One of the most prominent, as well as one of the youngest occupants of
an editorial chair is George Burton McClellan Harvey, who is president
of the famous publishing firm of Harper & Brothers and editor of the
North American Review. He was born at Peachan, Vermont, February
16, 1864, being the son of Duncan and Margaret S. (Varnum) Harvey.
Educated at Peachan Academy, Mr. Harvey began his journalistic life
by becoming reporter on the Springfield (Massachusetts) Republican.
Subsequently he was on the reportorial staff of the Chicago News and
the New York Herald, of which latter newspaper he was eventually
made managing editor. He bought the North American Review in March,
1899, and was placed in charge of Harper & Brothers’ affairs a year
later. Notwithstanding the onerous nature of his editorial duties, Mr.
Harvey finds time to act as president of several electric railroads,
in the construction of which he was also interested. Governors Green
and Abbott, of New Jersey, respectively appointed him colonel and
aide-de-camp on their staffs. The irresistible force of character and
ability properly directed is shown by the career of Mr. Harvey.