He started to spread rumors of Harding's supposed black heritage, and encouraged local businessmen to boycott Harding's business interests.[8] When Harding found out what Kling was doing, according to Dean, Harding warned him "that he would beat the tar out of the little man if he didn't cease".[b][20]
The Hardings were married on July 8, 1891,[21] at their new home on Mount Vernon Avenue in Marion, which they had designed together in the Queen Anne style.[22] The marriage produced no children.[23] Harding affectionately called his wife "the Duchess" for a character in a serial from The New York Sun who kept a close eye on "the Duke" and their money.[24] Florence Harding became deeply involved in her husband's career, both at the Star and after he entered politics.[18] Exhibiting her father's determination and business sense, she helped turn the Star into a profitable enterprise through her tight management of the paper's circulation department.[25] She has been credited with helping Harding achieve more than he might have alone; some have suggested that she pushed him all the way to the White House.