12-Hannah's obituary, 1915

12-Hannah's obituary, 1915

PIONEER LADY GOES TO GREAT BEYOND
Mrs. Chrisopher Haviland Died On
Wednesday Afternoon
FUNERAL SERVICES SUNDAY A. M.
Suffered A Severe Stroke of Par-
alysis A few Days Before
Death Came

On last Wednesday afternoon at about four o'clock occurred the death of Mrs. Christopher Haviland, one of the pioneers of our little town. Mrs. Haviland had been ill for some little time and for three or four days her recovery had been despaired of. She was one of Geneva's most ardent church workers even in her later years and had made numberless friends who mourn her departure.

Hannah Jane Stilwell, daughter of Daniel and Beulah Stillwell, was born January 17, 1839, and departed this life January 27, 1915, age 76 years and 10 days. Her parents were residents of Philadelphia, but the pioneer spirit led them to come westward, first settling in Pickway Co., Ohio. In 1853 they moved to Darke Co., Ohio, where the daughter was united in marriage to Christopher Haviland, August 18, 1861. To this union were born six sons, I. N. [I. Newton] of Donalda, Alberta, Canada; Grant and Charles A. of Geneva; Harry of Box Springs, Alberta, Canada; Frank of Grand Junction, Col., and Daniel of Fruita, Col. These sons, with the father and ten grand-children are left to mourn the loss of their loved one.

In 1862 the young couple began house-keeping near Westchester, Ind. Two years later they took charge of the Jay county Infirmary. In October of 1864 the husband was drafted into the United States service. It was at this time that the young wife showed her wonderful strength of character by remaining at the farm until spring with forty persons in her charge. Meantime, no doubt, she was suffering from the dreadful uncertainties of war. Months went by and then one glad day in August, 1865, Mr. Haviland returned to his home. A few months later they again became overseers of the Infirmary. In 1880 the family moved to Geneva where the father and mother have since lived.

Mrs. Haviland was the light of her home, being of an energetic, sociable disposition. As a wife she was a real help-mate indeed. In dark days as well as bright days she never shrank from duty, but bravely did her part, encouraging and inspiring by her words and example. As a mother, she lavished the wealth of her love upon her six boys.

"The joys and griefs of childhood born,
She shared with all a mother's fervor;
My joys were jewels in her crown,
My griefs, her clouds of sadness ever.

For all my faults she made excuse,
My merits praised o'er every other.
She screened me from the world's abuse,
And taught me to adore my Mother.

When manhood's years and cares
At last compelled a separation,
She followed with her fondest prayer
My every step and avocation.

And then, as in my childhood years,
A dearer friend and worldly brother
She shared my joys and anxious cares
As none can do, except a Mother."

In early life, Sister Haviland joined the Christian Church and was a member of that church until she came to Geneva when she united with the M. E. church. She had an intense love for her church. It was one of her chief pleasures to work for its welfare. Surely, she had some of the old-time martyr spirit that made her will to endure anything for her church and her Savior. Mother Haviland was an inspiration to her pastor. Seldom, if ever, did she leave the church without voicing her appreciation and approval of the sermon to some one. She was a loved member of the Marys Ladies Bible Class and the Ladies' Aid Society.

She has gone to her heavenly home, this we know, because of the abundance of proof left.

"Servant of God, well done!
Thy glorious warfare's past;
The battle's fought, the race is won
And thou art crowned at last."

CARD OF THANKS
The neighbors and friends have been very kind to us in helping and sympathizing with us in this dark hour and we feel the most sincere gratitude to them.
Christopher Haviland and Sons.

[This article appeared in the local newspaper, and a handwritten date written in the margin is Thur. Feb. 4, 1915.]

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