3 South Street, undated

Collection Name:

George W. Perry Scrapbooks

Title:

3 South Street, undated

Creator:

Perry, George W., 1891-1971

Creator Role:

Collector

Accession / Call Number:

1974.045

Object ID:

1974.045.11.001

Type of Material:

graphic material

Physical Description:

1 photograph

Language:

English

Scope and Content:

Undated photographic print of the house at 3 South Street in Concord, NH. A photocopy of the caption states, "Number 3 South Street Formerly the residence of Judge Matthew Harvey, who was also a governor of New Hampshire way back in the thirties. Governor in the year 1830. Concord directory of 1853 gives his house as, Harvey, Matthew, judge-north end South-street. Concord directory of 1856; 1860 and 1864 as Judge U S Districk [District] Court, at 162 State street. He was a member of the first city council in 1853 as ward alderman from ward six. July 2, 1862, President Lincoln issued a call for three hundred thousand men for three years. Towns and cities held public meetings to discuss the situation, and to devise ways and means to raise their quatas [quotas] for filling the new regiments. Such a Union war meeting, large and enthusiastic [enthusiastic], was held at the city hall on the evening of the 22d of July. Party lines were ignored. Joseph B. Walker presided; and the seven vice-presidents, one from each ward chose Matthew Harvey for ward six. In 1848 an insurance company was chartered, called New Hampshire Mutual Health Insurance Company, whose affairs were managed by Matthew Harvey, president. Matthew Harvey was a native of Sutton, his birthday being the 21st of June, 1781. After graduation at Dartmouth, in 1806, he began practice in Hopkinton. In those days Hopkinton was a place of considerable importance, the courts sitting there and sometimes the legislature. He early became interested in politics, and in his own words he gives an epitome of his career: 'In 1814 I was chosen representative to the legislature and continues for seven years successively, the last three of which I was speaker. During the last year I was elected to congress, and served four years. When I returned home I had been elected to the state senate, and so continued three years, being president all that time; then chosen councilor two years, and then in 1830 elected governor of the state. During that year I received the appointment of judge of the United States district court from President Jackson, and have held that office to the present time (1864) - a period of fifty years of officeholding, not omitting a day.' His record was certainly remarkable, and probably unparalled in New Hampshire. His career in one respect was without precedent, for he was the only governor of New Hampshire who every resigned his office to be succeeded by the president of the senate. Judge Harvey remained on the federal bench thirty-six years, again making for himself a record of judicial tenure almost unsurpassed. Ha failed in nothing, though he was not a brilliant man nor a very deep lawer, but he possessed a stout understanding, a solid character, and a genuine interest in his work. He deserves mention for his efforts while governor to abolish imprisonment for debt and for certain other measures of prison reform. His private life was charming, and his residence was often the scene of hospitality. His nature was kindly, his generosity free, and his public spirit pronounced. He came to Concord in 1850, and lived at the time of his death, in 1866, on North State street near Court street. The semi-centennial of the Declaration of Independence, was observed in Concord on July 4, 1826. Cannon and bells announced the opening of the day, crowds began to congreate [congregate], booths were built, and private houses from the lower bridge to the meeting-house offered greetings and good cheer. Governor Morril and his council, the senate with Matthew Harvey at its head, marched to the meeting-house, where prayer was offered by Dr. Bouton. Matthew Harvey, LL. D., judge of the United States district court, Concord was one of the Original Trustees and Incorporators of Saint Paul's School, Concord, New Hampshire. Matthew Harvey was ward alderman from ward six in 1853. Matthew Harvey was United States District Judge, from 1831 to 1866. Matthew Harvey was a Honorary member of the Governor's Horse Guards over for photographs."

Subjects:

Dwellings

Locations:

Concord, NH

Terms of Use:

For permission to reproduce or publish material from this collection, please contact the New Hampshire Historical Society. Researchers are responsible for following all copyright and intellectual property laws.

Credit Line:

Gift of May Nutter.

Restrictions:

Available for research.

Level Description:

Item

Box Number:

2