Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885
Chapman Bros.
Chicago, IL
Reproduced on CD purchased from "Old Glory Accents"
Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com
Page(s) 779
Hon. Edward H. Nevitt, of Albany, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, has been a prominent business man of Whiteside County since 1850. He is a native citizen of the State, having been born at Carmi, White County, Jan. 6, 1822. He was 15 years of age when his father (see sketch of William Nevitt), removed his family to Albany Township, and until the date named he was engaged in farming, with the exception of the time spent in obtaining his education, which he completed by studying at Knox College. He had observed the advantages of the lumber trade on the Mississippi, and at the age of 28 years began his active connection therewith, pursuing his business vigorously in the various avenues of traffic in production of lumber, until the summer of 1860, when he suffered almost total annihilation of his business relations from the tornado of June 3, which literally destroyed the village of Albany; his saw-mill, with the lumber and fixtures, and his residence, being swept away. He made a brave struggle to recover his losses, staying on the spot with his friends and neighbors, who had encountered similar disaster. In 1865, he was appointed United States Mail agent, and discharged the duties of the position on the river route from Dubuque to Rock Island, one season. In the fall of the same year he again embarked in the lumber tade, in which he has since operated continuously.
Mr. Nevitt’s abilities received early recognition by his townsmen, and he was elected to the position of Assessor on the organization of the township, and as County School Commissioner and as Supervisor of Albany. He held the latter office six consecutive years, and was re-elected for a seventh term, but resigned to take his position as Representative of the Eleventh District, which included the counties of Whiteside and Carroll. He was elected to the Assembly of Illinois in the fall of 1876, and was made a member of some of the most important committees. His service in the 30th General Assembly was characterized by the same ability, faithulness and public spirit which had made him prominent in local affairs and in the duties of his private citizenship. Mr. Nevitt is the possessor of a mind well stored by a wide familiarity with literature and prominent individuals in public life; and he is the recipient of the respect and esteem of all who know him for his disinterested services in the general welfare, as well as for his superior character as a man.
Mr. Nevitt was joined in marriage to Hannah Alvord, Dec. 27, 1855, at Le Claire, Iowa. She was born May 26, 1826, in Ellicottville, Cattaraugus Co., N. Y. A daughter - Lizzie Blanche - was born April 19, 1856, and died Nov. 18, 1858. The wife and mother died Nov. 30, 1882. The second marriage of Mr. Nevitt, to Jennie Whiting, occurred Jan. 15, 1884. Mrs. Nevitt is a native of the City of Lockport, N. Y.
