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school he worked in No. 5 mine of the Old Erie Company, where he was assistant fire boss. He came to Gallitzin in 1902 and entered the employ of the Pennsylvania Coal & Coke Company as clerk in auditor's department, where he remained for four years. In July, 1906, he resigned that position to become assistant cashier in the First National Bank at South Fork, which place he held until December of that year, when he returned to Cresson as assistant cashier of the First National Bank. On Nov. 1, 1916, he was elected cashier of the First National Bank of Gallitzin, which position he has since held.
The First National Bank of Gallitzin was organized in August, 1902, by Elmer Nelson. The first officers of the bank were: Elmer Nelson, president; George Ehrenfeld, vice president; Steel Smith, cashier. The directors were: Elmer Nelson, George Ehrenfeld, Peter Gutwald, R. A. Dignan, Dr. G. F. McDonald, J.R. Smith, and George W. Flowers. The bank was organized with a capital stock of $25,000. The First National Bank of Gallitzin has enjoyed a very rapid growth, due in no small part to the integrity and efficiency of its officers. The officers on Jan. 1, 1926, are: K. A. Reed, president; George Ehrenfeld, Pittsburgh, vice president; Peter Gutwald, vice president, Altoona; B.W. Harding, cashier; and K. A. Cooper, assistant cashier. Directors are: Peter Gutwald, George Ehrenfeld, K. A. Reed, Frank Hornauer, F. D. McNellis, C. F. Gutwald, and A. J. McGeary. When Mr. Harding first came to the bank the total resources were $383,000; today they are $1,250,000, with deposits of over one million dollars. Previous to 1925 the bank paid dividends of 16 per cent for five years and since that time has paid a dividend of 24 per cent, and has an earned surplus of $65,000. The bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System.
In September, 1905, Mr. Harding was married to Miss Clare M. Plummer of Summerhill, a daughter of Wallace and Mary E. (Brown) Plummer, residents of Pittsburgh. Mrs. Harding is a graduate of Summerhill School and attended Irving College. To Mr. and Mrs. Harding three children have been born: Virginia C., born July 10, 1906, a graduate of Gallitzin High School, attended Wilson College two years, living at home; William P., born March 2, 1912, a student in high school; and Christine Lois, born Dec. 29, 1917, in the grade schools. The family home is located on Jackson Street.
Other business ventures also claim some of Mr. Harding's attention. He is the owner of the Half Way Inn, located on the William Penn High-
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