U.S. Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ -- USGenNet Inc. -- Please read the U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on the following page: ------------------------------------------------------------------- Havener / Heavner Family ------------------------------------------------------------------- The History of Upshur County West Virginia From its Earliest Exploration and Settlement to the Present Time by W. B. Cutright Buckhannon, W. Va., July 1, 1907 Pages 470-473 NICHOLAS HAVENER. Concerning the Havener family, almost our only reliable information is obtained from "Indentures," "Naturalization paper," wills, appraisements, etc., now in Major Jacob W. Heavner's posession. These have passed from one administrator to the next for five successive generations. From them it appears that Nicholas Havener with his wife, two sons, Jacob and Frederick, and two daughters, Catreen and one whose name is not given, emigrated from Germany to America some time previous to May 20, 1755, which is the date, so far as shown on which he made his first purchase of land, two tracts, each containing 300 acres, lying on the "Southernmost Branch of the South Branch of the Potomac River," for which "he in hand paid 100 & 7 pounds & 10 shillings." Nicholas Heayener's Naturalization paper, to which is still firmly attached the seal of "Our Sovereign Lord, King George the Third," dated May 18, 1761, bears also the signature of Fran. Farquier "His Majesties Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Col. and Dominion of Virginia." It is difficult to determine the exact orthography of the name, as even in the third generation the family seem to have written almost exclusively in German, however, on the first Indentures and Naturalization paper we find it Havener. From Nicholas Havener's will written during the year 1769 (fourteen years after his arrival in America), we perhaps gain a more correct estimate of his character than could otherwise have been obtained. First he was a God-fearing man, also a man of wealth devoted to the welfare of his family, which is especially conspicuous in his careful, specific, and generous provisions for the comfort of his "Beloved wife," whom he appoints Administratrix of his estate, in conjunction with their eldest son, Jacob. There is in the writer's possession a paper of which the following is a true copy: Pendleton County, to wit, this is to certify that Frederick Heavener served a term of Duty under me against the Insurgents in Pennsylvania as a good soldier and is hereby Discarged. JAMES PATTERSON, Captain. Feb. 27, 1795. JACOB HEAVNER. Jacob Heavner, eldest son of Nicholas, married Mary Mallow, it is presumed she died soon after December 4, 1804, as that is the last date on which her name appears, attached to a "deed of gift of land," made with her husband to their oldest son Nicholas, which was one of the 300 acre tracts purchased by his grandfather, Nicholas, in 1755. Jacob and Mary Havener were the parents of many children. Nicholas, Adam, Henry Michael, Samuel Peter, Margaret and Mary, Jacob and John. Of Jacob Havener our only record is derived from business transactions and his will dated Pendleton C., December 18, 1810, but even in these after the lapse of almost a century, we recognize a man of fine judgment, not only successful in worldly affairs, large hearted and magnanimous, but also a devout christian. As his father, so did he appoint his oldest son Nicholas his administrator. NICHOLAS HAVENER. After the settlement of his father Jacob Havener's estate in Pendleton County, Virginia, Nicholas Havener, in 18 15, came to what is now Upshur County and purchased of George Jackson, 400 acres of land on Buckhannon River, lying partly in Harrison and partly in Randolph Counties, including former site of "Bush Fort," near which his residence was erected. Only a few traditions concerning he and his gentle wife have survived the years, which if only partially true, would suggest as one who knew him said, "That he was a jolly Dutchman whose laugh could be heard a quarter of a mile, whose hospitality was unbounded, and cellar always full of the finest peach and apple brandy." Another old and very close friend of his, some years ago in conversation with the writer on this subject, remarked that Nicholas never considered his whole duty to a guest performed unless on their departure he presented them with a souvenir of their visit, which in connection with the fine brandy may at least partially explain his excessive popularity. He and his wife, Mary Propps Heavner, reared a large family of daughters and two sons, Elias and Jacob. Nicholas Heavner died August 3, 1843, his wife, Mary Propps Heavner, died May 19, 1843. ELIAS HEAVNER, Born April 9, 1805. Died October 10, 1884. and ELIZABETH HYRE HEAVNER, Born February 14, 1809. August 2, 1902. Nicholas Heavner appointed his eldest son Elias his administrator, also to succeed him on the home farm, to which on October 