Havens - Abraham
Source: Greenfield Republican 17 March 1892 p 4
This faithful servant of the Lord died at Ladoga, Indiana at the house of his son, Abraham Havens, March 8th, 1892 at about 10 o’clock a.m. aged a few months over 76 years. He had previously a slight stroke of paralysis. But for some time before his death apparently fairly well he had anticipated a sudden death. His last sickness was only for a few hours. He died fully conscious and in the Christian faith. What he had preached to others, he, himself believed at the final hour. He is buried in McMaster’s Cemetery near Indianapolis, where his body will sleep until the Master calls. His father, the Rev. James Havens, emigrated from Kentucky to Rush County, Indiana about 70 years ago. He had two sons, George and Landy Havens. All Methodist preachers. Among the pioneer preachers in the ME Church in eastern and central Indiana none did more useful work for the cause than did the father and his two sons. Rev. James Havens was able, untiring, incessant and courageous as a circuit rider and presiding elder. He had few equals in the pulpit and knew no fear. He sleeps at Rushville Cemetery. But it is more particularly of Rev. George Havens that this is written. He became a Methodist Church Circuit Rider in 1838 and preached on the Greenfield circuit in 1839 and continued as an active preacher with only two or three intervals, until he superannuated in 1880. During his ministry he preached over nearly all eastern and central Indiana for a period of over 40 years. He was stationed at Greenfield from 1872 to 1875, and although not as able a sermonizer as some others, none were more useful or more popular with the people, so much so that all, in and out of the church regretted when his time had come to go elsewhere. Rev. George Havens was truly, “a chip off the old block.” He was an honest, frank and bold Christian man with all that that implies. He had the confidence of all who knew him, and was loved by all, both Christian and sinner. He was a good husband, a kind father, a good neighbor, a true friend, a good citizen and liberal Christian. All these noble qualities were united in him, and yet like all, since the fall of Adam, he was not without frailties.. This is not intended as a eulogy, but simply facts. If he could speak he would repudiate any fulsome eulogy of himself. This is a fast age and memories are gradually growing briefer than in former years, but the memory of the names and labors of the Havens, Father and Sons will not very soon be forgotten in eastern and central Indiana. They have painted for eternity. Their works will follow them. The writer of this brief reference, to the lives and labors of the father and sons would be reproached by his conscience and heart, if he should neglect so obvious a duty to such noble old men. More than 50 years ago, the writer and George Havens were students at Asbury and as intimate as brothers, reciting lessons to President Simpson afterwards Bishop Simpson. Knowing George Havens as he did, the writer is not surprised at his last and dying words, “My work is done, I am ready to die.” With the utterance of these last words he crossed the great rolling river to meet his venerable father, brother, wife and many other dear friends on the other and better shore. Farewell old friend, through grace we will hope to meet again in the better land. .. a fellow student