Born in Montgomery County, Virginia, October 27, 1829. His father was of German descent and his mother of English, but both American born. The subject of this sketch, Hardin Tice, was the sixth son. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Sangamon County, Illinois, where he was brought up, receiving only the meager common-school education of that early time. There were no free schools in those days, and it was only those of ample means who could afford even to think of a college course. In the month of March, 1852, he started west on horseback, beginning life for himself, and having all his worldly possessions packed in a portmanteau. He located in Black Oak Township, this county. He sought the hand of Miss Mary J. Wilson in marriage, and Nov. 2, 1853, they were united in the bonds of matrimony. The first two years following his marriage, Mr. Tice was engaged in farming and trading in horses, and then added that of buying and feeding cattle and hogs. This he continued with financial success until 1876, when he rented his farm and moved to Oskaloosa. During all these years Mr. Tice has occupied a prominent position in the politics of his county and State, nearly all the various township offices having been held by him, and in the year 1875 he was elected by the Republican party to represent this district in the House of Representatives of the General Assembly of Iowa, receiving in this election the high compliment of securing more votes than any other man on his ticket. After having spent seven years in the city of Oskaloosa, living a retired life in an elegant home, Mr. Tice removed to Union Township, where he occupied his time in general farming and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Tice are members of the Christian Church, and take an active interest in all things pertaining to the church's welfare.