Edward B Harding

Narrative

Second Lieutenant Edward Harding was shot and killed while investigating a disturbance at a local saloon on the corner of 9th Street and Walnut Street (Present day Muhammad Ali Boulevard). He was making his rounds when he heard the commotion inside and entered the business to investigate. One of the men, William Courtney, immediately produced a revolver and shot Lieutenant Harding in the shoulder.

As Lieutenant Harding fell against a counter, the man then shot him in the back, killing him. As the suspect fled from the saloon, he shot at another policeman. The policeman, George L. Ferguson, returned fire, fatally striking the suspect in the head.

Lieutenant Harding was a Lieutenant with the United States Army Second Kentucky Infantry during the Civil War. He had served with the Louisville Division of Police for 20 years. He is survived by his wife and five (5) children.