Harvey, J. E.

HARVEY, REHMEL, KRAKAW, HENDRICKS HENRY

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 5/25/2021 at 14:31:47

J. E. Harvey, residing on section 36, Dutch Creek Township, is a farmer and a stock-raiser, one of the oldest settlers of this county, and supposed to be the first white child born within its boundaries. He was born Feb. 9, 1840, and is the son of W. L. and Martha Harvey, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Maryland, but of German descent. They were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are yet living: John, a farmer in Montana; Ann, the wife of G. Augustine, a farmer in Dutch Creek Township; Mary, the wife of George Ward, a farmer and carpenter of Dutch Creek Township; Elijah is also engaged in farming, and resides in Hardin County, Iowa; J. E. is the subject of this sketch; Martha is the wife of Alex Miksch, a farmer in Dutch Creek Township; Hettie is the wife of James Harcuff, residing in New Sharon, Mahaska Co., Iowa; Emily and Joseph are deceased.

In 1838, the father of our subject came with the family to Washington County, Iowa, and settled on a farm near Washington, where he remained until 1845 and then settled on a farm of 363 acres in Dutch Creek Township, where he resided until his death in 1880, at the age of seventy-three. His wife died in 1859. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Harvey was an energetic man, generous to a fault, a kind and indulgent parent, one whose death was mourned by family and friends alike. He held various township offices in this county, though never seeking office.

The subject of this sketch remained at home on his father’s farm, assisting in its cultivation during the summer months and attending the district schools during the winter months, until 1862 when he enlisted in Co. F, 30th Iowa Vol. Inf., and served until the close of the war. He was in the battles of Arkansas Post, Jackson, Miss., the siege of Vicksburg, the second battle of Jackson, Miss., with Sherman through the Atlanta campaign, at Resaca, Ga., where the union troops drove Hood out of that State into Alabama, and then in the march to the sea, and on to Washington, where the 30th Iowa was the first in the grand review, and where the regiment was discharged June 16, 1865. On receiving his discharge, Mr. Harvey returned to his home in Washington County and resumed the occupation as a farmer.

On the 16th of April, 1866, our subject was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Rehmel, a native of Ohio, born in February, 1848, and a daughter of John and Theresa (Krakaw) Rehmel. Three children were born unto them – Naomi, Wilbur W. and John W. Mrs. Harvey died June 1, 1874, and in June, 1876, Mr. Harvey married Miss Samantha Hendricks. By this union there were two children – Hettie and Nora. In February, 1882, death once more visited Mr. Harvey’s home, taking his wife. In December of the same year, he was again married, choosing as a companion Miss Rebecca Henry. By this union there are three children – Cora, Anna and Charles. Mr. Harvey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the I. O. O. F. In all public affairs he takes considerable interest, and is ever ready to do his part in promoting any enterprise that is calculated for the public good. The first child born in Washington County, he is an honor to the place of his birth.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of J. E. Harvey, pages 344-345.