Charles O. Hardesty, proprietor of the coal and wood yard of Piqua, was born in the city which is still his home November 21, 1858. He is a son of James W., whose sketch appears above. His boyhood days were spent under the parental roof, amid the refining influences of a good home and in the public schools of his native city acquired his literary education. He has, however, added to his knowledge by experience and observation and is now a well informed man. As soon as he was old enough to work he began learning the carpenter's trade under the direction of his father, and was employed in connection with the building interests of the city until about 1890, when he accepted a position as salesman for a lumber company, with which he remained for four years. On the expiration of that period, with a capital which he had acquired through his own well directed efforts, he embarked in business for himself, establishing a coal and wood yard in Piqua. He has since secured an excellent trade, which is constantly increasing, and his sales are now very large and bring to him a good financial return.

Mr. Hardesty was married to Miss Ida M. Licklader, and they have two sons, James D. and Charles K. Socially Mr. Hardesty is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics he is a Republican on national questions but at local elections, where no issue is involved, he votes for the man whom he believes to be best fitted for the office. He belongs to the Baptist church and is deeply and actively interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and prosperity of the community.