Charles Hovey

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.