Add to ORKGHovey was born in Posey County in 1821. He was elected governor in 1888 in a contentious race. The next year the state legislature created the secret ballot and made Indiana a leader in election reform. It also acted to suppress vigilante activities and created a state board to choose textbooks for public schools. Hovey was an advocate for Union veterans. He died in office in 1891 and is buried in his home town of Mount Vernon.Use of this image is restricted to IHS reference purposes only. IHS may not reproduce. Information is taken from the book "The Governos of Indiana," edited by Linda C. Gugin and James E. St. Clair, published by the Indiana Historical Society Press in cooperation with the Indiana Historical Bureau, State of Indiana.Des...