Michael P. Harding, deceased, was for many years prominently identified with Branford's commercial interests and in his death the community lost an honored and valued citizen. He was born in that village, April 15, 1850, a son of Francis and Ellen (Farley) Harding, both of whom were natives of Ireland. When a young man the father came to America and was one of the first Irishmen to locate in Branford, where he was engaged in the grocery business for several years, opening a store on Montowese street in 1856. He was a genial, pleasant gentleman, extremely charitable and a leader among the Irish of his time in Branford. He gave the land for the first Roman Catholic church erected in the village and contributed liberally to its support. Three of his daughters are now Sisters in a convent. Michael P. Harding was the oldest of the family of seven children and the first child born of Irish parents in Branford, where the parents were married and continued to make their home until death.

Michael P. Harding began his education in the public schools of Branford and later attended the Branford Academy and the Yale Business College in New Haven. He was only twenty-one years of age when his father died, leaving his mother, four sisters and one brother dependent upon him, and there were also debts to be paid, as his father had endorsed notes for parties who never paid them. Mr. Harding took charge of the grocery store and in its management met with most excellent success, so that it was not long before he was able to pay off all indebtedness. In 1902 he retired from business, selling the store to his head clerk, but when the latter died a few years later he again took control and remained in active business until he, too, passed away on the 18th of April, 1917. He was also a director and vice president of the Branford Savings Bank from the time of its organization until his death.

At Wallingford, Connecticut, July 1, 1896, Mr. Harding was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Harland, who was born at that place and was educated at the Convent de Notre Dame, of Waterbury, Connecticut. Her parents, Matthew and Mary (McCabe) Harland, were natives of Ireland, and her father was related to the Harlands, famous shipbuilders of Ireland. He was educated at the University of Dublin and shortly after his graduation came to America, locating at Wallingford, Connecticut, where he engaged in contracting for the manufacture of silverware in the factory of R. Wallace & Company, and became one of the prominent citizens of that place. He was honored with several town offices and was a director of a bank in Wallingford, being prominently identified with both the public and business interests of the town. His wife had come from Ireland with her parents during girlhood and settled in Wallingford. Both Mr. and Mrs. Harland are now deceased. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Harding, Mary Eleanor (1st) passed away in infancy. The living daughters are Frances Margaret, Sarah Irene and Mary Eleanor.

The family still occupy the Harding home on Montowese street, which is over two hundred years old, but was entirely remodeled and made up-to-date by Mr. Harding. He was a member of the Holy Name Society and a very devout Catholic, doing all within his power to promote the interests of the church. He was also a very charitable man, giving liberally of his means to the poor and needy, although his gifts were unostentatiously made and few knew of his many acts of kindness. For many years he was one of Branford's most prominent business men and his death was widely and deeply mourned, for he left many friends as well as his immediate family, and all who knew him held him in the highest regard.