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June 29, 1966 from the Mt. Vernon Democrat - Sequisentennial Edition

Alvin P. Hovey--Soldier, Politician and Statesman

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Perhaps the most celebrated native of Mt. Vernon was General Alvin Peterson Hovey, born September 6, 1821, a quarter-mile west of Farmersville. The man rose to great fame locally and nationally in the legal profession, as a politician and as a soldier

Hovey's father died when the youth was 15, and he and his mother came to Mt. Vernon to live. The boy went to school in a building which was located at the time on the southeast corner of the public square, and later in his life he taught there for a brief period. Hovey became apprenticed to his brother as a bricklayer and followed the trade for some time, doing his last job on the Fullinwider home which stands today on the corner of Sixth Street and College Avenue. It wasn't long, however, that Hovey decided to become a lawyer and started his study of law with Judge John Pitcher. He was admitted to the Indiana bar at the age of 22, and eight years later was appointed judge of the Third Judicial District.

Soon after, Hovey was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Indiana Supreme Court, becoming the youngest ever to fill a post there. In 1856, his career as an attorney went even higher as President Pierce appointed him US District Attorney, a post which he lost subsequently when President Buchanan took office. Hovey was an ardent supporter of Stephen A. Douglas. In 1858, Hovey ran unsuccessfully for govenor.

The bleak days of the Civil War came to Mt. Vernon and the famous attorney was the first to begin organization of a company of volunteers, which later became the First Regiment of the Indiana Legion. He was made colonel of the company and later became leader of the 24th Indiana volunteers under General Freeman in Missouri. Hovey and Robert Dale Owens went to Indianapolis to get arms for the new company.

Hovey distinguished himself at the battle of Shiloh and was made a Brigadier General. Following the battle of Champion's Hill he was made commander of the 13th Army Corps and was commended by General Grant. In 1864, he was made a Major General and was directed to raise 10,000 recruits.

During the latter days of the Civil War, Hovey was commander of a district of Indiana which was particularly dangerous. It was threatened by groups like the "sons of Liberty" and the "Knights of the Golden Circle," both determined to overthrow the government.

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Hovey's success as a soldier was rewarded by an appointment as minister to Peru, a post which he filled from 1865 to 1870. Upon his return, he resumed his practice of law in Mt. Vernon. In 1886 General Hovey was elected to the US Congress, where he actively supported the Union. His campaign in war and in politics bore fruit soon after when he was elected in 1888 as governor of Indiana, serving only part of his term. He died unexpectedly November 23, 1891, and was buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery.

Hovey's world was one of activity. His service to community, state and nation is a memorable one, and one of which Mt. Vernon has been duly proud.

In 1949, along with 23 other early Indiana govenors, Hovey was applauded by the city with many prominent persons taking an active part. The celebration was sponsored by Hoosier Historical Institutes and Kiwanis Hoosierland Committee. J. D. Crabtree, Jr., was head of plans locally, and emcee for the event of May 18, was Frank J. Fessenden, ex-mayor of Mt. Vernon. Special guest speaker was Justice Frank E. Gilkinson, Indiana Supreme Court Justice, and G. Edward Gehrens, who gave the "local viewpoint" of the native son.

The recital, as it was called, was held on the west lawn of the Mt. Vernon Elks Home, the site of Hovey's first law office and residence. Diagonally across the street stands the Masonic Home which was Hovey's residence during the zenith of his career.

Text copied from Mt. Vernon Democrat - June 29, 1966 Edition (Pictures not in original article)

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Many references to Gov. Hovey may be found in articles in Ray's Ramblings. Search for Hovey.