Harvey Vinal

As printed in 1881

HARVEY VINAL, now liveryman, formerly attorney at law, Springfield. Col. Vinal is truly one of the “ oldest and best." Born in New York State in, 1807, April 13, he spent the prime of his life in the “ Queen City,” when it was smaller than the Springfield of to-day, leaving Cincinnati in 1829; in 1833 (memorable as the year in which the stars fell) he pitched his tent in the then little village of Springfield, innocent, at that early date, of anything like railroads or corporation lines, and the Colonel’s career of nearly half a century as a worthy citizen, gentleman and friend, finds him to-day venerated and beloved by all—for all know him. Aug. 18, 1879, was his “ golden wedding” anniversary, and Mys. Col. Vinal is still living; of their three children, the son is Adjutant of the 16th Regiment of United States Regulars; one daughter is single, and the other is Mrs. Elizabeth Smith. Col. Vinal had’ to abandon his legal profession fifteen years ago on account of his health, hence his present avocation. His business affairs compelled him to decline the appointment tendered him, during the war, of the Coloneley of the 44th Ohio State troops. The Colonel served his constituency (of the Senatorial district composed, as now, of Clark, Champaign and Madison Counties) four years in the State Senate, and was thrice chosen Clerk of Courts here, filling the office from 1850 to 1859 most creditably; during his Senatorial term, he drafted the charter for the town of Springfield, which was at that term granted. The manufacturers of this miniature Birmingham then consisted of a blacksmith-shop; Dr. John Ludlow, Ed H. Cumming (now an Episcopal clergyman) and the subject of this sketch organized the second military company of which Springfield was the headquarters, and young Vinal was elected Captain. The Colonel is a prominent and bright Mason, a Knight Templar, and at present Prelate of Palestine Commandery, of this city, and was for one year Grand High Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Ohio. To do Col. Harvey Vinai’s long, honorable and varied career any sort of justice would require greater space than can be afforded in this volume; but enough has been said in this superficial sketch to establish his strong and acknowledged claims upon the affections and esteem of his fellow-citizens and all who know him.

As printed in The History of Clark County Ohio, (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.