BIO: Irvin M. HARVEY, Centre County, PA

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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.
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  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

COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.  341

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.