A thrill of sorrow ran through the community this morn. when it was announced that James A. HARDING, sheriff of this city and county, had died suddenly. Sheriff Harding was born at Harding's Point on the main river, his father being William HARDING and the family is one of the oldest in the province. He was educated in this city, studied law with the late William WRIGHT and in 1840 was admitted to practice. In 1843 he became, under the old custom of the city, a freeman. After practicing law for a time he went into business as a flour merchant under the style of J.A. Harding & Co. In 1851 Mr. Harding was elected to the Legislature as a representative for the city of Saint John and in 1854 was Speaker of the House. On the death of the late Charles JOHNSTON in 1858, he was appointed high sheriff of the city and county of St. John and held the position until the time of his death. Sheriff Harding married Miss HAMMOND who survives him. He leaves one son, Herbert HARDING, who is in New York and two daughters, Emma HARDING and Mrs. PAYNE, both of whom are members of his household. Of his own generation two brothers survive, Geo. F. HARDING and Capt. William HARDING. There are also two sisters, Mrs. FLAGG who resides in Washington State on the Pacific and an unmarried sister resident here. Born in August 1819, Sheriff Harding has nearly completed his 74th year. (see original)