| For The Worcester Daily Spy - Dr. Samuel Foster Haven
Intelligence today received, leaves no doubt even in the most reluctant minds, of the sad death of Dr. S. F. Haven, surgeon of the fifteenth Massachusetts volunteers. “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 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 first Massachusetts battery, Colonel 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 at 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 pecularity in his manners and habits of mind, he was admirably fitted to obtain eminence in some departments of his profession. His characteristics were throughness 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 of his minute attention. Added to this, he had unwearied patience, quiet persistency and a laudable curiosity about the causes 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 through 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 ever warm hearted, devoted in his attachments, and at times almost childishly happy in doing them unexpected favor. His unswerving, indignant honesty, which kept at a distance all shams 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 this 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 is 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 he 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. |