He graduated from Union College in 1822. Then he studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1825, and commenced practice in Newport (now Albion), New York, in 1826.
Hard was elected as an Anti-Mason to the 23rd, and re-elected as an Anti-Jacksonian to the 24th United States Congress, holding office from March 4, 1833, to March 3, 1837.
He was a Canal Appraiser from 1849 to 1850. Afterwards he resumed the practice of law. He was First Judge and Surrogate of the Orleans County Court from 1856 to 1860.