My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of McDonald County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

Dwight E. Havens, of the firm of Havens & Healy, general merchants of South West City, Mo., was born in East Lyme, Conn., on November 17, 1849. He is a son of Edmond F. Havens, also a native of East Lyme, Conn., who removed his family to Illinois in 1856. Dwight E. Havens secured a fair education in Grand Prairie Seminary and Commercial College, of Onarga, Ill. After leaving school he engaged in farming in Illinois, but soon after went to Douglass, Butler County, Kas., where he remained engaged in agricultural pursuits until November, 1873. He then came to South West City, and for a time clerked for D. L. Gorton in a general store. He then engaged in business with his father-in-law, but after about two years sold to Smith & Seabourn. In June, 1883, he established his present business in partnership with his brother, Albert Havens. The latter afterward sold his interest to Charles J. Healy, Mr. Haven’s present partner. The firm carry a full line of everything usually found in a general store, except hardware, and do an annual business of $12,000. On June 5, 1878, Mr. Havens was united in marriage with Laura Smith, a daughter of Dr. Benjamin F. Smith, Sr., and to them have been born three children, only one of whom, Claude, is living. Those deceased are Edmund and William. For the last four years Mr. Havens has been a notary public.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 82 biographies included in The History of McDonald County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: McDonald County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional McDonald County, Missouri family biographies, click here

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.