WALTER L. HARDEN

One of the leading agriculturists of Gower township is Walter L. Harden, who owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and sixty-eight acres on sections 8 and 17. He has spent his entire life in this township, his birth occurring January 8, 1862, and he is a worthy representative of one of the honored pioneer families of Cedar county. His parents were Henry and Hannah (Grewell) Harden, both natives of Stark county, Ohio. They came to Cedar county, Iowa, with their respective parents, the mother being about seventeen years of age at the time of her arrival and the father twenty. Here they were married and continued to reside until the father passed away in 1875. He made farming his life occupation and at his death was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved land. The mother is still living and continues to reside in Plato, Gower township. She is a member of the Society of Friends, to which her husband also belonged. To them were born the following children: Aaron, who died at the age of thirteen years; Walter L. of this review; Brent T. of North English, Iowa; Ida, the wife of Ed Hoffman of Gower township; Dora, the wife of N. C. Butler of West Branch, Iowa; and Henry, who is living with his mother in Plato. She is a daughter of Aaron and Bethsheba Grewell, both of whom died in Cedar county. Our subject’s paternal grandparents were Richard and Abigail Harden, the former of whom died in Ohio, while the death of the latter occurred in this county.

Upon the home farm Walter L. Harden grew to manhood, receiving a good practical education, and he has continued to reside in Gowertownship with the exception of three years spent in Muscatine, Iowa, after his marriage. He is a most progressive andup-to-date farmer and upon his place has recently erected a good ten-room residence, modern and up-to-date in its appointments, and he also has good barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock.

In 1887 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Harden to Miss Della Wymer, who was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1861, a daughter of Solomon and Sarah (Hall) Wymer. Her father is now deceased but her mother is still living and continues a resident of Muscatine. The children born to our subject and his wife are: Ida, Fred M., Gladys, William and Ira. Since age conferred upon Mr. Harden the right of franchise he has supported the men and measures of the republican party and has served as assessor of his township for eight years. He is a public-spirited citizen, taking an active interest in public affairs, and keeps well posted on the questions and issues of the day.