For many years Hardman family histories have included an assumption that Joseph Hardman I,
b. Germany 1714, is buried in Frostburg, Allegany, MD. I think this assumption was made on the basis of 2 facts. #1 Joseph Hardman, of Frederick, MD, with a team and wagon was conscripted to join Gen. Braddock on his march to Fort Cumberland in 1755. They encamped near present-day Frostburg.
#2 Scharf, in his book "The History of Western Maryland" cites the grave marker of "Joseph Hartman, native of Prussia, died aged 67 years" buried within the limits of the old Catholic cemetery in Frostburg.
I have determined that the grave marker is inscribed as Scharf said, however, church records say that Hartman died June 12, 1881. He is found in Frostburg census records through 1880, born in Prussia 1814, which does make him aged 67 at death. He is not Joseph Hardman of Frederick.
I hope this puts this legend to rest. Joseph I appears in Frederick records for some years after 1755 and I believe he is buried in Frederick.
Julie Shepherd, 8th generation descendant