Havens, David W. died 1878

HAVENS

Posted By: Audrey Haught, volunteer
Date: 4/16/2018 at 17:47:54

Died at the residence of Thomas Williams, in McGregor, Aug. 29th, David W. Havens, son of Isaac Havens, of Elkader, aged 20 years 6 months and 16 days.

The deceased had been ill for about five years past, and though he had the best of medical treatment and advice there seemed to be no assurance of a recovery. His disease baffled the best energies of the medical profession. We are not informed as to the exact nature of the original complaint but learn that to consumption was attributed the final dissolution. However, during these years he has been a great sufferer. But a few months ago he tried the health waters at Hot Springs, Arkansas, but making no perceptible gain he returned home to try other remedies. Every effort was put forth for his recovery, his parents being unsparing in expense for the attainment of the hoped for result. The skill of the physician, the waters from the great health-fountains, the trial of the most honored of remedies-all proved of no avail. Him, who presides over the destinies of man ruled otherwise. In his sister’s home on that bright, clear Thursday afternoon, surrounded by parents, sisters and friends, with the words: “Mother it is sweet to die,” he passed from life to the unknown land, peaceably, quietly – evidently happy in the realities of a new born life.

David was reared and educated with great promise for a future business life. His father had willing scarified to make for him and had built “high-hopes” in his future. To the father, the loss of the boy, just on the eve of his manhood, is a sore affliction. It comes doubly severe considering the affectionate desire of the parent. A loss irreparable – a thrust at the liberal heart – a wound inflicted that will not heal. All who know David sympathized with him in his afflicted state, and honored him for his noble manliness in so bravely withstanding the torments of a deathly disease.

In this affliction, the parents and sisters have the sympathy of the community. As great as is their loss to the son and brother the gain is immeasurable.

His remains were brought to Elkader on Friday and the funeral occurred at the family residence on Saturday morning, the services being conducted by Re. J. W. Clinton, of McGregor. A large concourse of our citizens followed the remains to the grave yard, where by the side of a sister and two brothers was deposited all that was mortal of David W. Havens.

Elkader Register: September 5, 1878

Burial: Eastside Cemetery, Elkader, Iowa
Father Isaac and Mother Sara are also buried there