Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1862-04-30
GOV. HARVEY.


HARVEY. by drowning, has cast gloom
over our whole community. Nothing
ever transpired giving such universal
shock to the community. But few
days since, he left us in the bloom of
health and manly strength, with every
prospect of long, useful, and honorable
career before him. lie went upon an
errand Of philauthropy-to gather up the
dead, and alleviate the sufferings OF our
wounded in the battle of Pittsburg Land
ing. In the discharge of this noble mis-
sion, he met with the accident which re-
suited in his death.
We have not now the facts in our pos
session to give more than outline of his
biography. Born in Connecticut, bis pa
rents removable Ohio while he was yet
lad. He received n thorough common
school education, and subsequently spent
some time as student at Oxford College
Ohio, but we believe did not graduate.
From Ohio, he came to Southport
now Kenosha-in this State, about the
year 1915. There he spent two or three
years, part of the time employed as a
teacher, and the remainder in editing the
Southport 14s,eriean. lie removed from
Southport to Clinton, Rock County, and
there engaged in trade. In lS47 he was
elected to the constitutional convention,
aud though among the youngest mem
bers, soon became conspicuous as one of
the ablcst debaters in that body, which
comprised the best talent of the State.
A year or two afterwards he removed
to Shopiere, Rock Co., where he has
since resided. His next appearance in
public life, outside his county, was in
1853, when he was elected to the State
Senate from the Southern district of
Rock county. He continued in the Sem
ate for the next four years, and was one
of the most useful and prominent men,
hers of that body. In 1854, and again
in 1857, his name was prominently men
toned for United States Senator. He
was also suggested rs candidate for Con-
gress in this district in 1854, and in
1856, but though his chances were fair
for obtaining non ination, he preferred
to give his support to Hon. c. c. Wash
burne, who was largely indebted to him
ior his first and subsequent nominations.
In 1859 he was elected Sec etary of
State, and in discharge Of the duties of
that office, manifested an energy, ability,
and scrupulous regard for the public in
terests, which inspired the highest conf
dence in him among the people of the
State. II that office, aud in the capaci-
ty of school land commissioner, he has
rendered very great and valuable public
services. Last fall, he was almost unani-
mously nominated by the Union and
Republican State Conventions, for the
office of Governor, and was elected by n
large majority. During his brief tenure
Of the executive Office, lie has given the
highest promise of u>efulness. His death
at this time, is calamity 10 the State.
Gov. HARVEY was member of the
Congregational Church, n man of strictly
temperate habits, and 10 all the walks of
hfe, an upright citizen, exemplary, hon
Orable, public spirited, always ready to
extend helping hand to the unfortunate
and to bear his part in every public bur
den. He was but forty two years Of age
Mt the time Of his death, and looked ten
years younger. His ace had the clear,
fresh, rudy bloom of perfect health, and
we all anticipated for him long life of
usefulness and conspicuous public service.
His whole heart was enlisted in the Ma
tional cause. and by his untimely death,
tho country has lest most earnest pat
riot, and the National Administration the
cooperation of a most vigorous and eff
eient .Sto:e Journal.