Biography of Irvin M. Harvey
Posted 11 Feb 2011 by jhassinger_1(Ancestry)
From: Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including
the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing
Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc.
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898

IRVIN M. HARVEY. This gentleman occupies no unimportant position
among the leading farmers of Boggs township. He was born in Huntingdon
county, Penn., February 1, 1851, a son of Henry L. Harvey, whose birth
occurred September 2, 1824, in Clinton county, this State. At the age
of seventeen years the father went to Huntingdon county, where he
operated a foundry and machine shop until the spring of 1865, when he
came to Centre county, and here engaged in farming until 1890. He now
makes his home at Altoona, Penn. He is a son of Isaac and Catharine
Harvey, who were born in Berks county, Penn., but at an early day
became residents of Centre county, Pennsylvania.
Attaining to man's estate, Henry L. Harvey was united in marriage
with Miss Isabella Irvin, who was born at Jersey Shore, Penn., a
daughter of William and Mary Irvin, natives of Ireland, who on coming
to the United States located in Lycoming county, this State. Our
subject is the eldest of the four children born of this union, the
others being Anderson F., now of Olean, N.Y. ; Ellery B., of
Williamsport, Penn.; and William, who died in infancy. The mother died
in Huntingdon county, May 21, 1857, at the age of twenty-
seven years, and afterward the father wedded Miss Lizzie Gardner, who
was born in Blair county, Penn., and died in 1888 at the age of fifty-
five years. Six children graced the second marriage: George C. and
Martha B., both of Altoona, Penn.; Cora, wife of Frank Strunk, of
Bellefonte, Centre county; Walter C., deceased; John H., of Toledo,
Ohio; and Charles I., deceased.
At the age of twenty-five years, Irvin M. Harvey left home and began
life on his own account. For two years he operated rented land in
Clinton county, and at the end of that time removed to Centre county,
where he also engaged in agricultural pursuits. After renting for three
years, he purchased his present valuable farm of 140 acres in Boggs
township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since
devoted his time and attention with most gratifying results.
On February 24, 1876, Mr. Harvey was married to Miss Julia C. Curtin,
and to them have been born four sons and three daughters, namely:
Joseph W., Rebecca A., Oscar C., Katie, Isabella, Harry and John F.,
all at home. Mrs. Harvey was born October 9, 1853, in Boggs township,
at what is now known as Curtin, and is a daughter of Austin and Rebecca
(Bathurst) Curtin, also natives of that county, the mother born July
16, 1817. The father, who was born August 26, 1801, was interested in
the noted Curtin Iron Works, at Curtin, but his later days were spent
upon the homestead farm where his widow now resides. He died July 21,
1871.
Mr. Harvey gives his political support to the Democratic party, but
has never aspired to office. Socially, he holds membership with the
Grange, and religiously is a faithful member of the Church of Christ.
He holds a prominent place among the intelligent farmers of the
community, and his integrity, manliness and true Christian character
have won the respect of all.
(Karne55)

A sudden heart attack caused the death of Irvin Mitchell Harvey, aged 85 years 5 months and 1 day, well known State College resident, who died at his home at 9:45 A.M. Friday after an illness of only three hours. He had apparently been enjoying good health up to the time he suffered the attack. Mr. Harvey was born at Spruce Creek, February 2, 1851, the son of Henry L. and Isabelle Harvey, both deceased. He later accompanied his parents to Half Moon Valley and later to Bellefonte, where they made their home. After his marriage to Miss Julia Curtin in 1876, Mr. Harvey followed the farming profession for 2 years until his health became poor and his physician urged him to move into town. He moved to State College with his family more than 30 years ago. For eight years he operated a bus and mail route from Lemont to State College. He was a member of the Christian Church. The deceased is survived by his second wife, Maude B. Roundtree Harvey, whom he married in 1922, and the following children: Joseph W. and Oscar C. Harvey of State College, Mrs. A. C. leathers, Rehoboth Beach, Del., Mrs. Walter Mason of Newark, NJ and J. Fred Harvey, of Philipsburg. Two half-brothers and two half-sisters survive. George C. Harvey and Mrs. Bella Noll of Altoona; Mrs. Cora Strunk and Dr. J. H. Harvey, of Columbus, Ohio.
Funeral services were held at his late home at 2:30 o'clock on Sunday afternoon by the Rev. H. F. Babcock, burial being made in the Pine Hall Cemetery. Centre Democrat, July 3, 1936, Keystone Gazette and Centre Reporter.
Contributor: J Curtin Baum (49513242)