Dallas County News
Adel, Dallas Co. Iowa
November 2, 1921
pg. 1
Aaron Parkhurst York
Back in the pioneer days when the country was new and undeveloped, there was born to Mr. & Mrs. John Wesley York on March 17, 1852, a baby boy whom they named Aaron Parkhurst, the subject of the sketch, he being the 1st white boy born in Guthrie County, while yet a small boy, scarcely 4 years old when he was bereft of a mother's love and care, having to make his own way alone in the world he went at an early age to Nevada where he came in contact with yet a newer country meeting adversity and prosperity with undaunted courage and with the motto to win, overcame the obstacles of the far west. It was while here that he met the companion of his life, and in due time they returned to his early home in Iowa where he was married to Sarah Catherine Rail of Van Buren County, February 16, 1882. They then located on the farm in Colfax township where they lived and raised their family of nine children to manhood and womanhood; Mrs. C.N. Martin, Redfield IA; J.M. York who lives on the old home place, Adel; Mrs. H.L. Frye, Redfield; C.W. York, Redfield; Mrs. Guy Chapman, J.W. York, Fred L. York, Mrs. Lee Myers, Mrs. Hazel Walker, all of Adel; one daughter dying in infancy. Mr. York lived to see his children all in comfortable homes of their own and in 1918 he and his good wife retired to a cozy home in Adel to rest and enjoy the labor of their earlier days. At the age of 31 he gave his heart to God at the meetings held in the schoolhouse at Colfax township, later helping to build the Colfax M.E. Chapel of which he was the Supt. of Sunday School for years. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows for 31 years. He joined the church in Adel on moving to town and has been faithful. He loved the Sunday School and Church. He was highly respected and loved by the members of the Friendly class. During the month of July he was taken sick and in a short time critically ill, and has hovered between life and death for nearly 4 months, passing from this world Oct. 29, 1921, aged 69 years, 7 months, 12 days. He was a patient sufferer, always interested in the topics of the day, ready with his jokes. During the last few days, his suffering was intense and he signified his willingness to go, saying he was ready to those of us who were permitted to be at his bedside. We could learn this lesson to our comfort that his faith in God was sublime and his patience unexcelled. He leaves to morn his passing, his wife, 9 children, 27 grandchildren, 3 half-brothers, and one half-sister, and a host of friends. Funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at the Methodist Church conducted by Rev. D.B.S. Prather. Interment was at Panther Creek Cemetery.