Frederick ALDRICH Jr. 1814 - 1896

ALDRICH, AUTEN, FINCH, CODDINGTON

Posted By: Lee Aldrich
Date: 11/19/2003 at 23:09:55

Mr. Frederick Aldrich, Jr. passed away Nov. 25, 1896 at his house near Rowan. The funeral services were held in the Congregational Church Nov. 27th at 1:00 p.m. Rev. S.A. Martin preaching from Job 5 : 26. " Thou shall come to thy grave in a full age like as a shock of corn cometh in his season." The interment took place in the Rowan Cemetery.

Frederick Aldrich was born Dec. 5, 1814 in Farmington Township, Ontario County, New York. His parents were Frederick Aldrich and Katharine Finch. His grandfather, Nathan Aldrich founded a Quaker Colony at Palmyra, New York in 1783. The grandmother was a direct descendent of the early Knickerbockers of New York. The deceased lived with his parents and attended school until he was 20. He then married Lorane Coddington and with his parents moved to Macomb County , Michigan. Their union was blessed with one son and two daughters. The daughters still survive him. Here he served 13 years as deputy sheriff. The wife of his youth passed away in April, 1845. In 1847, he moved to Kalamazoo County, Michigan where he invested too extensively in real estate. He failed leaving him poor and a large family to support which was his only ambition.

He was reared with plenty, but in times of privation, he could bear his misfortunes without murmuring.

He then engaged in the hop business for a few years which brought some money. In 1850, he was again married to Mary Auten. This union has been blessed with six sons and one daughter-Herbert, Frederick Jr., Thomas A., Friend, Mary E. (deceased), R.E. Lee, and Ira Clark (deceased)

With his four large boys and small children, in 1873, he moved to Republican County, Kansas. As this did not meet his expectations, he moved to Buchanan County, Iowa, and from there to Wright County in March , 1880 where he spent his closing years. During his long life of 81 years, 11 months, and 20 days, he has been an active man both in public and private life. His greatest desire was that his family might be properly trained and cared for. His religion was his guide. He has often said, "My religion is to do right in all things." "My aim is to live right and to make no apologies." His teachings and precepts shall always have their weight and be preeminent in determining the actions of his children and grandchildren who loved him for his remarkable traits of character. He was reared a Quaker of the Hixite faith and was a strict believer in the doctrine. He died as he lived in peace and full of hope. He was a devoted husband, a kind and good father, and an ideal grandfather. He leaves an aged widow, five grown sons, and two daughters, and 21 grandchildren; an aged brother and sister who live in Michigan to mourn his loss. He's gone, but never will be forgotten.