Representative Matthew Harvey

Matthew Harvey (June 21, 1781 – April 7, 1866) was a United States representative from New Hampshire, the 13th governor of New Hampshire, and a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. As a member of the Unknown Party representing New Hampshire, he contributed to the legislative process during two terms in office. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, in the early national and antebellum eras, during which he participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his constituents.

Harvey was born on June 21, 1781, in Sutton, New Hampshire, the son of Matthew Harvey and Hannah (Hadley) Harvey. He was raised in rural New Hampshire and educated under private tutors, reflecting the educational practices available to families of some means in the late eighteenth century. He later attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, graduating in 1806. After college he pursued legal studies by reading law, completing his legal preparation in 1809. That same year he was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law.

From 1809 to 1814, Harvey engaged in private legal practice in Hopkinton, New Hampshire. His work as an attorney in a small but growing New England community brought him into contact with local civic and political affairs. This experience helped launch his public career and established his reputation as a capable lawyer and community leader at a time when the state and nation were grappling with the aftermath of the American Revolution and the challenges of the War of 1812.

Harvey entered elective office as a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, serving from 1814 to 1821. During this period he quickly rose to prominence within the state legislature, serving as Speaker of the New Hampshire House for three terms from 1818 to 1820. His leadership in the state house coincided with a period of political realignment and economic transition in New England, and it prepared him for subsequent service at the national level.

Harvey was elected as a Democratic-Republican from New Hampshire’s at-large congressional district to the United States House of Representatives for the 17th Congress and was reelected as a National Republican to the 18th Congress, serving from March 4, 1821, to March 3, 1825. During his two terms in Congress, he represented New Hampshire in Washington at a time marked by debates over internal improvements, tariffs, and the evolving balance of power between the federal government and the states. Because of a 14-inch club foot on his right leg, fellow congressmen ironically nicknamed him “Lefty,” a detail that illustrates the personal challenges he faced while maintaining an active public career.

After leaving the U.S. House of Representatives, Harvey continued his state-level political service. He was a member of the New Hampshire Senate from 1825 to 1827 and served as President of the Senate during that tenure. He then served on the Executive Council of New Hampshire from 1828 to 1829, participating in the oversight of state executive functions and appointments. Building on this extensive legislative and executive experience, Harvey was elected the 13th governor of New Hampshire, taking office in 1830. He served as governor until his resignation on February 28, 1831, when he left the governorship to accept a federal judicial appointment.

Harvey’s federal judicial service began with a recess appointment from President Andrew Jackson on November 2, 1830, to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of New Hampshire, which had been vacated by Judge John S. Sherburne. Jackson formally nominated him to the same position on December 14, 1830. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on December 16, 1830, and he received his commission that same day. Harvey’s judicial career spanned more than three decades, during which he presided over federal cases in New Hampshire through a period of significant national growth, sectional tension, and the Civil War.

Harvey remained on the federal bench until his death, making him one of the longer-serving United States district judges of his era. His service terminated on April 7, 1866, upon his death in Concord, New Hampshire. He was interred in Old North Cemetery in Concord, a burial ground that holds many of the state’s notable political figures. Harvey was part of a politically active family; his brother Jonathan Harvey also served as a United States representative from New Hampshire, underscoring the family’s longstanding involvement in public life.