Victor Hugo Haven, editor and proprietor of the Greenfield Argus and treasurer of the Illinois Press Association, was born on a farm in the western part of Macoupin county, Illinois, November 2, 1861, a son of William W. and Georgia A. (Kemper) Haven, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Kentucky. The father engaged in teaching singing and was also a teacher in the public schools prior to the Civil war, when he espoused the Union cause and served for four years as quartermaster of Company H, Fortieth Illinois Infantry. Following the close of hostilities and his return to Greene county, he engaged in the milling and grain business but met reverses therein. In 1878 he founded the Greenfield Argus and continued its publication until his death.

Victor H. Haven began his education in the district schools and afterward became a student in the Greenfield schools, becoming a resident of the town in 1870, but did not graduate as he was obliged to put aside his text-books a year previous to the completion of the course on account of his father?s financial reverses, it being necessary that the son provide for his own and father?s support. Accordingly he secured a position as clerk in the hardware store of N.C. Woolley, and for several years he filled similar positions in Greenfield. He filled the position of postmaster for two years under President Arthur and then retired when President Cleveland became the nation?s chief executive. He had previously learned the printer?s trade and at the death of his father in 1884 he took charge of the Greenfield Argus, which has since claimed his entire attention. He has greatly improved the paper from a journalistic standpoint and has also made it a profitable business investment, as well as one of Greene county?s most creditable publications.

Mr. Haven has ever been deeply interested in affairs of local concern and progress and is the recognized champion of every movement for the general good. He is now the treasurer of the Illinois Press Association and has been the treasurer of the Greenfield Band for the past twenty years. He has been city clerk for several terms and is influential in public affairs, his labors having ever proved of practical public benefit. His political support is given to the republican party, and he is identified with several fraternal organizations. He is a member of the Masonic, Elks and Knights of Pythias lodges, and of the last is named treasurer. He also belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp, the Court of Honor and the Sons of Veterans.

On the 22d of October, 1890, Mr. Haven was married in Greenfield, Illinois, to Miss Lydia E. Wahl, a daughter of John and Margaret Wahl, natives of Germany. They have one son, Glenn, born August 30, 1891.

Transcribed by: Carole Ann Heller