Clay county figures as one of the
most attractive, progressive and prosperous divisions of the southern part
of Illinois, justly claiming a high order of citizenship and a spirit of
enterprise which is certain to conserve consecutive development and marked
advancement in the material upbuilding of this section. The county has been
and is signally favored in the class of men who have controlled its affairs
in official capacity, and in this connection the subject of this review
demands representation, as he is serving the locality faithfully and well in
a position of distinct trust and responsibility, being the Representative in
the State Legislature, having been elected to the Lower House in the fall of
1908, among the youngest members of that body; but while the youngest, he is
far from the least important. On the contrary he is an active, vigilant and
potent factor in that honored body. He has achieved a brilliant record at
the bar, while yet a young man, and to such as he the future augurs much in
the way of success and honor.
Harvey D. McCollum was born in
Louisville. Clay county, Illinois, March 13, 1879, and he early decided to
try his fortune with his own people, rather than seek uncertain fortune in
other fields, as so many of his early companions have done. He is the son of
James C. McCollum, also a native of Clay county, now residing in Louisville,
retired, being one of the founders of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of
Louisville, and who is now one of its directors. James C. McCollum,
grandfather of the subject, was a native of Kentucky, and the subject's
great-
grandfather, Alexander McCollum, was one of the six men killed at
the battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812, this battle having been fought
in 1815, and his name is mentioned in President Roosevelt's history of naval
battles. Members of the McCollum family were among the early settlers of
Clay county and they have been prominently identified with its history ever
since the pioneer days, having always taken a leading part in the
development of the community in every way. Robert McCollum, uncle of the
subject of this sketch, has lived in this county for a period of
seventy-five years, is one of the oldest living pioneers of the county.
The mother of the subject, a woman of many beautiful attributes, was
known in her maidenhood as Fanny Long, a daughter of Darling Long, an old
settler of Clay county. She is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. J. C. McCollum
four children were born, our subject being the only survivor.
Our
subject was reared in Louisville where he attended the high school from
which he graduated, having gained a good common school education, for he was
ambitious and applied himself in a very careful manner to his studies,
outstripping many of the less ardent plodders. Not being satisfied with what
learning he had acquired up to this point, he attended the University of
Illinois, taking the literary and law courses, in which institution he
remained for six years, graduating in 1901, after making a splendid record
for scholarship.
After completing his course in the university, Mr.
McCollum returned home and at once began the practice of law, his success
being instantaneous. He at once attracted the attention of the political
leaders of the county, and he was the nominee of the Democratic party for
County Judge in 1902, and while he headed his ticket, was defeated; however,
the splendid race he made gave proof of his high standing with the people of
Clay county and forecasted future victories. He formed a law partnership
that year with A. M. Rose, which continued until Mr. Rose was elected to the
circuit bench.
Mr. McCollum was appointed Master in Chancery for two
terms, serving with much credit and satisfaction from 1904 until 1908. He is
at this writing practicing law with John W. Thomason, having formed a
partnership, which still exists, in January, 1907. It is generally regarded
as one of the strongest law firms in this or adjoining counties, and their
office is always a busy place, their many clients coming from all over the
district. As already stated, our subject made a successful race for the
Legislature during the last election (1908), which event caused general
satisfaction throughout the county, not only from friends, but members of
other parties, for everyone recognized Mr. McCollum's ability and fidelity
to duty, therefore they know their interests will be carefully guarded by
him.
Mr. McCollum is unmarried. In his fraternal relations he is a
member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 926, at Olney, the
Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Woodmen,
and Masonic Order at Louisville.
Mr. McCollum is not a man who
courts publicity, yet it must be a pleasure to him, as is quite natural, to
know how well he stands with his fellow citizens throughout this district.
The public is seldom mistaken in its estimation of a man, and had Mr.
McCollum not been most worthy he could not have gained the high position he
now holds in public and social life. Having long maintained the same without
any abatement of his popularity, his standing in the county is perhaps now
in excess of what it has ever been. He has by his own persistent and
praiseworthy efforts, won for himself a name whose luster the future years
shall only augment.
Extracted 10 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay and Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 87-89.
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