was born in Virginia in the year 1792, and was a son of William Hart, who removed with his family to Kentucky when Edward was six years old, and where he died. William's father, probably William by name, came from England in company with two brothers, all of whom settled near Williamsburg, Va. The subject of this sketch was married in Kentucky to Rebecca Olfrey, and in 1817 removed to this county and located one mile east of Moorefield, on land he entered from the Government, on which he lived out the balance of his natural life. He was one of the defenders of his country's honor during the war of 1812. He was present at Dudley's defeat, and during the engagement a part of his company charged upon the Indians, who, being vastly superior in numbers and well armed, poured a destructive fire upon their assailants, forcing them to cover. Mr. Hart secured a safe position behind a log and was so busily occupied in doing effective work with his rifle that he did not hear the order of retreat nor see the soldiers when they retired. Eventually he realized that he was alone, and not desiring to longer maintain such an unequal fight, he arose and darted with all possible speed to overtake his friends, now some distance away, and after him came a perfect storm of bullets, but he escaped unhurt, seemingly as if by the intervention of Providence. All of his children now living, four in number, reside in this county, viz.: Sarah, wife of S.L. Smith; Nancy, wife of J.P. Bellamy; James A. and Joseph. His first wife, the mother of all his children, was born in Kentucky, September 10, 1790, and died June 26, 1837. His second wife, Elizabeth Griffith, nee Overturf, was born July 17, 1809, and died January 22, 1867. Mr. Hart came to this county with small means, which chiefly consisted of stock and a few farming utensils. He was successful and helped his children to good homes. In politics he was Whig and Republican. His death occurred December 11, 1870.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell