Governor of Arkansas and leader of the Democratic Party in this State, the Hon. Harvey Parnell gave many years of his career to public service. He was born in Orlando, Cleveland County, Arkansas, on February 28, 1880, a son of William Robert and Mary Elizabeth Parnell.

Gov. Parnell attended public schools in Arkansas and graduated from Warren High School. He began his career in a hardware store in Warren and from 1898 to 1899 was bookkeeper, from 1900 to 1902 was a store clerk in Dermott. In 1902 he established an independent business which he operated for eight years and then began farming. Gov. Parnell’s career in private life was one of considerable success.  In it he demonstrated his capacity for the direction of affairs, and manifested a progressive public spirit and consistent interest in public welfare.

In 1919 he was elected to the State Legislature, serving until 1921. He was chosen State Senator and remained as a member of the Upper House until 1925. He was elected Lieutenant Governor in 1926 and on March 14, 1928, he succeeded John E. Martineau as Governor of the State. Mr. Parnell served as governor from 1928 to 1933.

Gov. Parnell was affiliated fraternally with the Free and Accepted Mason, being a member in this order of the Blue Lodge, Royal Arch Chapter and Consistory of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He was also affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen of the World and was an honorary member of numerous others organizations.

On June 2, 1902, he married Mable Winston, daughter of Jack C. and Mattie (Crenshaw) Winston, at Dermott, Arkansas. They had two children: Martha Dell, born October 6, 1910 and Mary Frances, born September 26, 1919.