4, 1829, the latter — a proud and happy groom, brought his bride, Elizabeth Hyre Heavner — and now it seems impossible that any person knowing both, could write of either, without including the other, so close was their union, so harmonious and devoted their lives, that in thought and spirit they were truly one. Mr. Heavner was a quiet, unobtrusive generous man, of great simplicity of spirit and Christian goodness. Early in life both he and his wife united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which for many years he was a class leader and also Trustee. They were both noted for their generous hospitality, and it was in their home the weary, wayworn itinerant ministers, of the early years, were always sure of finding a cordial welcome and a comfortable resting place. To them was born one daughter, Catherine, who married Mr. Daniel Carper, and now resides in Buckhannon, West Virginia. Also to their hearts and home came seven stalwart sons. Alas! that of these, five were taken from them just as they were reaching the full meridian of promising manhood. In the midst of those for whom their arduous labors were so freely given, beneath the shadow of trees they together planted, surrounded by those verdant meadows, in which for so many years they sowed and reaped, parents and children are together "Sleeping the ages away" in the cemetery which perpetuates their name. L. A. E. R. H. THADDEUS S. HEAVNER. Thaddeus S. Heavner, second son of Elias and Elizabeth Hyre Heavner, was born October 20, 1832, in what is now known as Upshur County, W. Va. He was a man of more than ordinary natural endowments, active and successful in business, with a high sense of honor, which was conspicuous in alt the relations of his life, and from his youth was a devout member of the M. E. Church. During the year 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Farnsworth, daughter of Nathaniel and Millie Farnsworth. At the time of his death, which occurred October 26, 1869, he was Sheriff of Upshur County, W. Va. One only child, Lenora A. Heavner, survives both her parents. JACOB W. HEAVNER. Jacob W. Heavner, eldest son of Elias and Elizabeth Hyre Heavner, was born January 27, 1841. To him, as to so many other youths of his age and period, the Civil War came with its "bugle call to arms'" aroused a valor which knew no fear, and a martial spirit both North and South which was indomitable. As soon as possible after a tedious illness from typhoid fever, he offered his services to the Government and was commissioned 2d Lieutenant. On the eve of departure for the front with his men, Gen. Jenkins, that ever omnipresent commander, who was always where he was least expected, and least desired, came with his "brave riders" "swooping" down on the government stores in Buckhannon. Alas for the Lieutenant and his men, some were killed and some wounded, while the Lieutenant and others were left on parole. Before an exchange could be effected the Lieutenant, with his brother Clark W. Heavner, in passing along the highway was "Bushwacked," and both very dangerously wounded, the latter so seriously as to permanently preclude his admission to the army. The Lieutenant was more fortunate, when he had at least partially recovered, there came an exchange of prisoners. Again he was ready for service and was commissioned 1st Lieutenant, Company M, 3d West Virginia Cavalry. On May 23, 1865, he was again promoted to Captain in same company and regiment, and for special gallantry brevetted Major. The 3d West Virginia Cavalry, as many may recall was with Hunter in the famous Lynchburg raid, and with Custer and Sheridan in the Valley where they seemed ubiquitous, and also very conspicuously present at the surrender. In 1869 Judge Irving appointed Major Heavner Sheriff of Upshur County, to fill an unexpired term, occasioned by the death of his brother T. S. Heavner. Twice afterwards he was elected Sheriff of Upshur County, was in 1884 delegate to National convention; in 1888 alternate for State at large to National convention; again in 1892, on electoral ticket; 1900 alternate for Third Congressional District, West Virginia; 1900, member-at-large and president of the Board of Equalization in the State of West Virginia; 1904 led the electoral ticket in, West Virginia, has served as vice-president of one, and director in two banks in Buckhannon, has also served as director in two R. R.'s, has for thirty years been a most successful and progressive real estate agent, also one of the most active and energetic promoters in all the enterprises which have had for their object the progress and development of Buckhannon, Upshur County, and its surroundings. ------------------------------------------------------------------- If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access other biographies for Upshur County, WV by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/wv/upshur/bios.html -------------------------------------------------------------------