Mr. Shriner stands admittedly among the leaders of the legal profession in Southern Illinois, where he has long been practicing in all the courts, often handling some of the most important cases on the various dockets. Being courteous, genial, well informed, alert and enterprising, he is recognized as one of the representative men of Clay county a man who is a power in his community.
Harvey W. Shriner was born in Vinton county, Ohio, October 25, 1861, the son of Silas Shriner, also a native of Ohio. He was a farmer and came to Clay county, Illinois, in October, 1864, remaining here until his death in June, 1906. His grandfather was Francis Shriner, a native of Pennsylvania, who afterward removed to Ohio. He also devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. The subject's mother was Susan Luse, whose people were from Ohio. She is living in Flora, and is a woman of gracious personality. Six children were born to the subject's parents, five of whom are living. They are: Ibbie, deceased; Mrs. Louisa Frame, of Chicago; Harvey W., the subject; Albert G., of Springfield, Illinois; Mrs. Ida McGregor, of Flora; Pearl V., who is living on the old home farm, five miles northeast of Flora.
Mr. Shriner received his primary education in the Flora public schools, and then attended business college at Carmi, Illinois. Then he attended the National University at Lebanon, Ohio, making a splendid record for scholarship. He taught school for six winters in Clay county. He made his way through school. Believing that the legal profession was best suited to his tastes, he began the study of law and was admitted to the bar in February, 1887. In June following he formed a partnership with D. C. Hagle, a prominent lawyer. This partnership proved to be a very strong one and lasted up to the death of Mr. Hagle in 1897, since which time the subject has been practicing alone. He was successful from the first and his practice has steadily increased until he is now a very busy man. He has a well-equipped law library, which is kept stocked with the latest legal books and decisions. He was elected State's Attorney of Clay county, in 1888, on the Republican ticket. And he was reelected in 1872 and in 1892, having faithfully performed the duties of this office. He was again elected in 1896. He has been a member of the Board of Education for several terms and also Supervisor of his township. In 1904 Mr. Shriner made the race and was triumphantly elected to the Legislature, serving one term in a manner that proved the wisdom of his constituents in selecting him for their representative. He voted for and was one of the original advocates of local option. A conclusive proof of his popularity is the fact that he ran ahead of his ticket when elected to the Legislature.
In November, 1905, Mr. Shriner was appointed Deputy Revenue Collector for Division No. 4, of the Thirteenth District of Illinois, which he has very creditably held to the present time.
Mr. Shriner was happily married in September 1885, to Emma Critchlow, of Louisville, Clay county, the representative of an influential family of that place. To this union three sons were born: Austin D., Carlton C. and Silas. Mrs. Shriner was called to her rest in January 1896. Afterwards the subject was married again, his last wife being Frances Higginson, of Flora, and to this union one winsome daughter, Mabel, has been born.
Mr. Shriner owns a valuable and well improved farm in Standford township, this county, five miles northeast of Flora, in which he takes much interest. He is a good judge of stock, and some good breeds may be found on his place. Fraternally he belongs to the Masons and the Woodmen.
Mr. Shriner takes an abiding interest in local affairs and labors for the welfare of the county, looking beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities of the future, working not alone for what will benefit his fellow citizens today, but also for what will be of advantage at a later time. He is a man of distinct and forceful individuality, as is evidenced by the fact that he started out in life on his own account, without money or influential friends to aid him. He looked at life, however, from a practical standpoint and placed his dependence upon elements that are sure winners in the race for success persistent purpose, indefatigable industry and unabating energy.
Extracted 27 Apr 2017 by Norma Hass from 1909 Biographical and Reminiscent History of Richland, Clay & Marion Counties, Illinois, pages 252-253.
| Fayette | Effingham | Jasper |
| Marion |
 |
Richland |
| Wayne |
Clay County ILGenWeb Copyright
Design by 