George H. Harlow | |
|---|---|
| 16th Illinois Secretary of State | |
| In office 1873–1881 | |
| Governor | Richard J. Oglesby John L. Beveridge Shelby M. Cullom |
| Preceded by | Edward Rummel |
| Succeeded by | Henry D. Dement |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 5, 1830 Sackett's Harbor, New York |
| Died | May 16, 1900(1900-05-16) (aged 69) Highland Park, Illinois |
| Political party | Republican |
George H. Harlow (September 5, 1830 – May 16, 1900) was an American politician. Born inNew York, he was originally a student of carpentry and architecture. He entered the mercantile business soon after he moved toPekin, Illinois. In 1860, he was elected clerk of the circuit court, then co-founded aUnion League of America chapter, later serving at the state level of the organization. Harlow was the personal secretary to GovernorRichard J. Oglesby and oversawCamp Butler starting in 1864. He was elected assistantIllinois Secretary of State for four years starting in 1868, then was the secretary from 1872 to 1880. After his terms expired, he traded commodities inChicago.
George H. Harlow was born inSackett's Harbor, New York, on September 5, 1830.[1][2] He was the eldest son born to Davis and Mercy Harlow. He attended public schools, then apprenticed as a builder. Harlow studied architecture underOtis L. Wheelock, who worked at the time inWatertown, New York. In March 1854, Harlow moved toPekin, Illinois, to establish a carpentry and architecture shop. However, after only a year, he decided instead to study at a mercantile business.[1] He became a successfulgrain merchant and also became active in local politics, helping establish theRepublican party in the town and turning his office into county headquarters for distribution of Republican party literature.[3]
In 1860, Harlow was elected clerk of theTazewell County circuit court[2] as a Republican. He also served a term as an alderman on the Pekin city council.[1] With the outbreak of theCivil War, Harlow helped to raise volunteers for theUnion Army. He co-organized the first countyUnion League and was named its secretary. He then was named secretary of the state-level organization.[1] He was nominated for re-election as circuit court clerk in 1864, but was defeated.[1][2] In January 1865, he was elected first assistant secretary of theIllinois Senate, but before he could take office, GovernorRichard J. Oglesby appointed Harlow his private secretary,[1][2] and in August 1865 Oglesby appointed him assistant inspector general.[2] Oglesby commissioned Harlow an Illinois colonel and tasked him with the oversight ofCamp Butler inSpringfield.[1] While there, Harlow edited theIllinois State Journal.[4]
Harlow ran for Illinois Secretary of State in 1868, but the Republican Party instead decided to putEdward Rummel on the ticket. However, Harlow was named Assistant Secretary of State. Four years later, Harlow received the party nomination and defeated his opponent.[1] He served two consecutive four-year terms. He then moved to Chicago to engage in the commission business on theChicago Board of Trade.[1]
He died on May 16, 1900, at his home inHighland Park, Illinois.[4]
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Republican nominee forSecretary of State of Illinois 1872, 1876 | Succeeded by |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Secretary of State of Illinois 1856–1864 | Succeeded by |
