Senator Joseph Warren Havens View All Years

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Joseph Warren Havens

Keokuk County

Born in Franklin County, Ohio, May 17, 1842. He moved to Illinois in 1854 where he learned the trade of marble cutter which occupation he followed until 1863. Upon arriving at the age of 21, he determined to change his occupation and had for some time an inclination to enter the newspaper profession. He came to Sigourney in December, 1863, and in connection with a brother H. E. Havens, brought the “Sigourney News” which soon gained a wide spread reputation. Mr. Havens proved his genius for the new profession he had chosen by making the “News” one of the spiciest and sprightliest papers in the State. His connection with the “News” lasted till November, 1878, at which time he had exclusive editorial charge. In the fall of 1870, he was chosen to represent Keokuk county in the State Senate, and although the youngest member of the Thirteenth General Assembly he acquitted himself with honor and made a record for statesmanlike sagacity which would have been creditable to one of more advanced age and wider range of experience. Mr. Havens was married to Miss E. J. Dunn in 1863, she being a native of Ohio.

Senate District 17