This and the following emails was transcribed from Miss Jessie DeHaven's
scrapbook found in the library at Covington, Indiana.
Covington, Indiana Friday, April 5, 1940
Fountain County's Oldest Resident Passed Away Mon.
Abner B. DeHaven, age 97 Years, Expired Monday at the home of his Son,
Arista DeHaven, in Covington; Masonic Burial Wednesday.
Abner B. DeHaven, oldest resident of Fountain County and Covington's most
respected citizen, passed away Monday morning, April 1, 1940, at the home of
his son, Arista M. DeHaven, having attained the ripe old age of 97 years.
He enjoyed splendid health his entire life until about a year and a half
ago when he began to fail and was confined to his home most of the time.
During the later years of his life, he spent his winters with another son, Alvah
DeHaven, in Sarasota, Florida.
He was a native of Troy township born on a farm east of Covington January
26, 1843, a son of Jacob and Susannah DeHaven. In 1868 he was married to
Elizabeth Osborn a member of another of Troy township's oldest families. She
died several years ago.
Mr. DeHaven is survived by four children, Mrs. Ida Clarkson of New Richmond;
Ross and Arista DeHaven of this city, and Alvah DeHaven, of Sarasota, Florida.
The only survivor of the original family is Arthur DeHaven, a brother, who
lives with his son George, in Texas.
His entire active life was spent in farming on a farm east of Covington.
Upon leaving the farm he moved to the city where he lived until his death.
He was a life-long member of the Baptist church and a member of the Masonic
Order for nearly 70 years serving as Trustee of Fountain Lodge at his death.
He lived a quiet, unassuming life, devoted to his family, loyal to his
friends, and honorable in his business dealings. A life-long Democrat, he never
sought public office, although many times his party would have been glad to
honor him.
His funeral service was held on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. at the Baptist church,
the Rev. A. O. Ramsey, pastor of the church officiating. He was buried in
Mt. Hope cemetery with Masonic honors.