Identity area
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Authorized form of name
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Description area
Dates of existence
History
Albert Spencer Harding was born in Jamesville, Wisconsin on November 30, 1867. In 1883, he moved with his family to Spink County, Dakota Territory. In 1889, he entered Dakota Agricultural College. He earned his B.A. in agriculture in 1892, and went on to receive his M.A. from the University of Nebraska. In 1897, he returned to Brookings as a professor.
From 1897 to 1943, Harding taught courses at South Dakota State University [SDSU] in history, political science, sociology and economics. During his 54 years of teaching, he taught 600 different classes with a total of 11,798 students. In 1931, he was named head of the history and political science department, a position he held until his retirement.
In 1897 or 1898, Harding married Neva Marie Whaley of De Smet, SD. They had one adopted son, Robert. Neva Marie died at the age of 105 at Brookings, SD in 1978.
In addition to his work at the University, Harding was very involved the Brookings Kiwanis Club, the Methodist church and the Forum. / Harding's long association with the university makes him a part of its history in a way not duplicated. In 1952, Harding Hall was built on the SDSU campus to honor him. Another tribute to Harding is the Harding Distinguished Lecture Series, which has brought distinguished lecturers to campus since 1963.
Harding died on December 2, 1952 in Brookings, SD.