History

W. Brantley Harvey, Sr., began practicing law in Beaufort in 1922, following service as a medical corpsman with the U.S. Navy during World War I, and his graduation from the University of South Carolina School of Law. An excellent trial attorney, Mr. Harvey quickly gained a reputation in the South Carolina Lowcountry for his effectiveness in both civil and criminal courts. He was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1924 and 1926, and to the South Carolina Senate in 1928. While maintaining an active law practice, Senator Harvey represented Beaufort County in the Senate for 24 years, until 1952. He served as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the Education Committee, the Fish and Game Committee, and of the Joint Legislative Committee. Senator Harvey was the principal author of the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Act.

Mr. Harvey was President of the Beaufort County Bar and, in 1952, his peers recognized his leadership in the profession by electing him President of the South Carolina Bar. He was President of the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, a founder of the Beaufort Museum, was instrumental in saving the Lafayette House and was Post Commander of the American Legion.

Brantley Harvey possessed many qualities - devotion for his family, love of people, loyalty to friends, compassion for the unfortunate and suffering, charity and forgiveness toward his enemies, and a warm personality. Although small of physical stature, he towered above others in spirit.

In 1955, Mr. Harvey was joined in practice by his son, W. Brantley Harvey, Jr. The firm as we know it today began to take shape in 1963, when the two Harveys were joined by Colden R. Battey, Jr.