Founded as the “Daily Pebble,” the format of the small newspaper grew and became “The Marion Daily Star.” When Harding acquired the newspaper in 1884, it was struggling. Its questionable financial position improved following the marriage of Harding to Florence Kling DeWolfe, who promptly set about to straighten out the accounting and increase circulation. Although Harding's editorial department slanted toward the Republican platform, the daily paper remained somewhat neutral due to its position as the newspaper of record for Marion County, Ohio. Harding held ownership of the paper until mid-1923.