Neglect Not Cause of Death

Milton Ivan Havener died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Fred Barber, in Roberts, Illinois, Wednesday, Jan. 26, 1916, aged 13 years, 8 months and 1 day. Funeral services will be held at the Congregational Church Friday, Jan. 28, at 1:30 o'clock p.m. Rev. A. W. Depew officiating. Interment in Lyman cemetery. 

--Chatsworth Plaindealer.  3 February 1916.

--Gibson City Courier.  10 February 1916.  Page 3.

NEGLECT NOT CAUSE OF DEATH
Roberts, Ill., Feb. 8, 1916

To Whom it May Concern:
In regard to the death of Ivan Havener, I, his aunt, and really a mother over the child for almost two years, think I have the right as well as the newspapers, to state what I know to be the truth. There has been considerable gossip, "as I must call it," about little Irvin's death. Now, if these people who have done so much fault-finding would find out the truth before speaking, there would be less trouble, as usually such people have the most dirt to sweep. They should stop to think that a trouble of this kind is hard enough to bear without having people go about and say, "A case of neglect." Friends, if you would only stop and think what his means, I really believe some of you at least would not say such a thing again.
Little Irvin was sick about four days with appendicitis, but was up and about the house all the time, waiting upon himself whenever we happened to be out or not handy to call, but now and then complaining of a pain in his side, which would last only a short time. A doctor was called by phone every day, who told us just what to do, which we did exactly as directed, also medicine and nourishment given as prescribed. On the third day he got up as usual and dressed, and after reading the morning paper, asked to be taken to his home in Roberts. The doctor was again called on and asked in regard to this. He sent out some more medicine and told how to give it, "which was also done," and said to call in the morning at 7 o'clock, adding if the boy has no pain we might bring him in. At 7 the next morning we called him as directed. The patient was asked if he had any pain and he said "No, not a bit," and the doctor said it would be all right to bring him in. The trip was taken, a distance of 2 1/2 miles, which he stood well. After a short time he had a fainting spell. A doctor was immediately called, but as all doctors had left town, had to phone to another town for one; but on account of so much sickness and muddy roads he was also delayed in coming until too late to save the boy, who passed away about 1 o'clock.
This was a terrible shock to one and all, as no one knew how bad he was; and as far as it being the fault of any one, "as one paper states," that is not true.

This I know to be all the truth.
Signed: Mrs. Levi Eppelsheimer

Buried Lyman Township Cemetery

--Melvin Motor. 11 February 1916.