June 30, 1915
Obituary.
Many people were shocked to learn of the sudden death of Chas. F. Givan, of Somerville, Mass., who was instantly killed by train in Medfield, Mass., on Friday, June 18th. Mr. Givan had been residing in Medfield for several months and was engaged on a contract of remodeling a hotel at the time of his death, which occurred under unusually sad circumstances. The day previous to his death he had been in Somerville visiting relatives and friends and left at a late hour to return to his home. Just how the accident occurred is not known.
Mr. Givan was the son of Alex. Givan, of Harborville, N. S., and was in his 43rd year.
At the outbreak of the Spanish American War, in 1898, he volunteered his services and was enlisted as private in Co. M. 8th Regiment, M.V.M., from which he was rapidly promoted. He became chief bugler and musician in the famous 8th Regimental Band under the leadership of Harry V. Stiles.
While stationed at Chickamauga Park, Cuba, this band gained world-wide fame and played nightly for several months before the palace in the Plaza. A year later Mr. Givan was honorably discharged at the close of the war. He was a gifted violinist and had played at many social gatherings in Harborville and his genial disposition won many friends among his acquaintances.
Mr. Givan, who was born in East Boston, leaves to mourn, besides his father, two brothers, George and John, of Somerville, who came home with the remains and two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Morrill, of W. Somerville, Mass., and Miss Fannie Givan, who resides with her father.
The funeral service was held on Monday afternoon upon arrival of train and the interment took place at the cemetery at Berwick. Rev. J. A. Smith conducted the service.