C. L. Aikins, actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising, in which direction his efforts are meeting with most satisfactory results, is one of Cedar county’s native sons, his birth having occurred in Iowa township, about two miles from his present home, on the 25th of April, 1874.
His father, Albert A. Aikins, was born in Morgan county, Ohio, January 23, 1849, and when four years of age was taken to Henry county, Illinois, by his parents, Edmond W. and Mary D. (Cope) Aikins. There they remained until 1856, which year witnessed their arrival in Cedar county, Iowa, the family home being established in Iowa township. There Albert Aikins was reared to manhood and became identified with agricultural pursuits. He was the owner of two hundred and forty acres located on section 20, township 79, which he operated until 1900, when he withdrew from active life and removed to West Liberty. The farm, however, remained in his possession until about three years ago. After his removal to the city he became very active in public affairs and business life there and is recognized as one of the prominent and influential citizens of the community. In 1897 he assisted in organizing the Iowa State Bank of West Liberty and remained a director thereof until he disposed of his interest. He is now a director and stockholder in the Citizens Savings Bank of West Liberty. He holds membership in the Presbyterian church, in which he is serving as one of the elders, and his fraternal relations are with the Masonic order, being a member of Mount Cavalry Lodge, No. 95, A. F. & A. M. A republican in politics, he has been an active worker in party ranks and for six or eight years filled the office of township trustee.
In 1872 Albert A. Aikins was united in marriage to Catharine Buckman, a native of Maryland, where her birth occurred January 16, 1849. She was a daughter of Phineas and Cynthia (Robertson) Buckman, with whom she came to Iowa in 1855, the family locating in Muscatine county. By her marriage she became the mother of four children, as follows: C. L., of this review; Irwin, of West Liberty, where he is engaged as cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank; Ethel A., the wife of Louis A. Whitacre, also of that city; and Raymond A., in the employ of the postal service at West Liberty.
Spending the period of his boyhood and youth on the old homestead about two miles north of his present home and reared amid the busy activities of rural life, C. L. Aikins was early given a share in the work of the fields, becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad. By broad experience he gained a thorough knowledge of the various phases of farming, so that when he later took up agriculture as an independent venture, he was well equipped to meet the practical duties that devolved upon him in connection therewith. After attaining his majority he operated the home farm of two hundred and forty acres for about six years, and then purchased his present farm, a tract of eighty acres located on section 33, Iowa township, to the further development and cultivation of which he has since given his attention. As a result of his energy and perseverance he has brought the place under excellent condition, having erected a fine ten-room residence and made many other improvements, the farm today being one of the neat and valuable properties of the locality. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he engages in stock-raising, making a specialty at the present time of the raising of sheep, and this branch of his business, as well as his general farming, is, under his wise management and careful direction, proving a source of a gratifying income.
On the 24th of February, 1898, Mr. Aikins was united in marriage to Miss Amy Crees, who was born in Iowa township on the 23d of March, 1872, and is a daughter of Henry and Mary (Walters) Crees, the former now deceased and the latter a resident of Iowa township. Her father was born February 27, 1831, and her mother September 27, 1839. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Aikins have been born three children, Ralph E., Alice C. and Mary.
Having spent their entire lives within the borders of Iowa township, the parents are well known throughout the locality in which they reside, and the hospitality of their home is enjoyed by a large number of warm friends. Deeply interested in the public life of the community, Mr. Aikins is an active worker in republican ranks and served as assessor for four years. Public-spirited in citizenship, he ever casts the weight of his influence on the side of those measures which have for their object the upbuilding and development of the community, and he holds a prominent place among Iowa township’s substantial and influential citizens.
