Jason Canon's Shot

Discovering “Harvey Connection” and My Genealogy Journey

Around 2001, I purchased a copy of the 1989 book Harvey Connection by Mary Lou Dawson. My interest stemmed from my G-G-G-G-G grandmother, Rebecca Harvey (1795-1863), and I hoped the book would provide valuable genealogy insights into her Harvey family relations. To my surprise, the book also contained extensive information about her husband, Joseph Morgan (1789-1864), and his relatives and descendants. It soon became a standard reference source on my bookshelf.

Genealogy Research Trip to Halifax County, North Carolina

In July 2011, my wife and I traveled to Halifax County, NC, to further research Rebecca Harvey’s family history and explore the area where she grew up. A key part of our trip was visiting the Halifax County Library in Halifax, NC. Though our day started sunny, dark clouds gathered by lunchtime, making it the perfect opportunity to dive into some genealogy research.

Halifax County Library: A Genealogist’s Treasure Trove

If you’re interested in genealogy, particularly related to individuals from this county, you’ll be delighted to know that the library boasts an exceptional collection of reference materials. The librarians are friendly, knowledgeable, and more than willing to assist with your research.

Uncovering Errors in the “Harvey Connection”

One important discovery I made at the library was related to Thomas Peyton Harvey, the patriarch in Harvey Connection (page 9). The book identifies him as a Colonel in the North Carolina Militia. However, a review of The Colonial and State Records of North Carolina Reference Volumes I-XXX shows this is not accurate. The only Thomas Harvey who served as a Colonel in the Revolutionary War was from Perquimans County, not Halifax. It’s easy to see how this mix-up occurred, given the similar names and references.

Further Evidence Confirms the Error

The Abstract from the North Carolina Journal Halifax County, NC 1792-1791 Volume 1 by Raymond Parker Fouts shows that the Colonel Thomas Harvey from Perquimans County married Miss Rachael Hardy in Edenton, NC. Additionally, no clear evidence supports that Thomas Harvey from Halifax County served during the Revolutionary War.

Page 15 of Harvey Connection also lists five land transactions related to Thomas Harvey of Halifax County. Upon further research, the accuracy of these records comes into question.

Speculation on the Origins of Thomas Harvey

The Harvey Connection speculates that “It is believed by some that Col. Harvey was born and reared in Paris, France.” Supporting this, the Index of N.C. Ancestors (NC Genealogical Society, 1981) lists Thomas Harvey/Hervey as being born in France.