New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-05-10
OBITUARY.
GENERAL WILLIAM sELBY HARVEY, U. S. a.
ST. Louis, May GA private dispatch received here
this noon rports the death to-day at Orlando, Fls OF
General William selby Harvey, tho Oldest officer Of
the United States Army.


General Harvey was the son Of Thomas Harvey,
an onicer OF the Revolution, and a brother OF John
Milton Harvey, the poet He was born near Hsysboro,
DAVIDSON county Tenn, August 81, 1900, ana on
February H. lsa he entered the Army from Louisiana
as a second lieutenant OF the LIST Infantry. on
January 7, 1872 he became a first lieutenant. He
was Transferred to the lst Artillery IN 1921 and In tho
following year he returned the LIST Infantry liz
was commissioned as captain in 1892 and in 1883 he
was made a paymastcr with the rank OF major Ho
took part in the Black Hawk war 1889, and also In
the Florida war; distinguishing himself at Fort Mellon
and at CRroosahatchie He commanded several e.
petitions into the Everglades aad In iSfO ne was
made a brevct colonel for gallant and meritoriOus
conduct" IN several successive engagements with the
hostile Indians In 1915 he became colonel OF the
I'd Dragons and took part In the Mexican VAT He
mentioned for bravery At Medellin and was
made a brevet brigadier general for gaiantT al
Cerro 0ordO. In 1885 ho completely defeated the
Sioux Indians at Sand Ullls on the north FORK Oh
the Platte. IN June, 1888, he became brigadior-
general, and placed in command OF tho Depart
ment of Oregon On July o. 1859. no took possession
of the island Of San Juan, near vancouver which
was claimed by the English Government to be In
cluded within the boundaries of British Columbia
A dispute with Great Britain followed, and General
Harvey wGs recalled
After his rucan from Oregon. General Harvey was
placed In command OF the Department OF the West
al Harper's Ferry, whHe on his way from ST. Louis
20 Washington, and was taken 10 Richmond There
he met many old acquaintance, who urged him 20
Join tho South but their arguments we're unsvallng
Harvey was speedily released. and went at once 10
Washington On his return TO st. LOds BIO
entered into an agreement with General Sterling Price,
commanding tho Missouri militia, TO make no military
movement 50 long peace was maintained BY The
State authorities This truce was unauthorized and
General Harvey relieved OF his command. and In
August 1903, he placcd on tho retired list In
I565 he mado o brevot major general for long aud
faithful service. For many years General llarpey
made his home at st. Louis but has spent most OF his
winters IN Mississippi Florida
General Harvey was ono OF the most Shful indian
fighters in tho Army and his life was full OF adventure
In hts youthful days he famous as q runner and
for his skill In ali things that valuable to The
Indian fighter Ho was most proud, however, OF his
influence the Northern Indians, Who after good
hrashingS learned to trust 10 his good faith and
Justice In their behalf One OF tho great overland rail-
road companies Offered General Harvey 10000 eros
mark OF IT'S appreciation OF HIS Influence With the
Indians and his power TO avert war by his presence IN
the Indian country. but no declined the land.