The Alphabet Family of South Carolina

Family of Abraham & Telula Hardin
We recently helped a Connecticut family who had heard a story about their grandfather being part of a large family that was nicknamed 'The Alphabet Family'. With just the grandfathers name (Melvin Nesbitt Hardin), we were able to unearth the full story and thanks to a flurry of emails, were even able to speak with a few family members.

Melvin Nesbitt Hardin was the son of Abraham N. Hardin, who was the son of Noah Hardin, who was the son of Abraham Hardin (born 1789 - died 1881), the son of Davis Hardin. Special thanks to David Hardin (son of Shields Trenton Hardin) and Brian DeSanty (grandson of Melvin Nesbitt Hardin).

We have no idea at what point the parents decided to 'run the alphabet', but considering the life expectancy at the time and infant mortality rates, it is amazing that one set of parents could achieve this interesting designation.

The Abraham & Telula Hardin family lived in Greer, South Carolina. The 1900 Census shows father Abraham (born October 1856), his wife Telula (born Jan 1869), and their first 7 children. The couple had married in 1884, so the missing 1890 census would have shown the first two children.

   • Annie Bell (born Jan 1887)
   • Corrie Deal (born Oct 1889)
   • Elbert Fant (born March 1891)
   • Gertrude Holmes (born Nov 1892)
   • Ida Jones (born Feb 1895)
   • Kelsey Law (born Dec 1896) - Later changed to Kathleen Louise
   • Melvin Nesbitt (born Aug 1899)
   • Oscar Perry
   • Query Ross
   • Shields Trenton
   • Ulysses Vance (born 1908)
   • WX (dog)
   • YZ (cat)

The Hardin Family of South Carolina in the 1900 Census (Children AB - MN)

The Hardin Family in the 1910 Census (9 children living at home)

The Hardin Family in the 1920 Census (7 children still living at home)