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Virginia Military Institute Archives
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Mark B. Hardin Papers, mss 00440, Virginia Military Institute Archives, Lexington, Virginia.
Mark Bernard "Bunny" Hardin, son of Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin and Anna M. H. Hooe, was born at Alexandria, Virginia on August 14, 1838. He entered the Virginia Military Institute on September 7, 1854 and graduated on July 4, 1858, standing first in his class. Following graduation he joined the faculty at VMI, teaching Chemistry and other subjects until the beginning of the Civil War.
Hardin served with the 33rd and 9th Virginia Infantry Regiments and with the 18th Battalion Virginia Heavy Artillery. He was captured at Sayler's Creek on April 6, 1865 and held at Old Capitol and Johnson's Island prisons. He was released on oath July 3 (some records say June 27) 1865.
Following the war, Hardin established an analytical chemistry business in New York City, where he resided until July 1867. He accepted a position as Professor of Chemistry at his alma mater, VMI, in the summer of 1867, and remained at the Institute until September 1890. From September 1890 until 1910 he taught at Clemson University.
Hardin married Mary Massie Payne of Wareenton, Virginia, on August 4, 1869. The couple had 8 children (4 sons and 4 daughters). He died at Clemson, South Carolina, on April 26, 1916. He is buried at the Old Stone Church Cemetery, Clemson.
The Mark B. Hardin papers contain twenty letters. The bulk of the correspondence was written by Hardin to his siblings, Susan Lane Hardin and John Haywood Hardin, during the period 1864-1899. In addition to family and personal news, the letters touch on various aspects of Hardin's career (Civil War service, VMI Faculty member).
The papers are arranged in chronological order.
All letters were written by Mark B. Hardin (MBH) unless otherwise noted.
Childhood letter, written at Washington, DC; containing family news.
Civil War letter. Written from Battery 8, Richmond, Virgnia. References to war service and family news.
Written at Elizabeth, New Jersey. MBH's grandfather Hooe is writing for first time after resumption of mail communications; laments separation of families caused by war; references to MBH situation as prisoner of war.
When M. B. Hardin was taken prisoner, the family swung into action to obtain his release. MBH had grown up in Washington and had extensive famiy there. Dr. W. P. Johnston, an uncle and a physician of some influence, wrote this letter to Susan Hardin. He also mentions the status of her father's estate, which was tied up in court prior to the Civil War.
From "Grandpa Hooe" written at Elizabeth, New Jersey. Regarding MBH's pending release from prison, and her father's estate.
Written from Washington, DC. Regarding estate of their father, Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin.
Written from Washington, DC. Regarding estate of their father, Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin.
Written from Washington, DC. Regarding estate of their father, Lauriston Bonaparte Hardin.
Written from Elizabeth, NJ. Family news; more on the estate of her father.
Written from New York City, where Hardin was attempting to start a consulting chemist business.
Written from Alexandria, Virginia. Hardin is considering accepting a faculty position as Professor of Chemistry at the Virginia Military Institute.
Written from Lexington, Virginia. Has accepted teachng position at VMI.
Written from Lexington, Virginia. Mentions attending family wedding in Alexandria; VMI making progress on restoration of war-damaged barracks.
Written from Lexington, Virginia. Regarding Susan's engagement to James Berrien MacPherson.
Written from Lexington, Virginia. References to Susan's upcoming marriage.
Family news; sent picture of his son, Lauriston; information about Susan's mother's grave.
Written from Clemson College, South Carolina. Enclosing money for Montgomery Co. property taxes.
Written from Clemson College, South Carolina. Family news; Montgomery Co. property taxes.
Written from Clemson College, South Carolina. Family news.
Written from Holy Trinity Church, Clemson, SC. Regarding Hardin family mmemorial window.