Lucius Augustus Hardee facts for kids
Lucius Augustus Tarquinses Hardee was born on March 24, 1828, in St. Marys, Georgia. He was the nephew of Lieutenant General William Joseph Hardee. Lucius spent most of his life in Florida. He lived on a large farm, called a plantation, in Duval County. In 1853, he married Esther Ann Crews Haddock.
Contents
Lucius Hardee's Early Life and Military Service
Lucius Hardee fought in the Third Seminole War. This was a conflict between the United States Army and the Seminole people in Florida.
Joining the Civil War
When the American Civil War started, Lucius joined the Confederate States Army. He began as a Captain in the 3rd Florida Infantry Regiment. His group was Company F, also known as the "Duval Cow Boys."
Lucius Hardee's Political Role
Lucius Hardee was an important person in Florida's Democratic Party. In 1872, he was the Chairman of the party in Florida.
Supporting Horace Greeley
That year, Horace Greeley ran for President. He was part of the Liberal Republican Party. The Florida Democratic Party supported Greeley. His main goal was to end Reconstruction. Reconstruction was a period after the Civil War when the Southern states were rebuilt and brought back into the United States.
Farming and Business Ventures
Before the American Civil War, Lucius Hardee grew a special type of staple cotton on his plantation. This farm was called "Rural Home."
Post-War Farming
After the war, he rebuilt his home and called it "Honeymoon Home." He started growing citrus fruits and other plants there. Lucius was known as Colonel Hardee, even though there is no official record of him being promoted to that rank.
A Pioneer Horticulturist
A famous writer, Harriett Beecher Stowe, wrote about Lucius Hardee in her 1872 book, "Palmetto-Leaves." She visited his farm and described his plant nursery as a very successful business. She noted his energy and hard work as a pioneer in growing plants.
Lucius Hardee's Later Life and Death
Lucius Hardee passed away on February 9, 1885. He died from malaria in Duval County, Florida. He is buried in the Old City Cemetery in Jacksonville, Florida.
