|
CAPT. FRANK W. IIAVILL, an honored veteran of the late war, who is now editing a paper in Mt. Carmel, and who is serving as Clerk of the Supreme Court of Illinois at Mt. Vernon, where he makes his official home, was born in Roscoe, Ohio, September 15, 1842. His father is a native of Maryland, and his mother was born in the Buckeye Stale of Irish parentage. The Captain attended the common schools of Ohio until fourteen years of age, when, in 1857, he came to Illinois, locating in Mt. Carmel, where he worked in a brick yard and at railroad building until the breaking out of the war. Mr. Havill was then eighteen years of age, but he possessed the spirit of patriotism of many an older soldier, and on the 25th of July, 1861, enlisted as a private, becoming a member of Company I, Fortieth Illinois Infantry. At the end of three years he re-enlisted at Huntsville, Ala., and continued in the service until the close of the war. He was severely wounded at Pittsburg Landing, April 6, 1862, and at Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. He served in the campaigns in Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, and South and North Carolina.For a portion of the time he was in the secret service, and was an Adjutant in Harrison's Tennessee Cavalry. He was promoted to the ranks of First Lieutenant and Captain, and when mustered out August 1, 1865, was an Assistant Inspector General. Captain Havill then returned to his home in Mt. Carmel, and on the 30th of June, 1867, in Friendsville, ILL., was married to Miss Marie Elizabeth Willman. For many years he was one of the most prominent citizens of Mt. Carmel, and was honored with several offices. He served as Master in Chancery of Wabash County for two terms, and was postmaster of Mt. Carmel under President Cleveland's first administration. In 1872, he became the editor and publisher of the Mt. Carmel Register, which is now recognized as the leading Democratic paper of southern Illinois. He has served on the senatorial, congressional and state Democratic committees and takes a very active part in politics. It is said that Captain Havill's paper exerts a greater influence in the politics of southern Illinois than any other force, and that he has secured more officials for state and national offices than any other man in southern Illinois. It is commonly reported that what he favors in this line usually goes through, and what he opposes falls to the ground. His eldest son holds a high position in the State Penitentiary in Chester, and is a rising young politician. In November, 1890, the Captain was elected Clerk of the Supreme Court of Illinois for the Southern Grand Division for a term of six years, receiving the largest majority ever given a candidate in this division, a fact which indicates his popularity and the confidence and trust reposed in him. He is an able and forcible writer and throughout the state he is both widely and favorably known. Socially he is identified with the following organizations: the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council, Commandery, Eastern Star and Shrine, of the Masonic fraternity; Subordinate Lodge, Encampment and Rebekah Lodge of Odd Fellows; Knights of Labor, Patrons of Husbandry, Workmen and Red Men, being Sachem of the order last named. He was the first charter member of Mt. Carmel Post, G. A. R.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois" |
For corrections or additions, please contact me: Sandy Bauer