Confederate Biography : Ben Hardin, Bardstown, KY


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Submitted by Susie McFarland Lemin slemin46@yahoo.com
24 November 2001
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TEXANS WHO WORE THE GRAY by Sid S. Johnson, p. 170

Ben Hardin, Jr., who was a lieutenant of Douglas's Texas Battery, was 
and reared in Bardstown, Kentucky.  Before he reached his majority, 
being of an adventurous turn, he left home, and landing in Nicaragua, 
joined himself to the desperate fortunes of Walker, of filibustering 
fame, who was then undertaking, by the help of his fellow conspirators, 
to make himself master of that island.  Young Hardin participated in 
the victory of La Virgen, and was of the troops that too possession 
of Granada, and bore all the hardships and perils of that ill-fated
adventure, except to share in the tragic end of his chief.  After 
many thrilling and romantic escapes he landed in Texas in time to 
join the fortunes of the Confederacy.  He enlisted in Douglas' Battery 
upon its organization in June, 1861, and for the first year served as 
orderly sergeant.  Upon its reorganization he was elected one of its 
lieutenants, in which capacity he served with praiseworthy efficiency 
and gallantry.  He was paroled with his command in the spring of 1865, 
and returned to Kentucky.  He always carried the suffix "Jr." to his 
name in deference to his distinguished father, the Hon. Ben Hardin, 
of Kentucky, who is reputed to have been the greatest criminal lawyer 
in the annals of that great State.  His father was also prominent in 
civil life, and while serving the United States Government in some 
Central American port, he was, in crossing the mountains of Panama, 
murdered by robbers.  Ben Hardin, Jr., who possessed of a bright, 
versatile mind and chivalric spirit, and had enjoyed superior 
educational advantages.  But like many other sons of inherited wealth 
and family distinction, he failed to make the best use of his 
opportunities, and acquired an unfortunate habit that followed him 
at intervals through life.  Nevertheless he was an extensive reader 
of the classics and standard works, and acquired a fast fund of
information which was held at the ready command of his fluent tongue 
and pen.  He was a charming companion and master of colloquial 
controversy, which sparkled with sharp retorts and quick rejoinder.  
He was a lawyer by profession, and represented his native county in 
Kentucky legislature.  He died at Bardstown several year age,
regretted by all who knew him.