Joseph C. Harding (1850-1894)

HARDING, BARNES

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 1/20/2018 at 08:24:20

Joseph C. Harding wa born in Stafford county, Virginia, April 7, 18150. In 1855, with his parents, he removed to Salem, Henry county, Iowa, and in 1857 to the vicinity of Woodburn, Lucas county, Iowa.

October 8, 1874, he was married to Miss Laverna Barnes. In 1882 they removed to New Virginia, where they have since resided. He had been section foreman of the D.M. and K.C. railroad there for several ears, and was coming uptake grade about a half mile north of the depot, about 5 p.m., September 20th, when he was struck by lightning and knocked off the handcar. There was only one man working with him and he came on to get help, and the trainmen on No. 3 saw him and brought him to the depot. The lightning struck him the right side of the neck and ran down to his knee.

He was the father of eight children, three of whom died in 1883. He was the son of Rev. Thos. S. Harding, M.D. of the Baltimore conference, who resided near Woodburn for many years. He has has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years, and held the office of class leader at New Virginia for a number of years. An earnest, consistent Christian, always found at his post, he will be sadly missed in the work of the church at New Virginia. The entire community mourn his loss and sympathize with the afflicted family, thus suddenly bereft of a kind husband and father.

The funeral services were held at the M.E. church at 4 o’clock on the afternoon of the 21st inst., conducted by the pastor. The large church as filled with people, who realized that they had lost a friend and a brother. What is our loss is his eternal gain.

Weekly Osceola Sentinel, September 27, 1894