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Milner Library

Charles Hovey

Served as President 1857-1861

Charles Hovey

Portrait Details

Artist

unknown

Canvas Size

29 1/4" x 39 1/4"

Creation Date

circa 1855

See all Presidents

Hovey’s painting is among some of the oldest items held at the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives. For many years, the painting was stored at Ewing Manor before being brought to Archives in 2011. Archives staff are not entirely sure if this painting was created when he was president of the university or earlier when he was superintendent of Peoria schools. Regardless, this is one of the few images known of Hovey prior to the Civil War.

Charles Hovey Portrait

Hovey’s painting is among some of the oldest items held at the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives. For many years, the painting was stored at Ewing Manor before being brought to Archives in 2011. Archives staff are not entirely sure if this painting was created when he was president of the university or earlier when he was superintendent of Peoria schools. Regardless, this is one of the few images known of Hovey prior to the Civil War.

The canvas itself has suffered damage but has been ‘repaired’ digitally. Though the painting itself has been dulled by dirt and age, Hovey’s striking blue eyes can still be seen.

Hovey Portrait Details

The canvas itself has suffered damage but has been ‘repaired’ digitally. Though the painting itself has been dulled by dirt and age, Hovey’s striking blue eyes can still be seen.

Charles Hovey Portrait After Conservation

This badge identified those who were ISNU students preparing to fight in the Civil War. Known as the Normal Rifles, these men drilled in front of Old Main (then called the Administration Building) under the watchful eye of a drill instructor hired by Hovey. After obtaining permission from Abraham Lincoln, Hovey launched the 33rd Illinois Infantry Regiment (known as the Teacher’s Regiment) in which graduated ISNU students and educators signed up.

Normal Rifles

This badge identified those who were ISNU students preparing to fight in the Civil War. Known as the Normal Rifles, these men drilled in front of Old Main (then called the Administration Building) under the watchful eye of a drill instructor hired by Hovey. After obtaining permission from Abraham Lincoln, Hovey launched the 33rd Illinois Infantry Regiment (known as the Teacher’s Regiment) in which graduated ISNU students and educators signed up.

This portrait was commissioned by the ISNU Club in New York City for the 1913 Founders Day celebration to commemorate the life of Charles Hovey. The portrait now resides in the Founders Suite at the Bone Student Center.

Charles Hovey Civil War

This portrait was commissioned by the ISNU Club in New York City for the 1913 Founders Day celebration to commemorate the life of Charles Hovey. The portrait now resides in the Founders Suite at the Bone Student Center.

Civil War-era saber owned by Charles E. Hovey and likely worn with his military uniform.

Hovey's Ceremonial Sword

Civil War-era saber owned by Charles E. Hovey and likely worn with his military uniform.

This sword was used by Hovey during his service in the Civil War. Hovey participated in several incursions, most notably the Battle of Arkansas Post as part of the larger Vicksburg Campaign.

Hovey's Sword

This sword was used by Hovey during his service in the Civil War. Hovey participated in several incursions, most notably the Battle of Arkansas Post as part of the larger Vicksburg Campaign.

Biography

Before 'Normal'

Charles Edward Hovey (1827-1897) was the first president of the then Illinois State Normal University. A native of Vermont, Hovey sought training in education and law before graduating from Dartmouth College in 1852. After graduation, Hovey moved to Peoria, Illinois where he became a school principal and later a school superintendent. He also served as president of the Illinois State Teachers Association and a member of the first Illinois State Board of Education. In 1857, the Board of Education of Illinois chose Hovey to become the first “principal” of the new state university. Founded by lawyer and businessman Jesse W. Fell, the new institution would train its students to become teachers and fill a critical need in the state.

The Civil War

In the early months of the Civil War, Hovey observed the university’s students marching in formation in front of the campus administration building and training themselves for war. Along with Fell, Hovey went to Washington D.C. to see their mutual friend, President Abraham Lincoln. Hovey asked Lincoln for a regiment which would consist of ISNU students who could only join on the condition of their graduation. Lincoln granted Hovey his regiment, and, in 1861, Hovey left the presidency to form the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment, also known as the Teachers’ Regiment. Hovey and the 33rd Illinois fought in Missouri, Arkansas, and in the Battle of Arkansas Post as part of the Vicksburg Campaign. Hovey served as a colonel, was nominated a brigadier general, and was brevetted major general.

Fighting for the Soldiers

After the war, Hovey settled in Washington D.C. with his wife, Harriette, and practiced law. Hovey visited the ISNU campus on a few occasions, most notably on the university’s 40th anniversary in 1897. Hovey died later that year on November 17 and was buried in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors. To honor his commitment and service to the campus, the administration building was renamed Hovey Hall in 1959.

Continued Research

  • Charles E. Hovey Presidential Papers

    See Presidential Papers

  • The Hovey Book by the Daniel Hovey Association

    Hovey Book

  • History of the Thirty-Third Regiment Illinois Veteran Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War by Virgil G. Way

    33rd History

Additional Links