History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with
Sketches of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious,
Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Persons
and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co.,
Peoria, Illinois, 1879, page 419, Astoria Township
John C. Aten, agriculturist; P. O., Astoria. The subject
of this sketch is one of a numerous family of Virginians, whom we
mention elsewhere. John was joined in matrimony with Mary J.
Hall, daughter of Robert Hall, in Western Pennsylvania. John came
to Illinois in 1855, and since his arrival here has become to Illinois
in 1855, and since his arrival here has become quite prosperous, and is
the owner of a fine farm. There were born of the marriage
referred to 9 children, only 4 of whom are living, - Nancy A., John C.,
Wm. H. and Elizabeth. Mr. A. has held many offices, among them
Lieut. Col. of Militia; Aid to the Governor with rank of Colonel;
Justice of the Peace; Constable; Deputy Sheriff and School Director.
