Walter (Elmer) Harding, born September 18, 1910 near Nashville, KS,
     eldest son of David E. (Ed) Harding and Chrisine (Suhler) Harding. He spent
     his early life and entire school years, elementary and high school, in Barber
     and Kingman counties.
          Following graduation from Isabel High School, he taught in Pratt and
     Barber county country schools tenn years. Following his teaching experience,
     he worked as a Federal Civil Service employee from July 1941 through July
     1971, beginning with the Veteran's Administration, Washington, D.C., later
     transferring to the Department of Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Region 7,
     in Denver, from where he retired in 1971. His government experience included
     Veterans Beneficiary Accounts, Property Management Clerk, Voucher Examining
     Supervisor and eight and one-half years as Regional Collections Officer.
          He married Viola Peterson Strong, the widow of William B. Strong,
     December 7, 1935. She was the daughter of Fred and Lizzie (Bell) Peterson.
     Walter became the stepfather of Joan 11 1/2, Betty 8 1/2, and Billie 5 1/2
     when he married Viola, who died March 30, 1963 of heart complications at
     age 56.
          After Viola's passing, he adopted his daughter, Carol, nearly 16, September
     30, 1963. She had been a joy in his home since she was 26 months old and was
     a real asset in the home following Viola's death. Carol graduated from high
     school in 1965, and he put her through business college in Denver. She married
     James K. Robinson August 3, 1968. To this union were born two granddaughters,
     Cathy Ann on March 15, 1971, Christina Lyn, August 18, 1973. Joan Strong
     married Lynn Rhea, Betty Strong wed Arthur Hain (now divorced), Billy Strong
     married Len Hiler. These unions produced six living children. All live in 
     the Denver area.
          Walter has traveld extensively since retirement, including two trips to
     Brazil and the past sevarl winters to Florida. He sold out in Denver and 
     moved to Pratt, Kansas in March 1979 where he resides. He plays piano and
     accordion for several Senior Citizens Centers when invited; also enjoys
     playing pinochle and pitch. He attends Calvary Baptist Church in Pratt.
        
               
     Source: Isabel, Kansas - The First 100 Years, 1887 - 1987,  pg. 87 
     
     Submitted by: Walter E. Harding