from The Worcester Daily Spy, December 17, 1862 (Volume 17 # 297),
City and County - |
DR. HAVEN KILLED
A telegraphic dispatch from Hon. B. F. Thomas, received here last night, states that Dr. S. F. Haven, of the 15th regiment, was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg. The dispatch, addressed to Dr. Haven’s father, ( who has gone to Washington, ) is as follows: Washington, Dec. 17, 1862 |
City and County For the Worcester Daily Spy. “Brave, but unfortunate regiment!” is the exclamation of all. Ever in the most exposed paths of danger, ever brave and faithful, ever unfortunate! Not the least of its misfortunes is the loss of its kind-hearted, skillful and eminently faithful surgeon, who fell while in the discharge of his duties, surrounded by those whose lives he was endeavoring to prolong and save. Dr. Haven was the only child of our highly respected citizen, S. F. Haven, Esq., the well known librarian of the Antiquarian society. He graduated at Cambridge in the year 1852, in the same class with Major Sidney Willard, who perished in the same battle, and with Capt. Porter of the 1st Massachusetts battery, Capt. S. M. Quincy, of the second Massachusetts regiment, Col. Paul Revere, who was wounded at Ball’s Bluff, and several others who have distinguished themselves during this unhappy war. Having carefully fitted himself by assiduous study in the best schools at home, and in Europe, for the practice of his profession, he fixed his residence in Worcester. Though tinged with something of peculiarity in his manners and his habit of mind, he was admirably fitted to attain eminence in some departments of his profession. His characteristics were thoroughness and faithfulness. No portion of his labors was slightingly done. That which would be exposed to remark, and that which would not, received an equal share of his minute attention. Added to this, he had unwearied patience, quiet persistency and a laudable curiosity about the cause of things. He was gifted, too, with no inconsiderable manual and mechanical dexterity and ingenuity. With these qualifications, combined with great attainments in some departments, and a thorough love of his profession, he might, and his friends for him might, well look forward to the time when his position would be an enviable one. He was somewhat reserved in his disposition, and did not have so large a circle of acquaintances as many others; but among his intimate friends he was warm hearted, devoted to his attachments, and at times almost childishly happy in doing them unexpected favor. His unswerving indignant honesty, which kept at a distance all sham and pretence, and all persons not of pure and genuine feeling, and his faithful devotion to whatever he once undertook, compelled the highest respect of all. When the three years troops were called for, he volunteered his services, and pressed for the position of assistant surgeon in the first regiment that left the county. Since his departure with that regiment he has never been home; but sharing in its misfortunes and hardships, he has, without furlough, or leave of absence, been constantly with its brave men, unremittingly attending to their wants, in camp and on the battlefield, by day and by night. He was cut down in the flower of early manhood before professional honors or social distinctions could be expected to reach him; but length of life could only add to the affection and respect in which his memory will be held. No one’s patriotism could be purer, nor faithfulness greater; and these qualities led him to his noble death. In him the army will mourn the loss of a surgeon of unwonted skill and fidelity; his profession, a member quite certain to attain distinction in some department, and enlarge its boundaries; his intimate acquaintances, a pure-minded, simple hearted, devoted friend. In him, too, we all gain a noble example. |
Home Guards |
City and County Appropriate scripture passages were read by Rev. Mr. Scandlin. Rev. Mr. Shippen in a few earnest words, spoke of the great worth, the strength and tenderness of character of the young surgeon. He read an extract from a noble and beautiful letter written by Dr. Haven after the death of Lieutenant Spurr, and referring to their intimate friendship, said that as in life they were united, in death they were not long divided. The services at the church closed by the singing of the hymn, “Nearer My God To Thee.” The coffin was draped with the national banner, and flowers and wreaths were arranged upon it. Doctors Bates, Martin, Woodward, Clark, Gage, Sargent, Bemis, and Nichols, acted as pall bearers. The home guards, under the leadership of Colonel Ivers Phillips, with muffled drums and reversed guns, escorted the body to the grave at the Rural Cemetery. The flags about the city were hung at half mast in regard for the memory of the deceased. |
The Late Dr. Haven.
The class of 1852 of Harvard college, of which surgeon S. Foster Haven, Jr., was a member, held a meeting in Boston on Friday last, Dr. Horace Richardson presiding, and Henry G. Denny acting as secretary. Testimony to his blameless life, and devotion to professional and public duties was borne by several gentlemen, and resolutions of respect for his memory were unanimously adopted. |
Tribute To Dr. Haven
At a meeting of the Worcester Association for Medical Improvement, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: Resolved, that in the untimely death of Dr. S. Foster Haven, Jr., this association is called to mourn the loss of a member, whose large scientific attainments, dignified bearing, and brave fidelity to duty, gave highest promise of professional eminence and public usefulness. Resolved, that in his pure and blameless life, elevated social intercourse, unostentatious benevolence, and scrupulous regard for the rights and feeling of others, we recognize convincing evidence of the refining and ennobling influence of moral and religious culture. Resolved, that to his bereaved parent, our honored fellow citizen, we proffer most sincere and cordial sympathy in this great and overwhelming affliction; assuring him that the memory of the deceased will remain with us in perpetual freshness, and be cherished with fraternal regard. |