Rufus Hardy (representative)

Rufus Hardy (December 16, 1855 – March 13, 1943) was a United States representative of the Democratic Party from the state of Texas.

Early years
Hardy was born Monroe County, Mississippi, to George Washington and Pauline J. (Whittaker) Hardy. The family moved to Millican, Texas, in 1861.

Hardy enrolled at Somerville Institute in Noxubee County, Mississippi, in 1871, and received his L.L.B. from the University of Georgia in 1875. In 1876, he opened his law practice in Navasota, Texas, and moved to Corsicana, Texas, in 1878.

Career in public service
From 1880 to 1884 he served as a prosecuting attorney of Navarro County, Texas. He served as District Attorney for the Texas 13th Judicial District 1884–1888, and as District Judge of the same district 1888–1896. Hardy was represented Texas in the United States House of Representatives 1907–1923. Upon retirement from Congress, Hardy returned to private practice in Corsicana.

Personal life
In 1881, Hardy was married to Felicia E. Peck.

Fraternal memberships

 * Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks
 * Knights of Pythias
 * Phi Delta Theta