Samuel Harding came from a family of lawyers and was known as an enterprising and progressive businessman in Danville in the late 1800s.

The Greensburg native came to Danville after he graduated at Georgetown College to join his father’s law firm. He later was a partner with his brother, Robert Harding.

Samuel also served three terms as county attorney, and his brother Robert, took over and served in the same capacity for 20 years.

After leaving the county attorney’s office, Samuel withdrew from the law practice and became extensively engaged in the real estate and building business.

He owned several pieces of real estate and invested in renting and leased real estate in Danville, Nicholasville, Burgin, Harrodsburg, McKinney and Wilmore.

He owned twice as many houses as any other man in the city, according to The Advocate-Messenger.

Samuel also owned a large planing mill and brick kiln in Danville. He purchased a planing mill for $1,890, in Junction City in 1890.

When his estate was settled in January 1904, an advertisement included 39 different buildings and houses, a brick yard, 20,000 bricks, hemp houses, cottages and 40 acres of land in Danville. The total sale was $43,000.

Born in Greensburg

After he graduated from Georgetown College, Samuel returned to Danville in 1867, and studied law in his father’s office.

Samuel was the son of Aaron Harding and Margaret Campbell Harding.

His father was a noted figure in public life and was a United States representative from Kentucky.

Aaron Harding was also elected as Unionist to the 37^th and 38^th Congresses and as a Democrat in the 39^th Congress.

Born near Campbellsville, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1833. He began his practice in Greensburg. After leaving Congress, he continued his practice of law in Danville. He died in 1875 in Georgetown.

Samuel was born Dec. 14, 1845, in Greensburg, and died in Danville on January 11, 1903, at the age of 56.

He had two brothers, Robert and John Harding; and two sisters, Mrs. Henry McDonald and Mrs. James Gentry.

He and Lucille Weisiger were married Oct. 20, 1879.

Both are buried in Bellevue Cemetery.