SOWELL (WILLIAM J.) CEMETERY,
(Sowell Bend of Duck River-east Maury County), MAURY COUNTY TENNESSEE
Ira Hardison
Ira Hardison was born in North Carolina, 12 May 1806, and came to Tennessee
between the
ages of 16 and 18 years. He probably came with his father, Edward Hardison, who
followed his brothers James, Mark & Joshua to Maury County. In 1828 Ira married a
cousin, Penelope Hardison, and they had one daughter, Emily J. Hardison who became the
wife of William J. Sowell. It is believed that Ira first settled on Flat Creek, but
later purchased a place south of the Duck River, near Leftwich. In 1861 Penelope
died and the following year Ira married Mary Gullett Franks. They were parents
to five children. Mr. Hardison died on 30 Sep 1875.