Harvey Doolittle Colvin was born December 18, 1815, in Herkimer County, New York.

[1] One month after taking office as mayor, Colvin was met with a mass demonstration at City Hall when more than 12,000 unemployed workers marched for jobs and relief.

Colvin's administration repealed a Sunday ban on liquor sales which his predecessor, Joseph Medill and Bond supported.

In 1874, Colvin's administration was rocked by allegations of patronage and a scandal in the city treasurer's office.

Colvin, however, refused to vacate the office and retained the title and position of mayor despite Hoyne's inauguration, partly due to the support of the city comptroller.