Clark O. Van Auken ~ 1892-1918

VAN AUKEN

Posted By: Volunteer - Rhonda Rankin Rowe
Date: 2/4/2002 at 09:30:22

Private Clark O. Van Auken, oldest son of Allen and Cora Van Auken, was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, April 14, 1892, and departed this life Oct. 10, 1918, at the age of 26 years, 5 months, and 26 days. When Clark was 13 years of age his mother passed to the great beyond, where she has awaited to welcome him. Oletha Marie Van Auken, Clark’s sister, and next to him in birth, left this life when an infant of one and a half years. Out of his immediate family there still lives a father, Allen, a sister, Hazel Dell and a brother Fern, who is at sea in service on the battleship Michigan. Clark’s childhood and youth were spent in and around Keosauqua, Iowa, where he was also educated. At the age of 19 he left the shelter of home, where for several years he had enjoyed the affection of the loving father and mother who reared him to manhood. At the age of 20 he united with the Methodist church at Palisade, Nebraska, and had always remained true to the faith. For several years his occupation had led him to travel from state to state, but he always said that the place he liked best of all was Keosauqua, for that was home. He was selected for service in June, 1918, and went immediately to Camp Custer, at Battle Creek, Michigan. He was placed in Co. M, of 40th U.S. Infantry, in charge of officer Sergt. J.H. Baldwin, who accompanied the remains home. The last three weeks of his life Clark was a member of the Intelligence Department, studying map sketching, map reading, sharp shooting, and scouting. He volunteered for this service which is the most dangerous and difficult department of army service. This act of volunteering showed to all that he not only had the proper physical and mental requirements, but also the attributes of bravery and manhood. While in the service his habits were of the best, and he was liked and admired by all. He visited his parents for the last time one year ago, with his brother Fern. He leaves a host of relatives and friends to mourn his departure. Funeral services were held at the parental home in Keosauqua Monday afternoon Oct. 14, Elder Mangas in charge and burial beside his mother in the Blackledge cemetery at Mt. Sterling.

Source; Iowa Rankin and Jenny Matheson newspaper clippings