VAN AUKEN, Harry Elmer: 1876-1937

VAN AUKEN, FOLKER, KELLEY, COURTNEY

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 9/10/2013 at 07:57:52

HARRY E. VAN AUKEN
**Handwritten: 1937

Harry Elmer Van Auken, son of Peter and Emma Van Auken, was born in Van Buren county on July 7, 1876, and passed away April 26, 1937. He grew to manhood near the place of his birth. On Sept. 5, 1897, he was married to Miss Stella Folker. To this union were born two daughters, Lela and Virgil. In 1914 he gave up the occupation of farming and moved to Farmington where he became the proprietor of a meat market and grocery store. He served as Mayor of Farmington from 1926 to 1930 and was serving a third term at the time of his death. He was a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge A.F. and A.M., and Order of Odd Fellows, both of Farmington. He was also a member of the Shrine at Davenport.

He leaves to mourn his death his wife, two children, Mrs. C.C. Courtney of Farmington, and Mrs. Eugene Kelley of Emmetsburg; three grand children, Stanley Courtney and Patty and Carol Kelley; and two brothers, Austin of Mt. Sterling and Oliver, who is now Washington. His parents, two half sisters, and a half brother preceded him in death.

Mr. Van Auken was a man who will be deeply mourned by his family and the community which he served. He was a good husband and father. He was tolerant and progressive; interested in his home and the community. He was alert to the worth-while in everything, and was the kind of a citizen whose loss is felt deeply by the town in which he lived. For each of his many friends he had always a cheerful gg. His life was spent in honest industry and endeavor, meeting each day courageously and making of it a living example of his creed.

The funeral service was held in the M.E. church, Farmington, on. . . . (remainder is missing)

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 235, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA