardy, the year he settled in the township with his family, 1803, brought with him ten sheep and ten hogs. The first year the bears ate up his hogs and the wolves killed his sheep. He planted four acres of corn, and the bears and coons destroyed that also. The family were pretty hard up for provisions. There were no inhabitants in Kingsville or Sheffield at this time. The nearest place to get grinding done was at the mouth of Walnut creek, Erie county, Pennsylvania. The settlers often planed corn with a jack-plane, and after harvest would boil wheat. For meat they depended mostly on the wild animals of the forest. At one time, in the year 1805, Thomas Hamilton, while out on a hunting expedition, fell in with a herd of thirteen elk, in a bend of Conneaut creek, and succeeded in killing all of them. He dressed them and secured the meat in the creek, afterwards giving notice to the settlers, inviting them to help themselves, which opportunity they gladly availed themselves of.

For several years during the early settlement of this township it was almost impossible for the inhabitants to raise sheep and hogs on account of the numerous wolves and bears which inhabited the region. An incident worthy of notice, and which illustrates the character and bravery of the early settlers, female as well as male, occurred in this township at a very early date. Colonel Moulton, the first settler, after a residence of two or three years in Monroe, made a visit of about two months to his former home in the east. His wife and one small child he left in the young settlement. During his absence the wolves killed one of his pigs. His wife, with invincible determination, resolved to be avenged on the wolves. She constructed a square pen of round poles, inclining inwardly from the base to the top, so that a wolf might easily ascend from the outside to the top, and place himself in the pen, which was of sufficient height to keep him caged when once he got in. In this pen she placed what was left of the slaughtered pig as a bait for the wolves. The plan was a successful one, for the next morning found two wolves in the pen unable to make their escape. Mrs. Moulton, though unaccustomed to loading and firing a gun, determined to shoot the wolves, and having heard hunters speak of shooting muskets loaded with three fingers of powder, she measured by the length instead of the width of her fingers. She then went to the pen and discharged the gun at one of the wolves. The wolf was instantly killed, and Mrs. Moulton, by the reaction of the gun so heavily loaded, was thrown backward to the ground in a senseless condition. Her little son, though considerably frightened, brought cold water and applied it to her face, which soon restored her from the shock. She then reloaded with one and one-half finger's length of powder, and killed the surviving wolf.

At the time the first settlers arrived in Monroe, and up to the time of the War of 1812, a number of Indian families, remnants of the Seneca and Massasauga tribes, were encamped in the vicinity. The Massasaugas were located in the west part of Sheffield township, and the Senecas a short distance east of Kelloggsville, on land now owned by G. F. Kingsley. They were disposed to be very friendly. Old Captain Philip was the commander of those in this section. He was a large, powerful man, and had a noble heart for one of his race. Captain Philip had an excellent wife and five children, - three sons and two daughters. Occasionally there would be as many as forty or fifty Indians camped here. They pursued hunting, making maple-sugar, and gathering wild honey.

Early Events

The first marriage in Monroe was that of Mr. George Ferguson, son of William Ferguson, and Miss Maria Harrington, daughter of Jonathan Harrington, and the parties are supposed to have gone over the line into Pennsylvania to have the ceremony performed. The name of the officiating officer is not known. The event occurred in the year 1808. Soon after, during the same year, Sanford Niles, son of David Niles, was married to Miss Polly Ferguson, daughter of William Ferguson. The officiating officer it is thought was Nathan King, who was at this time acting as justice of the peace in Conneaut, then Salem.

The first death of a grown person occurring in the township was that of Mrs. Cornelius Weidner, which took place soon after the family settled in 1808. The next death was that of her husband, Mr. Weidner, in the year 1809.

The first religious meetings of a public character held in Monroe were conducted by Rev. Joseph Badger. These were held at the cabins of the settlers, commencing about the year 1804.

The first school taught in the township was during the winter of 1805 and 1806. A Miss Laura Ford, from Williamsfield township, was the teacher. The school was held in Colonel Moulton's cabin, he being away during that winter. There were about ten or twelve scholars.

The first school-house was a log building, erected in 1814. This was located about a mile north of Kelloggsville, on what is called the Martin Kellogg farm. David Niles, Jr., taught the first school in this building the following winter.

The first frame house erected in Monroe was built by Mr. Caleb Blodgett, near the centre of the village of Kelloggsville, on the present site of the brick residence of Mrs. Benson. The exact date is not known, but it was about the year 1811. The first brick residence in the township was the one occupied by Mrs. Benson, which was also erected by Mr. Blodgett, about the year 1824. These buildings were each used by Mr. Blodgett as a public-house, the frame building being the first tavern kept in Monroe. The large frame building on the opposite side of the road from the brick one now standing, and owned by Royal Smith, was also built by Mr. Blodgett and used as a tavern stand for a number of years.

The first saw-mill was built by Jacob Paden, about the year 1807, in the northwest part of the township on a little stream then called Bear creek, on the present farm of C. F. Brydle.

The first grist-mill was also built by Mr. Paden, in connection with the sawmill, at the same time. About the year 1810 or 1811 he built a larger grist-mill, located a few rods down the stream from the saw-mill. This was a very good grist-mill for those days.

The first distillery in the township was built by Mr. Paden in company with William B. Frazier, and was located a short distance south of the mills.

The first tannery was built by Caleb Blodgett, about the year 1820, on the opposite side of the road from the present tannery. Major Clark superintended the business for Mr. Blodgett until he sold to Deacon James Brown, about three years. Mr. Brown continued proprietor for about ten or twelve years, and in 1837 sold to Parkman Baker and Albert Kellogg, who a few years before had built a tannery on the opposite side of the road, on the site of the present tannery. These tanneries were then consolidated.

The first cheese-factory was put into operation at Kelloggsville in the year 1869. It was owned by a stock company. Mr. Isaac Smith was the first president and treasurer, and Mr. A. C. Stevens secretary. T. B. Wire superintended the work the first season. The factory is at present owned by Mr. J. Brown, who has been superintendent since the first season. About eighty-five thousand pounds of cheese are manufactured annually.

Vosburg's cheese-factory, at Monroe Centre, was built and put into operation by J. G. Yosburg, in the spring of 1870. From fifty thousand to one hundred thousand pounds of cheese are manufactured annually.

Lewis & Clark's cheese-factory, at Clark's Corners, was built in the spring of 1874, and commenced operations the same season. There is an annual manufacture of about sixty thousand pounds of cheese at this factory.

Early Roads

The first road through Monroe was the one made by the surveying-party in the year 1798. This commenced at the State line, near the northeast corner of the township, and extended in a diagonal direction, bearing to the southwest, through the present village of Kelloggsville to Austinburg. It was afterwards extended to Cleveland, and was known as the old Girdled road, and afterwards as the Cuyahoga road. This road crossed the present centre road a short distance south of the present residence of Alonzo Ferguson.

The first roads made by the early settlers of Monroe were, one from the Ferguson settlement to Paden's Mills, and one from the settlement to Conneaut, then Salem, by way of David Nile's place, now William Brydle's.

About the year 1807 the State road was made. This entered the township near the southwest corner, and followed along the west bank of Ashtabula creek, crossing this stream about ten or fifteen rods above the present bridge at Kelloggsville. After crossing the creek it took a turn to the northwest, until reaching the site of the old brick tavern. Here it took another turn, bearing more to the west, and continued to the residence of Esquire Fobes, on the north ridge in Kingsville, the present site of the village of North Kingsville.

the old brick tavern in Kelloggsville, north to Paden's Mills, then on by the cabins of William Hardy, Daniel Sawtelle, and Joseph Tubbs, near the present S. T. Fickingcr farm, striking the Ridge road near Mr. Coonrod Stoon's cabin, on the farm now owned by Mr. Olmsted, a short distance east of Amboy.

Other roads were established. One from David Gould's farm, on the Ridge road in Conneaut, extending south, striking Monroe about a mile east from the northwest corner, crossing the creek near Mr. Brydle's residence, thence by M alker Bennett's and Plinney Kellogg's, striking the east and west road into Kelloggsville. One from Kelloggsville to the north centre of Monroe. These roads were all laid out and established previous to the year 1810.

In 1814 a road was laid out and built by the inhabitants of Kelloggsville, extending from Kelloggsville, in a diagonal direction, through to W illiam Reed's, in the north part of Pierpont, where it intersected another road.

The reason the roads from this township to Conneaut did not extend as now, direct, crossing the creek at Farnham's Mills, was that at that time there were bat few if any inhabitants in that part of the township, and the hills in that locality were very difficult ones to cross.

First Mail-Route And Post-Office

The first mail-route through Monroe extended from T\ arren to Kinsman and from Kinsman to Salem, now Conneaut, through Kelloggsville. Amos Kellogg was the first postmaster. The post-office was kept at the store of Kellogg, Dean, & Bloss. There are at present three post-offices in the township : one at Kelloggsville, Charles S. Hawkins, postmaster ; another at Monroe Centre, H. F. Hitchcock, postmaster ; and one at Clark's Corners, H. M. Cook, postmaster.

Early Mercantile Interests

The first store in Monroe was kept in the northwest part of the township by Jacob Paden, near where his mills were located. It was but a small concern. The first store in Kelloggsville village was opened by Judge Amos Kellogg, Lucius Dean, and James M. Bloss, in a building then situated a few rods northeast of the present tannery. They kept a good stock of general merchandise, and conducted quite an extensive business for the times. This store was opened about the year 1821 or 1822.

At the north centre of Monroe a store was built and stocked with goods in the year 1845, by S. S. Bushnell. A store was started first at Monroe Centre by the Farmer's Union, about 1850 or 1851. There was also a store kept at quite an early date at Clark's Corners, on the town line between Monroe and Conneaut. Mr. Wesley Clark was the proprietor. At present there is a store at each of these places : at the North Centre one kept by Mr. Carter, at Monroe Centre one by Hitchcock & Felch, and at Clark's Corners one by H. M. Cook. Captain L. B. Goldsmith is the proprietor of the present store at Kelloggsville.

Early Physicians

Dr. Jacob Vosburg was the first physician who located in Monroe. He came about the year 1S19, and settled a mile northeast of the village. He remained but two or three years and then removed to Erie, Pennsylvania. He was a wellread physician of the Allopathic school.

The second physician was Dr. Greenleaf Fifield, who located in Monroe soon after Dr. Vosburg left. Dr. Fifield practiced here about one year, and then removed to Conneaut, where he spent the remainder of his life and gained a high reputation in his profession.

Dr. Stephen G. Holbrook was the next physician to settle in the township. He came about the year 1824, when but a young man, and soon afterwards married a daughter of Martin Kellogg. He continued to reside in the township and to practice his profession for a period of fifty years, or until his death, which occurred in the year 1875.

Burial-Grounds

The first deaths occurring among the white settlers of Monroe have already been referred to as a child of Jonathan Harrington, and Mr. and Mrs. Weidner. The remains of these persons were buried on Mr. Harrington's land, in the east part of the present village of Kelloggsville. It is said that the north and south road, just east of the village, passes directly over these first graves. The first burying-ground, with the exception of these graves just mentioned, was located on land belonging to Amos Kellogg, a few rods west of the present residence of John Hardy. This was vacated after the present pleasant cemetery-grounds were bought, in the east part of the village, early in the 3Tear 1830. Judge Amos Kellogg was the first one to be interred in this cemetery, his death occurring in April, 1830.

The Congregational church was organized in Monroe township, in the year 1829, by Rev. Ephraim Woodruff, who was the first minister. The church building was erected in the year 1832, at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars, which was contributed by Judge Moffitt paying one-fifth, Martin Kellogg one-fifth, John Hardy one-fifth, Samuel Helven and John Kinsman one-fifth, and Deacon Brown and Isaac Smith one-fifth. One hundred and fifty dollars were paid for the ground. Rev. H. Smith is the present pastor, and the membership numbers about seventy.

There are three Methodist Episcopal churches in the township. One at Kelloggsville, organized about the year 1832 ; one at Monroe Centre, organized in 1835; and one at Clark's Corners, about 1860. A class was organized at the North Centre about the same time with the one at Kelloggsville, but afterwards united with the class at Monroe Centre. The church building at Kelloggsville was erected in 1849 or 1850, the one at Monroe Centre in 1852, and that at Clark's Corners in 1867. Among the early Methodist preachers who visited Monroe were Rev. Mr. Summerfield and Rev. John P. Kent, previous to the organization of any class. Rev. Mr. Thomas was the first to preach after the classes at Kelloggsville and the North Centre were organized. Rev. E. S. Baker is the present pastor. The church at Kelloggsville is in quite a low condition at present, numbering only eight members. The one at Monroe Centre numbers forty, and the one at Clark's Corners thirty members.

