History of Clark County, Wisconsin (1918)

ABEL NACE HARDING, a thriving farmer of Fremont Township, of which he is also a prominent citizen, was born in Adams County, Wis., Aug. 20, 1869, son of William and Sarah (Tarbox) Harding. Abel was a child of about 4 years when the family came to this locality from Necedah, Wis. When a little older he attended the log schoolhouse and grew to manhood on his parents' farm, of which eventually he became the owner, but subsequently sold. He bought a tract of forty acres across the road, erected some good buildings, and then sold. Then he bought his present place of forty acres. It was then covered with timber and destitute of buildings, but out of the wild tract he has made a good farm, having cleared the land and built a barn 24 by 72 feet in size, a silo 12 by 26 feet, and a good frame house. He raises a good grade of stock, and is doing a successful business. Both as the son of an old pioneer, and as a man who has himself shown forceful and reliable traits of character, he is widely known and respected, and has served in public office, as a member of the township side board and also of the school board.

His religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Harding married Edith Peck, a native of New York State, and daughter of Archelaus and Abbie (Drake) Peck, who came from that state to Nasonville, Wis., where they engaged in farming. Mr. Drake is now making his home with his son-in-law, Mr. Harding. Mr. and Mrs. Harding have five children-Chester, Abel, Joy, Harold and Gertie.