Abner C. Harding

Abner Clark Harding (February 10, 1807 – July 19, 1874) was a U.S. Representative from Illinois.

Abner C. Harding
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 4th district
In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1869
Preceded by	Charles M. Harris
Succeeded by	John B. Hawley
Personal details
Born	February 10, 1807 East Hampton, Connecticut
Died	July 19, 1874 (aged 67) Monmouth, Illinois
Political party	Republican
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America Union
Branch/service	United States Army Union Army
Years of service	1862–1863
Rank	Brigadier General
Battles/wars	American Civil War Battle of Dover

Biography

Born in East Hampton, Connecticut, Harding attended Hamilton College, Clinton, New York, where he studied law. He was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Oneida County, New York, about 1827. In 1838, he moved to Monmouth, Illinois, and continued practicing law. He served as member of the State constitutional convention in 1848, and was elected to the Illinois House of Representatives the same year, serving until 1850.

During the Civil War, Harding enlisted as a private in the Union Army in the 83rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Later he was commissioned as a colonel, and was promoted to brigadier general in March 1863. He was forced to resign due to deteriorating eyesight a few months later.

From 1865 to 1869, Harding served as a Republican member of Congress. During the 39th Congress, he served as Chairman of the Committee on the Militia. However, he was not a candidate for reelection in 1868 after serving in the 40th Congress, and later engaged in banking and railroad building. He died in Monmouth, Illinois on July 19, 1874, and was interred in Monmouth Cemetery.

See also

• List of American Civil War generals (Union)

References

• United States Congress. "Abner C. Harding (id: H000188)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved on 2009-01-29

External links

• "Abner C. Harding". Find a Grave. Retrieved 2009-01-29.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress website http://bioguide.congress.gov.