Thomas Harding (1824-1893)

DECEASED BRETHREN

Thomas Harding (1824-1893) was born in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, [note: his grave marker says “Berkshire” but while Abingdon was formerly in Berkshire it is now Abingdon-On-Thames, Oxfordshire], U.K. and died at his home in Victoria on 5 January 1893.

His grave marker displays a Masonic Square & Compasses. We are currently researching his Lodge membership details.

City Directories of the period show “HARDING, Thos., baker 75 Fort Street, 82 Superior Street” and “Fort Street… 75 Vancouver Bakery Thomas Harding” so it appears Thomas Harding as the owner of the Vancouver Bakery. At that time 75 Fort Street was on the south side of Fort Street between Douglas Street and Blanshard Street.

His death notice in the Colonist newspaper reads:

“HARDING – At his residence, 82 Superior Street, on the 5th Instant, Thomas Harding, a native of London, England, aged 58 years.

The funeral will take place on Sunday at 2:15 p.m. from his late residence as above, and at 2:45 p.m. from Christ Church Cathedral. Friends are invited to attend.”

[Source: Colonist, 8 January 1893, page 10]

Thomas Harding is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C. His grave marker says he died in 1890 but according to the newspaper reports of his death he died in 1893.

Thomas Harding’s grave marker is an interesting example of a late 19th century metal grave monument. These were made of a vanadium alloy and separate panels could be ordered which could be attached to the metal frame. Another example of this in Ross Bay Cemetery is the grave of Coote Mulloy Chambers, Past Grand Master.

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