GEORGE W. HARDING
From The Bryan Press, March 27, 1930
George W. HARDING was born near Newark, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1839, and died at his home on E. Butler street, Bryan, Ohio, March 23, 1930, aged 90 years, 6 months and 4 days. He learned the harness making trade at Utica, Ohio, and in 1860 came to Bryan, Ohio. Here he worked at his trade for several years, and on June 10, 1863 he embarked in the business for himself at the same location which he occupied at the time of his death. It was one of his ambitions to live so as to establish a new record for any one man being in business at the same stand. The record in the United States has been 65 years. He desired to live to make the record 70 years. This he was not permitted to do, but he did break the record by being in business at the same old stand on the south side of the square for nearly 67 years. He was a member of the first school board of the city and was president of the board when the first class was graduated 52 years ago and presented the diplomas. He also presented the diplomas to the class which graduated two years ago, which was the largest class ever graduated from the school. He also served the city as a member of the city council.
Mr. HARDING united with the First English Lutheran church Aug. 16, 1885, during the pastorate of Rev. A. J. TURKLE, D. D. and has been a faithful member ever since. He was always at his place in the sanctuary when able to be there. He was a member of Bryan Lodge No. 215 F. & A. M. for more than sixty years, having been initiated as an Entered Apprentice June 17, 1869, passed to the degree of Fellowcraft July 22, 1869, and raised to a Master Mason August 12th., 1869. He was a Companion of Northwest Chapter No. 45 R. A. M. having received his degrees during the year 1870. He was also a Companion of Bryan Council No. 101 R. & S. M. having received his degrees June 9, 1909. He was a Past Master of Bryan Lodge No. 215 F. & A. M. having served during the lodge year of 1913 to 1914. He received a past master's jewel from Bryan Lodge No. 215 F. & A. M. and a Fifty Year medal from the Grand Lodge of Ohio. He was a faithful member of Bryan Lodge and will be greatly missed by the brothers.
Mr. HARDING was initiated into Bryan Chapter No. 248 O. E. S. on July 15, 1907, while Margaret Jean RILEY was Worthy Matron and Eugene NEWMAN Worthy Patron. He never held office in the Chapter but was a loyal member. Because of his advanced age, at a meeting in October, 1928, he was made a life member. He was present at the second meeting in October and thanked the Chapter for this honor. This proved to be his last visit, and the order has lost a respected and admired member. George HARDING was also an honored member of I. O.O. F. to which order he belonged for more than 64 years.
On Nov. 1, 1868 he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy E. HECKENLIVELY who departed this life Sept. 17, 1920. To this union were born four children, Stanley of Montpelier, Stanton of Bryan, Lena Evelyn, who departed this life Jan. 31, 1875 and Mary Leona who died May 30, 1929. Besides the two sons he is survived by five grandchildren and a host of friends. Mr. HARDING was the last of a family of nine children. It may also be stated that he numbered among his relatives the late President of the U. S., Warren HARDING.
Funeral services were conducted at the First English Lutheran church on Tuesday afternoon, March 25, at 1:20, by his pastor, Rev. J. Ernest ZIMMERMAN, and interment was made in Fountain Grove cemetery.