Daniel S. Haviland

5 February 1828 – 18 February 1917
Conference Cane: 1912
Age at death: 89 years


Daniel S. Haviland

Daniel Smith Haviland was born Feb. 5, 1828, at Royalton, Niagara Co., N.Y. He was of Quaker ancestry and was the son of Charles and Laura Smith Haviland. His mother, who was familiarly known as "Aunt Laura" Haviland, now remembered for her activities in the W.C.T.U. work, was earlier identified with the abolition movement, and was one of the promoters of the "underground railroad" which before the Civil War so efficiently assisted slaves in escaping to Canada. In this she was ably assisted by her son, who shared with her the perils incident to the work.

When one year of age, he came with his parents to the then territory of Michigan. They settled on a farm in Raisin, Lenawee Co. Coincident with the clearing of the land for cultivation, they founded the Raisin Institute which was open to anyone regardless of color. From this institution, and his mother's interest in wayward girls, grew the present Industrial School for Girls at Adrian.

He entered the ministry in Michigan Conference in 1858, but on account of failing eyesight was obliged to take a superannuate relation in 1868. For several months he was totally blind. Recovering his health, he again entered active service in 1877. Owing to another physical breakdown he was again obliged to superannuate in 1885. He settled at Lakeview, his last charge, where he continued to reside until he received the summons, "Well done good and faithful servant," on Feb. 18, 1917, at the age of 89 years and 13 days. He was the custodian of the Conference Cane for several years. During the years he was on the retired list, he several times acted as a supply.

At the age of 21, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Camburn of Franklin, Lenawee Co., who preceded him to the better land twelve years ago. Eight children were born of this union, five of whom are living — Josephine M. Alden of Grand Rapids, Charles E. of Muskegon, Clara H. Blanding of Lakeview, Mary H. Baldwin of Munising, and Lucien D. of Grand Rapids.

Of a quiet and unassuming disposition, seeming to prefer that his actions rather than his words should speak for him, he never lacked for words when he wished to comfort and sympathize with the sorrowing, to strengthen and aid the weak, to help the fallen to rise, to admonish the successful to remember the source of all material blessings, or to denounce wrong and injustice. His patience with the erring was unbounded. He was ever ready to help the needy even at cost of self-sacrifice. Because of these characteristics, he was frequently called "The Grand Old Man" of Lakeview; and the closing years of his long life were like a benediction pronounced over the community in which they were passed.

His funeral, held from the church in Lakeview which he had so faithfully served for many years was conducted by Rev. L.E. Price, pastor, assisted by other pastors of the village. The body was laid to rest in the Lakeview cemetery beside his wife, his sons and grandsons acting as pallbearers.

"Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell
When I embark:
For, though from out our bourne of time and place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar."

F.J. BALDWIN

- Michigan Annual Conference minutes of 1917, pp. 249-250 

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[1] Archivist's note: Marne was known as Berlin until 1919.