In 1862 a puppy wandered into a military training camp in Massillon, Ohio and befriended an up-and-coming officer in the 104th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Daniel Stearns. The Berea, Ohio native had already seen action in the Civil War, serving with the 8th Pennsylvania Reserve Infantry. Stearns and the pup, soon named Harvey, would form a bond that would transcend the battlefield.

Though wounded several times and even captured once, Harvey stuck with Daniel throughout the duration of the Civil War. Over the course of the war Daniel Stearns began to suffer from what we might today characterize as Post-Traumatic Stress-Disorder. The complications caused by this disorder upon his return home would see him institutionalized towards the end of his life. However, Daniel Stearns family and friends noted that the only time he seemed like his old self was when he was with or caring for Harvey.

Harvey was beloved not only by Daniel Stearns but by all the men of the 104th. The veterans memorialized Harvey with lapel pins and even an oil painting. Today he is remembered on the grounds of the Carter House Museum of the Franklin Battlefield Trust in Tennessee. The Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Commission is honored to be able to recast this statue with thanks to the  BOFT and artist Janel Maher.

Learn more about Harvey and Daniel’s story at SoldiersandSailors.com and see Daniel’s name on the wall in the Monument’s Memorial Room.