Harvey Washington Walter facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harvey Washington Walter
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| Born | 1819 Ohio, U.S.
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| Died | 1878 |
| Resting place | Hillcrest Cemetery |
| Occupation | Lawyer, railroad executive |
| Title | Colonel |
| Spouse(s) | Fredonia Brown |
| Children | 4 sons, 3 daughters |
Harvey Washington Walter (1819–1878) was an American lawyer and a leader in the railroad business. He was the President of the Mississippi Central Railroad. During the Civil War, he invited Union General Ulysses Grant and his wife, Julia Grant, to stay in his large home, Walter Place. He later died from yellow fever after turning his home into a hospital to help people who were sick.
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Early Life and Career Beginnings
Harvey Washington Walter was born in Fairfield, Ohio, on May 21, 1819. As an adult, he moved to Holly Springs, Mississippi. There, he began his career as a lawyer. He also became the President of the Mississippi Central Railroad, which was a very important job at the time.
Walter's Role in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Colonel Walter worked as a Judge Advocate for the Confederate States Army. This meant he helped with legal matters for the army. Even though he worked for the Confederacy, he did not agree with the idea of states leaving the United States.
Because of his beliefs, he did something very unusual. He invited Union General Ulysses Grant and his wife, Julia Grant, to stay in his home, Walter Place. This was during a time when the Union Army was in Holly Springs.
Protecting Julia Grant
A different story about this time comes from Julia Grant herself. She wrote that she had already left Holly Springs when Confederate soldiers took over the town. She said that the soldiers wanted to take her belongings from the Walter house. However, they were not allowed inside. The soldiers did burn her coach and take her horses.
Confederate General Earl Van Dorn led the attack on Holly Springs. His goal was not to free the town. Instead, he wanted to destroy supplies that could help the Union troops. After destroying the supplies, his army left. Because of Walter's actions, the Union Army did not damage his house.
Building Walter Place
Between 1858 and 1860, Walter hired an architect named Spires Boling. He asked Boling to build his grand home, Walter Place, in Holly Springs, Mississippi. This house became a famous landmark.
Helping Others During the Yellow Fever Epidemic
In 1878, a terrible disease called yellow fever spread through the area. Harvey Walter decided to turn his large home, Walter Place, into a hospital. He wanted to help people who were sick with the fever. He sent his wife and youngest children away to keep them safe. However, his three older sons stayed behind to help him care for the patients.
Sadly, Harvey Walter and all three of his sons who stayed to help became sick. They all died from the yellow fever within a week of each other.
Legacy and Family
Harvey Walter was buried at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Holly Springs, Mississippi. After his death, his wife, Fredonia Brown, inherited Walter Place. Later, in 1889, his son-in-law, Oscar Johnson Sr., bought the house. Oscar Johnson Sr. was a co-founder of the International Shoe Company. He was married to Walter's daughter, Irene.
