Basil Hardesty, banker and one of the largest land holders in the eastern part of the state, was born in Ohio, Jan. 18, 1833. His father, Francis Hardesty, was by birth a Virginian, who went to Ohio when a boy of thirteen and lived there all his life. After reaching manhood he engaged in farming, became a stock raiser and buyer, and made money. In politics he was a stanch adherent of the Democratic party and his religious affiliations were with the Free Will Baptist church. Basil Hardesty's mother, Mary Barcus, was born in Maryland and accompanied her parents when they immigrated to Ohio, at an early day. There she met and married Francis Hardesty.

Basil Hardesty was reared in Ohio and received a good common school education. He heard of the many opportunities for young men in the West and, in 1870, came to Kansas and located in Osage county. At first he rented land for farming purposes, but in 1872 bought a farm of his own near Overbrook, where he still lives. At different times he has increased his holdings and now owns 1,600 acres of the finest farming land in the vicinity.

In 1860 Mr. Hardesty married Livonia Wiley, whose parents were natives of Virginia. They moved to Ohio, where her father engaged in farming and spent his life. One son has been born of this union. Mr. Hardesty takes an interest in all public affairs and belongs to the Masonic order and the Grange.