Erastus O. Haven

Erastus O. Haven

1 November 1820 - 2 August 1881


Bishop Erastus O. Haven

Bishop Erastus O. Haven, D.D., LL.D., was born in Boston, Massachusetts, November 1, 1820; graduated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 1842: elected President of Amenia Seminary, 1846; entered the New York Conference and appointed to the Twenty-fourth Street Church. New York, 1848: professor of Latin language and literature, Michigan University, 1852-3: professor of history and English literature, Michigan University, 1854-5; elected editor of Zion's Herald 1856; elected President of Michigan University, 1863 to 1869; elected President of Northwestern University, Evanston, 1869-1872; elected the first corresponding secretary of the Board of Education of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 1872; elected Chancellor of Syracuse University, 1874 to 1880; elected Bishop May 12, and consecrated May 19, 1880; died at Salem, Oregon, August 2, 1881. Bishop Haven was a descendant of the Pilgrim Fathers, his ancestry being traced back to Richard Haven, who lived in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1640. It is difficult to speak in fitting terms of the character, many-sided and versatile genius, of this great and good man. Our holy religion is well illustrated in the life of this illustrious friend and brother. As a preacher, writer, and scholar he had few equals in the Methodist Episcopal Church. To the student and the minister he will be an ever living example. His ability and success as an educator was pre-eminent, because of his extensive research and wisdom, he intermeddled himself with all knowledge. A great host of educated, influential citizens mourn over him as their beloved friend and teacher and guide. Thousands of ministers will recall with deep emotion his saintly face and consecrated life. His genial, lovable nature drew all men to him, and though a man of decided views and pronounced opinions none knew him but to love him, and of him it may be truthfully said he had not an enemy. His character and labors are a precious legacy to the church. The Faculty of the University of Michigan has done honor to that noble institution of learning by the admirably written minute in which they have recorded their generous appreciation of the work of Bishop Haven. We respectfully beg leave to insert it here that it may speak for itself.

"The University Senate met August 5th and passed the following memorial upon the death of Bishop Haven: Rev. Erastus O. Haven, D.D., Bishop in the Methodist Episcopal Church and an ex-President of this University, died at Salem, Oregon, on the 2d day of August, 1881. Dr. Haven held the chair of the Latin language and literature in this University in 1852 and 1853; that of history and English literature in 1854 and 1855, and the office of President of the University from 1863 to 1869. This Senate has received with profound grief the intelligence of his death. Cut down suddenly, almost at the beginning of the sacred duties of the high and responsible office to which he had been called by the church 6f his choice, while still strong and vigorous, and to all appearance capable of doing good service in the cause of his Master for many years to come, he has left a record of great and manifold and fruitful labors to perpetuate his memory and to console the multitude of friends, brethren and associates who mourn his loss. The uninterrupted success of his life, from the day of his graduation at Middletown to that of his death in Oregon, were due to his unwavering faith in Christ, his indomitable energy, his ready adaptation to circumstances, his versatility of talent and breadth and variety of attainment, his prudence and tact in administration, and, not least, his remarkable facility and felicity of expression in writing, and especially in public speaking. He was elected to many and honorable positions, involving either educational, literary or ministerial labor, but amongst all the high duties to which he was called none did he discharge with more distinguished ability than those of the presidency of the University. During the six years of his administration the attendance of undergraduates was constantly increasing, while the institution was steadily progressing in its proper work and growing in popular favor. Nor less was his administration distinguished for the internal harmony and unity promoted by his large and kindly spirit, which at the same time attached all members of the University so heartily and firmly to his own person. This University will ever cherish and honor the memory of President Haven, and while it mourns his death it is thankful for the good which a kind Providence has permitted him to achieve, not only here but in many fields of beneficent enterprise. The Senate, while thus expressing its sense of the loss sustained by religion and education in the death of Bishop Haven, desires most sincerely and respectfully to extend its sympathy to the family so suddenly visited by a mysterious but wise and merciful Providence, with the great sorrow and heaviest of earthly bereavements."

By order of the Senate.

Henry S. Frieze, Acting President
Charles K. Adams, Secretary

- Detroit Annual Conference minutes of 1881, pp. 36-37

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