JOSEPH E. HARDING

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 642-643:

Joseph E. Harding

(Cashier of the Thornton banking Company, Nevada).

   In the preparation of this brief outline of the life history of one of the most progressive men in Vernon county appear facts which are of interest to all, given as plainly as can be presented and without the intention of anything savoring of flattery.  He is the son of Dr. Nathan M. Harding, who for many years occupied an honorable position in the affairs of Bates county, Mo., and subsequently became a resident of Vernon county, where he was well known, and is eminently proper that reference, at least, should be made of him.  The Doctor was born in Baltimore, Md., and in that city he was reared.  In early life he studied medicine and acquired an excellent knowledge of that science, and in 1844 he was married to Miss Emily Badger, of Connecticut, following which, in 1845 or 1846, he came to Missouri, settling near Balltown, Bates county.  Up to the outbreak of the war Dr. Harding was actively engaged in the practice of his profession, but the unsettled condition of this portion of the country at that time induced him to leave, and accordingly he went to St. Louis, though in 1866 he returned to Vernon county and continued to make his home here until his death in 1872.  He is well remembered to this day by the earlier settlers of the county, among whom he was sincerely esteemed.  Seven children were in the family of himself and wife:  Joseph E., Oregon, Walter, Emily, John, Yancey and Leof.  The eldest son, Joseph E., a Missourian by birth and bringing up, was born October 30, 1847.  He was for the most part reared in the city of St. Louis, where he also received his education, though in the meantime his parents were living on a farm in St. Louis county.  After returning to this locality Mr. Harding was employed about the home farm for some time, but finally he was chosen as the most capable person for the position of county surveyor and obtained an election to that office.  In 1873 his connection with the Thornton Banking Co. was made, and from that time to the present he has been associated with it, the position which he now holds being the responsible one of cashier, his excellent financial ability and recognized judgment in all business matters rendering him the right man in the right place.  For two terms he served as mayor of Nevada, and besides this has held other minor positions of trust and honor.  Such a record speaks more for his reputation and esteem than any words that might be uttered.  His enterprise and public spirit and interest in the welfare of his adopted home have led him to do much for the advancement of worthy measures, and were it necessary to do so many instance might be cited where his support has been given.  His wife, formerly Miss Kate McNeil, was the daughter of Col. R. W. McNeil, of this county, and to them four children have been born:  Murray, Anna, Mary and Robert, who are now living, beside three that are deceased.  Mr. Harding belongs to the Masonic Order and is a Knight Templar.

[Transcribed by Marty Patton]

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