He lived on a plantation home in Duval County, and married Esther Ann Crews Haddock in 1853.
When the American Civil War began he joined the Confederate States Army as a Captain in the 3rd Florida Infantry Regiment; commanding Company F which was also known as "Duval County Cow Boys.
He raised long staple cotton before the American Civil War on his plantation, called "Rural Home".
He was the subject of 5 pages from Harriet Beecher Stowe's book on Florida Life, Palmetto-Leaves, published in 1872.
Stowe's visit with Hardee describes the post-plantation nursery as a thriving business led by the energy and industry of this pioneer horticulturist.