California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


HON. FRED E. HARDING. The state of California owes much to eastern men of wealth 
who have used their money in developing various industries here. To this class belongs Mr. 
Harding, who has spent many thousands of dollars in improving and developing the resources 
of Antelope Heights, Tulare county. A native of New York state, he was born in Richfield 
Springs in September, 1847. His father, Hon. Henry G. Harding, was a native of Connecticut, 
from which state he removed to New York where he became a prominent business man and farm- 
er. He was also a leading politician and served in the legislature as a representative from Otsego 
county. In 1857 ne migrated westward, locating in Monmouth, Ill. There he became a member 
of the firm of C. Harding & Co., bankers. By his marriage with Elvira C. Hubbard, he became the 
father of two children, Fred E. being the eldest. 

Fred E. Harding was a youth of ten years when his father removed to Illinois. His preliminary 
education was secured in the Monmouth public schools, later graduating from Union Col- 
lege, Schenectady, N. Y., with the degree of A. B. He immediately engaged in the banking 
business as bookkeeper in the National Bank, of Monmouth. Two years later in 1874 the 
Second National Bank of Monmouth was organized and Mr. Harding was appointed 
as assistant cashier. From that position he was steadily advanced until in 1892 he was elected 
president, which connection he still retains. Aside from his interests in this bank, he assisted 
in the organizing of the Peoria Home Savings and State Bank. He is also a director in the 
State Bank of Roseville, Ill., and is connected with the National Bank of the Republic in Chi- 
cago. Aside from his banking interests he has been engaged in the manufacturing business in 
Monmouth, and was also engaged in farming in Warren county, Ill. 

In about 1891. Mr. Harding began spending his winters in California. The possibilities of 
orange growing in the highlands attracted his attention and in 1898, in partnership with Mr. 
Pattee he purchased one thousand acres of land, which has since been unproved and developed. 
A large portion is now devoted to the growing of oranges, which venture has proved a complete 
success and "Antelope Heights" is one of the best paying orange properties in Tulare county. The 
place is equipped with all modern improvements including pumping plant, packing house, etc. As 
before stated, these improvements have cost many thousands of dollars, the spending of which has 
done much for this section of the state. 

Mr. Harding has for many years been active in political matters, and in addition to serving 
as a member of the Monmouth city council, in 1894 he was elected to the Illinois State Sen- 
ate by the Republican party. During the time he filled this office it was his pleasure to as- 
sist in the election of Senators Cullom and Mason. As is usual with a successful business man 
Mr. Harding demonstrated his ability, and at the expiration of his term his constituents ex- 
pressed their satisfaction in the work he had accomplished. 

In Monmouth he was united in marriage with Lucy A. Nye, who was born in Massachusetts. 
Since becoming interested in the Antelope Heights district they have won an enviable place 
for themselves in the esteem of their friends.