Alpheus Harding
Alpheus Harding Jr. | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date New Salem, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | October 13, 1903 (aged 85) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, banking executive |
| Years active | 1835–1903 |
| Known for | Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate; president of Miller's River National Bank and Athol Savings Bank |
Alpheus Harding Jr. (January 12, 1818 – October 13, 1903) was a prominent American political figure and banking executive who held positions in both the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts Senate.
Early years
Harding was born in 1818 in New Salem, Massachusetts, the son of Reverend Alpheus Harding, a minister with a lengthy tenure. He pursued his early education at the New Salem academy and began studies at Amherst College in 1833 but was compelled to withdraw due to health issues.
Career
In 1835, Harding embarked on his professional journey as a store clerk and dedicated 21 years to the mercantile industry within Worcester and Franklin counties. He fulfilled the role of New Salem’s postmaster for ten years and also held multiple municipal positions including town clerk, treasurer, and other leadership posts in local government.
From 1851 to 1853, Harding served as New Salem’s representative in the Massachusetts House. By 1856, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees of New Salem Academy and took on responsibilities at Miller's River National Bank in Athol—initially as cashier and subsequently as president for a period spanning 26 years. He represented Athol and Royalston in the state legislature during 1863 and again in 1867. That same year, Harding obtained a charter for Athol Savings Bank, where he acted as treasurer until 1892 before ascending to the presidency. His tenure as a Massachusetts State Senator occurred between 1879 and 1880, and he participated as a delegate at the 1880 National Republican Convention. Harding's political affiliations began with involvement in establishing the Free Soil Party before he transitioned to align with the Republican Party.
Personal life
On September 6, 1842, Harding married Maria P. Taft from Dudley, Massachusetts. Their family included two children: Ella and William.
Alpheus Harding passed away on October 13, 1903, at his residence in Boston.
See also
References
- This article incorporates text from D.P. Toomey's "Massachusetts of today: a memorial of the state, historical and biographical," published for the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago (1892), now in the public domain.