Farmer, section 30, post-office Oak Grove, was born January 26, 1842, in Jackson County, Missouri, and lived with his parents until 1861, during which time he acquired such an education as could be given in the common schools. In 1861 he enlisted in the Confederate service; in 1862 was promoted to the position of first lieutenant, serving in that position until the close of the War. In August 1856, returned to the hold homestead. Moved to his present place May, 1867. He now owns 186 ½ acres of fine land, 100 acres of which is under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Harding was married December 20, 1866, to Miss Parthenia J. Webb, by whom he had three children: Adlia, Maud, Oscar G., and John A. His wife having died, he married Miss Mary A. Webb, in 1874, by whom he had two children: Bettie and Nettie.
Source: [Anonymous], The History of Jackson County, Missouri (Kansas City: Union Historical Co., 1881), p. 917.