Lawyers and Lawmakers of Kentucky, by H. Levin, editor, 1897. Published
by Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago.  Reprinted by Southern Historical
Press.  p. 117.  Franklin County.

MARTIN D. HARDIN was one of the prominent figures in the early history of
Kentucky and was honored by high office.  Born in Pennsylvania in 1780,
in April, 1786, his father, Colonel John Hardin, emigrated to Kentucky,
taking up his residence about three miles east of the present site of the
city of Springfield.  He was the victim of Indian treachery, being
killed by them while on a mission of peace.  The son was then a child of
about six years.  He was reared in that locality and chose as a life
work the practice of law, for which he prepared under the instruction of
Colonel George Nicholas, one of the most brilliant and gifted lawyers
connected with the Kentucky bar.  Mr. Hardin engaged in practice in
Richmond and afterward in Frankfort, meeting with marked success in both
cities.  Such was the high character of his talents that he took prestige
as the leader of the bar in Richmond and Frankfort.  He was a member of
the legislature in 1805.  In 1812 he served with the rank of major in
the rifle regiment commanded by Colonel John Allen in the campaign on
the northern border during the war with Great Britain, and proved himself
a brave, vigilant and efficient officer.  He was secretary of state from
1812 until 1816, under Governor Gabriel Slaughter to fill a vacancy in
the United States senate, 1816-1817; was a member of the house at
Frankfort and speaker in 1819.  He died in Frankfort October 8, 1823,
at the age of forty-three years.
     In 1808 he published a volume of decisions of the appellate court
which bears his name.  He was a scholarly lawyer and of exalted moral
worth, and was the preceptor of many aspiring young men some of whom
achieved success in the arena of the legal profession.  His cousin, Ben
Hardin, was one of the more celebrated.  He furnished his students with
precept and example.  Amongst other material advice which he gave to
all, the following is handed down and is not amiss here, in the record
of the lives of those whose examples are worthy of emulation by the
youth of our own day.
     "There are a few principles for governing a man's actions in life
that are worth more than ordinary fortunes, especially to professional
men.  I will give a few:  First, what you have to do, do at the first
time that it can be done.  This embraces many old proverbs--`take time
by the forelock,' etc.  It requires industry.  It begets leisure.
Secondly, do just one thing at a time.  In other words, finish what you
begin.  By this rule everything will be done better and in less time.
Thirdly, never use your clients' money, but inform him of its receipt by
the first mail and remit by the first opportunity.
     "A character for punctuality is thus acquired; a man is never
ashamed or afraid to meet his client, and he is relieved from remorse,
which always should attend the using of another man's money and not
replacing it when wanted.  I am sure that no man can habitually use his
clients' money and yet always have it ready when it ought to be paid,
let his wealth and credit be what they may.
     "I have said nothing about strict moral integrity; this is
indispensable; but I trust you stand not in need of any monitions on
that head.  I have attempted to make the above three rules the leading
ones in my business.  I never have departed from either, but I have felt
the effects of it.
     "You must not think that as you have got license you are a lawyer
and have nothing to do but get suits.
     "Occasionally mixing in company, going to public places and becoming
acquainted with the people and with human nature are necessary; but
habitual reading and attention (that is, remaining in your office) are
indispensable.
     "If you are closely and perseveringly industrious you will succeed;
if you are not, you will fail in your hopes."

Hardin Nicholas
=
Washington-KY Madison-KY PA

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