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Another bio......
Connie Harding Rushing Ka5fnj(a)neto.com
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JOHN A. HARDING
There are certain trades that possess in indefinable charm, and among them
is that of blacksmithing. The smithy's shop in the small town is a place
where children congregate and the politics of the day are discussed by their
elders. The smithy is a man of prominence and his invariable good nature
makes him a friend to all. This quality has been immortalized in poetry and
song, and ever, especially to the younger generation, the forge and anvil
and the "mighty man" above them will linger long in their memories. Clinton
county has her blacksmiths, among them John A. Harding, and about him we
tell in this review.
John Harding was born December 31, 1855, in Kirklin county, Indiana. He was
the son of Samuel and Delilah (Thompson) Harding, natives of Ohio. Samuel
Harding was born in Union county, Indiana. August 25, 1833, and in 1846
moved to Clinton county. He gained a common school education and after
leaving the schoolroom he took up the trade of blacksmithing in Kirklin, an
occupation he followed nearly all of his life, shoeing horses until after he
was seventy-five years of age. Twelve children made up his family. They
were: John, Robert (dec.), Orlando C., Kate R., Lily L. (dec.), 0. T.
(dec.), Minnie (dec.), Frank S. and Pearl: remainder not named, having died
in infancy.
John Harding attended the public schools in Kirklin during his boyhood days,
and spent his time otherwise learning the trade he was to follow from his
father.
Mr. Harding was married September 29, 1882, to Emma McKay, the daughter of
James and Margaret (Mart) McKay, and born in Clinton county, Ohio, December
9, 1860. Her father died when she was but a baby and the mother is cared
for part of the time now in John Harding's home in Kirklin. Mrs. Harding
received a common school education, and is the mother of three children:
John G., born June, 1883; Fanny L., married to George Kutz, a Kirklin
druggist, and Anna L.
John Harding has always followed the blacksmithing trade. He began with
just a small shop and now owns a large and completely equipped place, also a
two-story brick factory where he has the latest machinery installed for the
making of buggies, farm wagons and implements of use to the farmer. He also
paints buggies and does much rubber tiring. Mr. Harding has, in the course
of his studies in his chosen trade, invented a patent storm top for buggies
and automobiles. He has obtained a patent on his contrivance and sells a
number to Clinton county people.
Mr. Harding belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men at Kirklin, and also is
affiliated with the Masonic order. He is a loyal member of the Presbyterian
church and is one of their strongest supporters. Politically, he believes
in the principles of the Democratic party. Pages 552 -553. Photo of Mr. and
Mrs. Harding included.
History of Clinton County, Indiana .. With Historical Sketches of
Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old
Families. By Hon. Joseph Claybaugh. Published 1913 by A. W. Bowen &
Company - Indianapolis, Indiana