John Hardin facts for kids

John Hardin (born October 1, 1753 – died May 1792) was an American soldier and explorer. He was known for his skills as a marksman.

As a young man, he fought in Lord Dunmore's War. He was wounded during this war. Later, he served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. He played an important part in the American victory at Saratoga in 1777.

After the war, Hardin moved to Kentucky. There, he fought against Native Americans in the Northwest Indian War. In 1790, he led a group of Kentucky militia in a big defeat called "Hardin's Defeat." In 1792, he was killed while on a peace mission to Native American groups in the Northwest Territory.

John Hardin's Early Life and Family

John Hardin was born on October 1, 1753. His birthplace was Fauquier County, Virginia. He was the first son and fifth child of Martin and Lydia Hardin.

When John was twelve, his family moved to western Pennsylvania. His father owned a lot of land. John grew up on the frontier, which was the edge of settled areas. This made him an excellent hunter and marksman.

John Hardin married Jane Daviess. They had seven children together. One of their sons, Martin D. Hardin, later became a U.S. Senator for Kentucky.

Fighting in Lord Dunmore's War

In 1774, John Hardin joined a militia group. This group was led by Lord Dunmore, who was the royal governor of Virginia. Hardin joined as an ensign, which is a junior officer.

In August 1774, Lord Dunmore's War began. Virginia militiamen, led by Angus McDonald, entered the Ohio Country. They destroyed several Native American towns along the Muskingum River. Hardin was part of this mission.

On August 2, Hardin was hurt in a small fight at Snake's Town. Even while recovering from his injury, he continued with Lord Dunmore's group. His adventures on the frontier made him known as a skilled fighter.

Service in the American Revolutionary War

During the American Revolutionary War, John Hardin was a second lieutenant. He served in the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment. He was chosen to be part of a special group of expert riflemen. This group was known as the Provisional Rifle Corps, or "Morgan's Rifles."

Hardin fought in the Saratoga directly under Colonel Daniel Morgan. His brave actions in this battle are remembered today. There is a special sign at Saratoga National Historical Park that tells about his role.

Life After the Revolution and Frontier Conflicts

In 1786, after the war, John Hardin and his family moved. They settled on a large piece of land in Washington County, Virginia. This area is now Washington County, Kentucky. They farmed and raised animals there. They also joined the Methodist church. Hardin was successful as a rancher and kept buying more land.

As a militia captain in 1786, John Hardin led an attack. It was on a Piankeshaw village near where Vincennes, Indiana is today. In August 1789, he led another militia group to Terre Haute. There, he attacked a Shawnee group.

Northwest Indian War and Hardin's Defeat

Hardin was promoted to colonel. He often fought against Native Americans during the Northwest Indian War. This war took place in the Northwest Territory.

In 1790, he led a group of the Kentucky County militia. They faced a terrible defeat known as the Battle of Heller's Corner. This battle is also called "Hardin's Defeat." This loss was the start of many American defeats by a Miami chief named Little Turtle.

In 1791, Hardin led sixty mounted militiamen. They destroyed a large Kickapoo village near the Big Pine Creek. This was part of General Charles Scott's plan to conquer Ouiatenon.

His Death

In May 1792, General James Wilkinson sent Hardin on a mission. Hardin was to carry American peace terms to Native American groups along the Sandusky River.

After leaving Fort Washington, Hardin met a group of Shawnees. They offered to go with him. One night, while Hardin was sleeping, the Shawnees killed him and his helper. Hardin's guide managed to escape.

Legacy

Several places are named after John Hardin. These include Hardin County, Kentucky, Hardin County, Illinois, and Hardin County, Ohio. The town of Hardin, Ohio, which is near where he was killed, is also named for him.

John Hardin High School in Radcliff, Kentucky, also carries his name.

His son, Martin D. Hardin, married Ann Logan. She was the daughter of General Benjamin Logan. John Hardin's grandson, Congressman John J. Hardin, was killed in the Battle of Buena Vista in Mexico.