His father was Dr. Thomas B. Harvey, a prominent medical doctor originally from Harveysburg, Ohio who moved to Plainfield.
His mother was Delitha Butler, originally from Liberty, Indiana, noted for her involvement in many philanthropic organizations.
Another important decision from Harvey came in a case regarding whether the General Assembly had the right to call for a constitutional convention to be held.
He served on the board of directors for the Bertha Esther Ballard Home Association, which provided affordable housing to self-dependent young women.
Their son, Thomas Parrott Harvey, studied law at Haverford College and was a member of the Indiana House of Representatives.