Harvey V. Higley
Encyclopedia
Harvey V. Higley was born in Cheshire, Ohio
, and studied chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, graduating in October 1915. After serving in World War I
he went to work for the Ansul Chemical Company
of Marinette, Wisconsin
, which specialized in making fire retardant
chemicals. Higley eventually became the company's president (1938–48) and chairman of the board.
Higley was also active in politics and veteran’s affairs. He joined the American Legion
and served as Wisconsin State Commander from 1941 to 1942. From 1947 to 1953 he was chairman of the Republican Party
of Wisconsin
. In July 1953 President Dwight D. Eisenhower
appointed Higley to be the Administrator of Veterans Affairs
, where he helped to establish Veterans Day
as a US Holiday. Higley held the position until November 1957 when he retired and returned to Wisconsin.
Cheshire, Ohio
Cheshire is a village in Gallia County, Ohio, United States, along the Ohio River. The population was 221 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Point Pleasant, WV–OH Micropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Cheshire is located at ....
, and studied chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, graduating in October 1915. After serving in World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
he went to work for the Ansul Chemical Company
Ansul
Ansul Fire School is a fire school which was founded in 1940 and is located in Marinette, Wisconsin, United States. It trains students with classroom and field instruction, with emphasis on hands-on firefighting....
of Marinette, Wisconsin
Marinette, Wisconsin
Marinette is a city in and the county seat of Marinette County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 11,749 at the 2000 census.Marinette is the principal city of the Marinette, WI–MI Micropolitan Statistical Area, which includes all of Marinette County, Wisconsin and Menominee...
, which specialized in making fire retardant
Fire retardant
A fire retardant is a substance other than water that reduces flammability of fuels or delays their combustion. This typically refers to chemical retardants but may also include substances that work by physical action, such as cooling the fuels; examples of these include fire-fighting foams and...
chemicals. Higley eventually became the company's president (1938–48) and chairman of the board.
Higley was also active in politics and veteran’s affairs. He joined the American Legion
American Legion
The American Legion is a mutual-aid organization of veterans of the United States armed forces chartered by the United States Congress. It was founded to benefit those veterans who served during a wartime period as defined by Congress...
and served as Wisconsin State Commander from 1941 to 1942. From 1947 to 1953 he was chairman of the Republican Party
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
of Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
. In July 1953 President Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States, from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army...
appointed Higley to be the Administrator of Veterans Affairs
Administrator of Veterans Affairs (United States)
The Administrator of Veterans Affairs was the head of the Veterans Administration, a United States Government agency responsible for military veterans benefits. The administrator was appointed by the President...
, where he helped to establish Veterans Day
Veterans Day
Veterans Day, formerly Armistice Day, is an annual United States holiday honoring military veterans. It is a federal holiday that is observed on November 11. It coincides with other holidays such as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day, which are celebrated in other parts of the world and also mark...
as a US Holiday. Higley held the position until November 1957 when he retired and returned to Wisconsin.