CLEVELAND — A figure in Northeast Ohio's Civil War history will be commemorated with a statue on Cleveland's Public Square -- though he's not the typical war hero you'd expect.
The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument announced Thursday that Harvey, the dog who served as the beloved mascot of the 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, will get his own statue.
Harvey was owned by Captain Daniel M. Stearns, a Berea native who served in the regiment during the Civil War. Harvey gave comfort to soldiers in the unit on the eve of battle and served as Stearns' emotional support animal as he suffered undiagnosed PTSD, according to the Soldiers' and Sailors Monument. After Stearns was eventually institutionalized, the pup was passed between members of the Ohio 104th.
“Harvey was so loved by the men in his regiment that they commissioned an oil painting of him and wore commemorative buttons with his likeness on their lapels,” said Executive Director Greg Palumbo. “We’re excited to share Harvey’s story with future generations of people who visit the Monument and Public Square.”
The statue will be a recast of one currently installed in the visitor center of The Battlefield of Franklin Trust in Tennessee, where Stearns and Harvey fought in the Battle of Franklin.
Harvey's likeness will initially be placed inside the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument until organizers find a permanent outdoor location.