A Christian church was organized in the north part of Monroe township during the winter of 1824r-25, by Rev. Asa C. Morrison and Rev. John Blodgett. This society erected a church building on the centre road, near Hatch's Corners, in the summer of 1848. The church, though small in numbers, sustained an organization for many years, or until some five or six years since, when it was disbanded.

A Universalist society was organized at Monroe Centre a short time previous to the date of the erecting of their church building, which occurred in 1853. Rev. Philander P. Smith was the officiating preacher at this time. Since his removal Revs. B. F. Hitchcock, C. L. Shipman, Mr. McArthur, and Mr. Wilson have been the ministers. Meetings are at present held irregularly, and there are but few members.

Kelloggsville Village

The village of Kelloggsville derives its name from Amos and Martin Kellogg, who were among its early settlers. It is located in the west part of the township, near Ashtabula creek, and comprises the territory first occupied by the early settlers of Monroe, and which was first known as Ferguson's Settlement. The post-office first received the name Kelloggsville, Amos Kellogg being the first postmaster, and afterwards the village was called by the same name. From 1820 to 1830, Kelloggsville was one of the most important business points in this section of the State. Caleb Blodgett was the live business man of the place. The mills and tannery and several distilleries were then in full operation. The hotels and stores did a large business. At present it presents a very quiet appearance. There are one store, a post-office, a harness-shop, one tannery, a doctor's office, and two churches in the place.

Monroe township was organized in the year 1818. Previous to this date the north portion of the township, consisting of a strip two miles wide by five in length, had belonged to Salem, now Conneaut township. The township was named Monroe, in honor of James Monroe, the President of the United States.

The first township election was held at a log cabin, on what is called the Walker Bennett farm, in the northwest part of the township, July 4, 1818. David Niles was elected chairman, Ezekiel Colby and Elijah Peck judges of the election. The following officers were then chosen: David Niles, Harvey Dean, and Stephen Webb, trustees ; Martin Kellogg, clerk ; Asa Brown and Peter Peck, overseers of the poor ; Perry G. Gardner and Isaac Bennett, fence-viewers ; Amos Kellogg, treasurer.

Biographical Sketches William Kelso Pinney

On the 30th day of November, 1801, the subject of the present sketch was born at Middlefield, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. His parents were Benjamin and Cynthia Robbins Pinney, originally of Connecticut. The father died in about 1826, in Massachusetts. The mother came to Ohio, and died in 1855. William K.'s education was received prior to his coming to Ohio. He located in Kelloggsville, and passed his life here engaged in farming and shoemaking. He held numerous township offices, among which were treasurer and constable, holding these offices some twelve years. The date of his marriage was August, 1826, and the lady to whom he was united was Sophronia, daughter of Joseph and Louisa Smith ( nee Pease). From this union was born one child ; this was Harriet L., September 1, 1829. She became the wife of L. H. Leavitt, and is now residing in Monroe township (this county). Mr. Pinney was Republican in politics. He was not a professor of religion, but was favorable to Universalism. He died on the 22d day of December, 1877.

Iiance F. Hardy

The son of Captain William Hardy, born near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1797. Hance F. Hardy was left an orphan at the age of seventeen. He early acquired habits of industry, and no sooner was he bereft of his parents than he took a contract to carry the mail from Sandusky to Fort Meigs, a distance of about one hundred and fifty miles. The route lay through the Maumee swamp, and at certain seasons of the year was almost impassable. The journey was made on horseback, following notched trees, and many of the streams could be crossed only by swimming. The trip was made once per week. When twenty years of age he bought a farm in Monroe township, this county, when he made it his home for sixty years. He was one of the early settlers of that part of the county, and had his full share of the privations and hardships of pioneer life. He was an industrious, law-abiding citizen, and lived a useful life. He died December 23, 1876, nearly eighty years of age.

January 1, 1819, he was united in marriage to Acenoth Chapin, and the following are the names of Mr. Hardy's children, with dates of their birth : Chloe P., born October 8, 1819 ; Laura A., born September 30, 1821 ; Margaret, born September 8, 1823; William, born August 30, 1825; Julia, born January 28, 1828 ; Caroline, born May 29, 1830 ; Matilda E., born April 29, 1835 ; Jane M., April 24, 1837. Mr. Hardy was a member of the Congregational church, in which he was for many years a deacon.