Charles Edward Hovey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Edward Hovey
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Charles Edward Hovey
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| First President of Illinois State Normal University | |
| In office 1857–1861 |
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| Succeeded by | Richard Edwards |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 26, 1827 Thetford, Vermont, U.S. |
| Died | November 17, 1897 (aged 70) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States Union |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Charles Edward Hovey (born April 26, 1827 – died November 17, 1897) was an important person in education and a brave soldier during the American Civil War. He was a teacher, a college president, and later became a high-ranking general in the United States Army.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Charles Edward Hovey was born in Thetford, Vermont, on April 26, 1827. His parents were Alfred and Abigail Hovey. When he was just fifteen years old, he started working as a teacher in Vermont. For a short time, he also worked as a lumberjack.
In 1848, Hovey began his college studies at Dartmouth. He taught during the summer breaks to help pay for his education. He successfully graduated from Dartmouth in 1852. After college, he briefly studied law and taught school in Framingham, Massachusetts. He even became the principal of the Framingham Academy and High School.
A Leader in Illinois Education
After his time in Massachusetts, Hovey moved to Illinois. There, he became the principal and then the superintendent of schools in Peoria. He was chosen to be the President of the Illinois State Teacher's Association. He also became a member of the first Illinois State Board of Education.
Hovey played a big part in starting Illinois State University. At that time, it was known as Illinois State Normal University. He served as the first president of the university from 1857 to 1861.
Charles Hovey was married to Harriette Farnham (Spofford) Hovey. They had three children: Edward, Alfred, and Richard. Their son, Richard Hovey, grew up to be a famous poet, artist, and college professor.
Military Career During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Hovey left his job at the university. He quickly helped create the 33rd Illinois Infantry regiment. This group was mostly made up of teachers and students from his school.
On August 15, 1861, he became a colonel. He led his regiment to Missouri, where they fought in several small battles. In July 1862, at the Battle of Cotton Plant, Hovey's soldiers were greatly outnumbered. However, they bravely fought off many attacks from the Confederate army.
Hovey was then made a Brigadier General in September 1862. He played a very important role in the capture of Arkansas Post in January 1863. During this battle, he was wounded in his arm by a shell. Even with his injury, he continued to lead his soldiers.
Because of his injury, Hovey had to leave active duty. After the war ended, he was given a special promotion. He became a major general for his "gallant and meritorious conduct in battle," especially at Arkansas Post.
Later Years and Legacy
After the war, Charles Hovey and his wife lived in Washington, D.C.. He had studied law briefly before. He became a successful lobbyist for pensions and worked as an attorney.
Charles Edward Hovey passed away in Washington D.C. on November 17, 1897. He was buried with full military honors in Arlington National Cemetery.
Today, a building at Illinois State University is named "Hovey Hall" in his honor. It was renamed in 1959 and holds important administrative offices, including the Office of the President.
