Biography - VICTOR HAVEN
Victor Hugo Haven, editor and proprietor of the Greenfield Argus and
treasurer of the Illinois Press Association, was born on a farm in the
western part of Macoupin county, Illinois, November 2, 1861, a son of
William W. and Georgia A. (Kemper) Haven, the former a native of Vermont and
the latter of Kentucky. The father engaged in teaching singing and was also
a teacher in the public schools prior to the Civil war, when he espoused the
Union cause and served for four years as quartermaster of Company H,
Fortieth Illinois Infantry. Following the close of hostilities and his
return to Greene county, he engaged in the milling and grain business but
met reverses therein. In 1878 he founded the Greenfield Argus and continued
its publication until his death.
Victor H. Haven began his education in the district schools and afterward
became a student in the Greenfield schools, becoming a resident of the town
in 1870, but did not graduate as he was obliged to put aside his text-books
a year previous to the completion of the course on account of his father's
financial reverses, it being necessary that the son provide for his own and
father's support. Accordingly he secured a position as clerk in the hardware
store of N. C. Woollev, and for several years he filled similar positions in
Greenfield. He filled the position of postmaster for two years under
President Arthur and then retired when President Cleveland became the
nation's chief executive. He had previously learned the printer's trade and
at the death of his father in 1884 he took charge of the Greenfield Argus,
which has since claimed his entire attention. He has greatly improved the
paper from a journalistic standpoint and has also made it a profitable
business investment, as well as one of Greene county's most creditable
publications.
Mr. Haven has ever been deeply interested in affairs of local concern and
progress and is the recognized champion of every movement for the general
good. He is now the treasurer of the Illinois Press Association and has been
the treasurer of the Greenfield Band for the past twenty years. He has been
city clerk for several terms and is influential in public affairs, his
labors having ever proved of practical public benefit. His political support
is given to the republican party, and he is identified with several
fraternal organizations. He is a member of the Masonic. Elks and Knights of
Pythias lodges, and of the last named is treasurer. He also belongs to the
Modern Woodmen camp, the Court of Honor and the Sons of Veterans.
On the 22d of October, 1890, Mr. Haven was married in Greenfield, Illinois,
to Miss Lydia E. Wahl, a daughter of John and Margaret Wahl, natives of
Germany. They have one son, Glenn, born August 30, 1891.
Extracted 2021 Aug 02 by Norma Hass from Past and Present of Greene County, Illinois, by Ed Miner, published in 1905, pages 267-268.
