Harvie, John, 1742-1807

John Harvie (1742 – February 6, 1807) was an American Founding Father, lawyer and builder from Virginia. He was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress, where he signed the Articles of Confederation, in 1777 and 1778. He was a successful lawyer and landowner, as well as the fourth mayor of Richmond, Virginia. Thomas Jefferson was a friend since his childhood; his father was Jefferson's guardian. He negotiated a peace treaty in 1774 after the Battle of Point Pleasant. During the American Revolutionary War, he was on the Board of War and operated a prison of war camp on his property, The Barracks.

Born at Belmont Plantation in Albemarle County, Virginia, Harvie studied law, was admitted to the bar and practiced. Harvie amassed a fortune through his business and financial skills in Richmond and across the stat, he was one of the first directors of Bank of Virginia and was superintendent of subscriptions of capital stock for the bank. After Governor Dunmore dissolved the House of Burgesses, West Augusta County voters elected Harvie as one of their two delegates to its successor, the five Virginia revolutionary conventions legislature in 1775 and 1776. The following year fellow legislators elected Harvie as one of Virginia's delegate to the Second Continental Congress. While at the Continental Congress, Harvie was one of five Virginia delegates to sign the Articles of Confederation on July 9, 1778.

Harvie was appointed the registrar of the Land Office in 1780, for which he moved to Richmond. His office was responsible for transactions in the Northwest Territory, western Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. From 1785 to 1786, he served as the mayor of Richmond. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia in 1776 and served as a purchasing agent and supply organizer for Virginia's militia and Continental Army units. Harvie owned large estates and engaged in building operations in Richmond. While he was inspecting the construction of a mansion being built by Benjamin Latrobe, Harvie fell from the roof and suffered injuries that resulted in his death. He was buried at the family plot at Belvidere. This property later became part of the Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond.