Author Archives: Kenneth Richard Hardman

About Kenneth Richard Hardman

AncestorClips are very short stories about very real people. Each clip nurtures awareness of a time, a place, and the character of a man or woman who cultivated a path for our life. The reader feels the good, the obstacles, the happiness, the sadness, and the overcoming. They cheer us, make us resilient when challenged, give us purpose, and connect us to our multi-generational family. Each story is followed by reflections from the author and readers sharing how the story strengthened or inspired them. Ken Hardman is a son, a brother, a grandson, a great-grandson… He is also a husband, father and grand-father. Ken is a professional engineer, engineering mentor, technical writer, and associate technical fellow at a major aerospace company. He is a writer of engineering and family history stories. Please join Ken in reading, reflecting upon, or writing #AncestorClips

Ruth Keep Griffin – Sweet Courage and Loving Labor

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

“Walter and Ben, were brought home shot in the legs,” the wagon jolt having discharged a gun. Ben lost his leg but Walter recovered. Their mother, Ruth Keep Griffin was acquainted with difficulty but met life with courage and a … Continue reading →

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Dona Jean Hansen Losee – Forever Close to God

Posted on January 29, 2017 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

During the boom-town 1950s in Los Angeles, Dona Hansen, the queen of the church Gold and Green Ball, and daughter of a self educated businessman and a most charitable mother, culminated her youth in what she thought would be the … Continue reading →

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2016 – 10 Most Read AncestorClips

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

Thanks for reading AncestorClips in 2016 – Click below and enjoy again the most read stories. Stand by for more inspiring stories in 2017. Abraham and Elizabeth Coon – Ever Faithful Ardella Elizabeth Anderson – The Greatest Scare of my … Continue reading →

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Ferril Andrew Losee – Runaway Horses

Posted on December 14, 2016 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

“One day when… 14 years old, I was on top of a load of hay. In crossing over a bridge some of the hay was grassy and moved on me. I put the reins to the horses over the ladder … Continue reading →

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Dorothy Mae Griffin Hardman – God knew what was coming

Posted on October 16, 2016 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

Some major customers didn’t pay; and Glenn’s cabinet business began to fail. Dorothy was very concerned about family bills and groceries. In the 1960’s they built their second dream home, welcomed their sixth child, and served anxiously in church assignments … Continue reading →

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Cornelius Peter Lott – The Prophet’s Farmer

Posted on September 4, 2016 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

Cornelius breathed deep and wiped his dusty brow, the rich soil bringing forth its Illinois potatoes and grain on this hot summer day in 1844. All was well; or at least it should have been. Cornelius felt a foreboding as … Continue reading →

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George Clark and Elizabeth Phoebe Rye Morris – Patterns of Patience

Posted on August 20, 2016 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

Phoebe wiped tears from her face as her creek-soaked children happily burst into their small summer home. “Why are you crying,” they asked. Phoebe quickly got them pulling molasses candy as she pushed back on her memories. She was happy … Continue reading →

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William Parley Elton – Poet of Honor

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

My great-grandfather William was 11 when his father died, and the English officers came to take him and his four brothers to the poorhouse. “How we clung to mother’s dress,” he said. Isabella was, a little woman. But in faith … Continue reading →

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William Wallace and Annie Lillie Walker – True Greatness

Posted on July 11, 2016 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

“Lillie and the children were still in bed when Will came rushing into the log home, ‘Fire.’ She grabbed the baby and he carried the little girls out just as the ceiling fell on their bed. There was no water … Continue reading →

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William Wallace Walker – A Sheep Share for a Wedding Stake

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Kenneth Richard Hardman

The two-year-old twins, Ellen and William, were excited when the baby came. Olive, was her name. But, 10 days’ later joy was robbed by tears as their mother passed away. William Walker was one of those twins. He was born … Continue reading →

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