15 Facts About Harvey Parnell

Harvey Parnell was an American farmer and politician from Southeast Arkansas.

When Martineau resigned to take a federal judgeship in March 1928, Harvey Parnell was elevated to become the state's 29th governor, a position he would hold until 1933.

Early in his time as governor, Harvey Parnell was responsible for Progressive reforms popular with rural voters, including expansion and modernization of the highway system and public school reform.

Harvey Parnell left politics after his second full gubernatorial term ended in January 1933.

Harvey Parnell was born in Orlando in Cleveland County in South Arkansas.

Harvey Parnell attended public schools and graduated from Warren High School in Warren, Arkansas.

In 1922, Harvey Parnell was elected to the Arkansas Senate, representing Ashley and Chicot counties.

Harvey Parnell defeated future US Representative Brooks Hays of Little Rock in the Democratic primary.

Harvey Parnell easily defeated Republican challenger Drew Bowers, 77.3 to 22.7 percent.

Harvey Parnell sought a second term in 1930, an election usually assured to faithful Arkansas politicians in this era.

Harvey Parnell fended off a challenge from Lee Cazort, who had resigned as lieutenant governor to challenge Parnell in the primary, though he withdrew and supported Cazort before the primary was held.

The Harvey Parnell administration focused on establishing a state highway fund, creating a Bureau of Commerce and Industry, and upgrading the school system.

Harvey Parnell himself was a consistent supporter of women's suffrage and appointed Hattie Caraway to the United States Senate.

Harvey Parnell later worked for the Reconstruction Finance Corporation for three years.

Harvey Parnell died in Little Rock and is interred at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery.