Chester Harding Jr. (October 16, 1827 – February 10, 1875) was an American lawyer and military officer who participated in the American Civil War, and is known for commanding the 43rd Missouri Infantry Regiment at the Battle of Glasgow, Missouri.

He entered military service upon the outbreak of the American Civil War, initially as a Lieutenant Colonel and Assistant Adjutant General on the staff of Brig.

Harding confronted the Confederates at the Battle of Glasgow, Missouri, which ended in defeat for the Union.

[2] When the war concluded, Harding was brevetted to Brigadier General for "faithful and meritorious services during the war"[1] and replaced Brigadier General John McNeil as commander of the District of Central Missouri.

Harding died in St. Louis on February 10, 1875, and was interred there in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.