Lester, Harvey

Born: 1805-XX-XX Kentucky

A native of Kentucky, Harvey Lester arrived in Illinois around 1830. In 1831, Lester became a justice of the peace of Schuyler County. On December 8, Lester performed one the first marriages in the County, uniting Britton Provo and Sally Ballard. In 1835-36, Lester served as treasurer of the County Commissioners' Court in Schuyler County. In 1839, the Brown County Commissioners appointed Lester the first collector of taxes, but he declined the appointment. Lester was among the jurors chosen for the first circuit court in Brown County held on April 6, 1840. He was the first justice of the peace of Lee Township, Brown County. From 1840 to 1842, Lester represented Brown County in the Illinois House of Representatives. During the "Mormon War" of 1844-45, Lester was a captain in a Brown County company that volunteered for service. In 1850, Lester was farming in Brown County and owned real estate valued at $1500.

Combined History of Schuyler and Brown Counties, Illinois (Astoria, IL: Stevens, 1882), 86, 111-113, 131, 141, 143, 162, 356; U.S. Census Office, Seventh Census of the United States (1850), Township 1 S R 4 W, Brown County, IL, 156.