The origins of William Hamel Hardy , my Great Great Grandfather, are not know at this writing. It is believed he originated in Virginia or North Carolina and Sallie Hardy, was his mother.. In the 1870 Jerusalem District, (now Courtland, Virginia), Southampton County, Virginia 25 July census, enumerated by Walter Ford, Virginia is listed as William Hardy's place of Birth. The 1870 census is the only listing for William H. Hardy. More than likely, he died between 1874 and 22 September 1879. In the 1880 census, Rachael, his wife listed herself as a Widow.

William, may have been the son of Louis Hardy residing in the Town of Smithfield , Isle of Wight County, Virginia census 1850. Louis Hardy is the oldest Black individual with the Hardy name listed in the vicinity of the Jerusalem District. William named a son Louis and his brother Booker, also named a son Louis. Louis was born in Virginia in 1780. He was a farmer who worked for the Hodges and Valentine families in 1850 and 1860 in the Town of Smithfield, Virginia, Isle of Wight County.

It is possible that William and his family were renting land from Walter G. Ford.

The 1870 Jerusalem District Southampton County Listing for William Hamel Hardy is as follows:

1870 Jerusalem District Southampton County Virginia Census

Visit 303 House 303:

Ford Walter G. 35 M W Apt. Marshall 600* /**

Fannie G. 23 F W No Occupation

Hattie 7/12 F W Born in Feb.

* Value of personal estate

** Male citizen of the U.S. of 21 years of age and upwards.

Name Age Sex Race Occupation

Visit 304 House 304 Hardy Hamel 45 M B Farm Lab. /**

Rachel 36 F B Ho. Keeper

Margarete 16 F B Farm Lab.

Walter 12 M B Attending school

Louis 7 M B

Antionette 11 F B Farm Lab

Mary A. 3 F B

** Male citizen of the U.S. of 21 years of age and upwards.

Visit 305 House 305 Hardy Sallie 75 F B Keeping House