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Harriet, her husband, and family were the first of the Hardisty clan tocome to Illinois Obituary of HARRIET HARDESTY AKINS, died 31 October 1888, age 99 years,at the residence of Mr. Thomas Tilton in Pine Rock Township, Ogle County,31 October 1888. "Mrs. Akins was born in the state of Maryland in 1789,and when quite young came with her father to Ohio and settled inCoshocton County. At that time it was a vast wilderness, infested withroving bands of Indians. Here, amid the beauty and sublime city of thewilderness she spent the years of her girlhood, and when about 17years ofage was united in marriage to Mr. M. Hardesty. After remaining in Ohio afew years, herself and family, immigrated to Indianapolis, Indiana, theironly means of conveyance being an ox team and wagon. She remained inIndiana about two years, during which time her husband and one childdied. Amidst this deep sorrow she resolved to return to Ohio, and startedfor Columbus with four children --her conveyance an ox team and wagon.After travelling several days she came to what is known as the "BlackSwamp" - here she came to wait and was obligated to remain until herfather could send her assistance. After reaching the home of her fathershe remained with him until she married Samuel Akins. 'In 1835, she and her family immigrated to Ogle County, Illinois, andlocated at Washington Grove. She has always lived where she built herfirst log cabin. She was the mother of twelve children, of which onlythree are now living. She retained her power of both body and mind untilher last sickness and died as she lived - a Christian. She was a longhonored member of the M. E. Church and aided in the building of the firstpioneer chapel at Washington Grove. Mrs. Akins was at the time of herdeath evidently the oldest person in Ogle County and the first settler onthe east side of Rock River. How strange that we had so recently oneamong us whose life was so near parallel with the life of the nation. Shewas born in the first year of the administration of George Washington andhas lived under administration of all the Presidents from GeorgeWashington to Grover Cleveland. She saw the nation grow from threemillion to sixty million people. The funeral services took place at the Christian Church at WashingtonGrove, the sermon by Rev. Bassett of Ashton, assisted by Rev. BartonCartwright of Oregon, Illinois. Her aged and venerable form was borne toits last resting place by the hands of old settlers who had shared withher the trials of pioneer life. Sweet be thy rest. " F. B. Ralph |