1912 1
William Barnet (“W.B”) Hardy (March 21, 1827 – November 25, 1912) was the founder and owner of Hardy's Book Store, a book, stationery and newspaper store.
Hardy married Ermina Minvera Bacon (Hardy) (1834 – March 2, 1918) on November 5, 1852, and they had 11 children, 4 daughters and 7 sons. The Hardys came to California in 1854, and moved to Oakland in 1858.
• Lillie Viola Hardy (January 2, 1854 – June 18, 1929) - part of the first graduating class from Oakland High School, 1872
• William Frank (“Frank”) Hardy (March 1856 – February 14, 1919) - part of the first graduating class from Oakland High School, 1872
• Mina M. (“Minnie”) Hardy (Denison) (1859 – May 29, 1923) - married Albert Denison
• Charles Grahame Hardy (November 28, 1860 – December 16, 1932) - married Mary Josephine Hetherington; had one son, Grahame Hetherington Hardy. Managed Hardy's for many years, but lived in England for a few years c.1915
Charles, Mary, and Grahame
1915 passport photo
In the photo, Grahame is holding a book, The Adventures of Walter the Crocodile. It was created by a drugstore chain in England, Boots The Chemists. Read about the book here and here. The passport photo was for a replacement passport and taken in England.
• Tracy Sherman Hardy (1863 – January 1, 1829) - married Delia M. Brackett, had one son, Harold Hardy; then married Marie Louise Lathrop
• Esther Daisy Hardy (Rogers) (June 15, 1865 – March 14, 1947) - married Noah Garcelon Rogers, had one daughter, Catherine Rogers
• Sophie Bell Hardy (White) (July 22, 1867 – January 9, 1947) - married George H. White, had 3 children, Caryl White, Esther White, and Sydney Hardy White
• John Ross (“J. Ross”) Hardy (March 17, 1869 – February 6, 1949) - married Margaret Bretton, had 4 children, J. Ross Hardy, Jr., Elise Hardy, Dorothy Hardy, and William B. Hardy; dentist
• Wright Belden Hardy (January 29, 1872 – February 2, 1955)
• Sumner Charles Hardy (July 13, 1875 – June 24, 1949) - married Katherine Bunker; dentist; noted amateur tennis player
• Samuel (“Sam”) Percy Hardy (November 23, 1876 – January 25, 1953) - married Sylvia Harris; doctor; noted amateur tennis player
Sumner and Sam,1900
William Hardy was in the express business with his brother-in-law, W.A. Bacon, for 3 years before buying him out. 1
Hardy was with Bamber & Company, express and news agents, and operated out of their Oakland office until 1869 when he sold his interest to focus on bookselling.
In 1876 Hardy was listed in the Oakland City Directory as one of the 'moneyed men of Oakland' who had invested largely in an 'elegant homestead' ranging in cost from $8,000 to $40,000 each. His 1876 residence was located at 1383 Franklin on the southwest corner of Franklin and Durant Streets (now 19th St.) The family was listed there until at least 1892.
By the 1896 voter registration, the Hardy family was living at 330 Prospect (later 332 - 29th St.) and William was retired. By the 1908 directory, they had moved a short distance to 2031 Richmond Avenue (3045 after 1912 renumbering.)
William Hardy died November 25, 1912. He had slipped and fallen on the courthouse steps, and died at home at 3045 Richmond Avenue a week later. 1
Links and References
- Wm. B. Hardy, Oakland Pioneer, Dies Oakland Tribune November 26, 1912
