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Kinyon Digital Library

History of Adair
County, Iowa, 1915.

Biographical.  Volume 2.

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George C. Havens.

Success is the sure reward of intelligently directed effort.  It came to George C. Havens because of the energy and enterprise which he displayed in carrying on agricultural pursuits, with which he was identified in Adair county from 1875 until his demise.  He was born in Sussex county, New Jersey, on the 30th of May, 1840, a son of Thomas Havens.  The mother died during his childhood and in 1849 his father removed with the family to Ohio, where they lived until 1854, the year of their arrival in Iowa.  They took up their abode in Henry county and in 1862 George C. Havens, then a young man of twenty-two years, enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company B, Twenty-fifth Iowa Volunteer Infantry.  He served for three years, taking part in the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Lookout Mountain and many other engagements of lesser importance.  He was always found at his post of duty, faithfully defending the old flag and the cause it represented and at length he was honorably discharged on account of a wound which disabled him for further service.  He continued with his command, however, until just before the close of the war in 1865, when because of his injuries he returned home.

On the 23d of June, 1867, Mr. Havens was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Mallams, who was born in Schenectady, New York, a daughter of Matthew Mallams, who came to Henry county about 1857.  Following their marriage the young couple began their domestic life in Henry county, where they lived for eight years and in 1875 they came to Adair county, taking up their abode upon a rented farm in Lee township, where they resided for twelve years.  In 1887 George C. Havens purchased the present home farm consisting of the southwest quarter of section 33, Lee township, and the family removed to this place, whereon he continued to reside until his death.  In 1896 he met with an accident caused by a runaway team, sustaining injuries which made him an invalid throughout the remainder of his life.  He passed away September 16, 1909, and his death was the occasion of deep and widespread regret among the many friends who had learned to esteem and value him because of his sterling worth of character and his many estimable qualities.

To Mr. and Mrs. Havens were born five children, four of whom are yet living:  William E., a farmer of Summerset township;  Charles C., who makes his home in Grand Island, Nebraska;  John H., of Greenfield; and Orley P., who operates the home farm.  Mrs. Havens also survives and yet occupies the old home farm left her by her husband.

In his political views Mr. Havens was an earnest republican, taking an active part in bringing about the success of the party.  He served for some years as assessor of his township and for several years was a member of the school board.  At one time he was the nominee for sheriff of the county but withdrew before the election.  He displayed many sterling traits of character, high regard being entertained for him because of his fidelity to principle and his integrity and honor.  His life measured up to high standards both in manhood and citizenship and Iowa was proud to number him among her representative citizens.  He was a brave and loyal soldier during the Civil war and the same spirit of faithful allegiance marked his course in every connection in which he pledged his loyalty and support.

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