Hardy was born in 1886 in Indian Fields, Kentucky, and was a descendent of Daniel Boone.

He graduated from Wake Forest with a law degree in 1909, and was admitted to the Arizona bar that same year.

[2] In 1911, he ran unsuccessfully for Pima County attorney, losing to Republican George Hilzinger in December's general election.

[5] When the U. S. entered World War I, he enlisted in the U. S. Army, and served in the 7th Cavalry under then Lt.

After a five-year process, his commission's revisions were codified into law by the Arizona State Legislature.