Aaron Kimble Aten II
died: July 04, 1914 High Point, Decatur County, Iowa
Garden Grove Express, unknown date
The community was greatly shocked the latter part of last week when word was received from Des Moines that A. K.
Aten had passed away. A few weeks ago Mr. Aten underwent an operation for cancer of the bowels and was recovering
from the operation nicely, having been about town quite frequently. It was necessary for him to return for what
was considered a minor operation in completing the previous one, which occurred on Saturday. It seems that he was
not able to withstand the shock and died about one o'clock Sunday morning.
From his low condition at first he seemed to rally and it was thought for a time all would be well, but he passed
away as above stated, however, not until his family were able to reach his bedside by auto.
Mr. Aten was a man of exceptionally strong character and highly respected by a large circle of friends. A few years
ago he engaged in the mercantile business in Garden Grove and his courteous manner and honorable business dealings
won him the respect of all, and in his death the community has lost a valuable citizen and merchant. In respect
to him all the business houses were closed during the funeral and the majority of the business men attended the
funeral. The community extend their sincere sympathy to the sorrowing family.
Aaron Kimble Aten was born in Stark County, Illinois, May 11, 1856. He came with his parents to High Point Township,
Iowa, in 1871, and was married in 1877, to Henrietta Woolley, who lived but about a month after their marriage.
He was married a second time, November 16, 1882, to Winnie Woolley. To this union were born three sons: Russell,
Abner and Ray, all of whom survive their father and were present at the funeral. During his lifetime he engaged
in farming and also in the mercantile business. For the past two years he conducted a general store at Garden Grove,
where he made many friends by his genial and obliging manner.
He was converted and united with the church at High Point in February, 1903, and has remained a faithful member
of the same ever since. He was prominent in church and social life.
He leaves his wife, three sons named above, who all live in and near Garden Grove and High Point. He also leaves
three sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Martha Robinson, of Victoria, Illinois; Mrs. Ellen Robinson, of Fullerton,
California; Mrs. Luella Rilea, Fullerton, California; also Edward Aten, of Chicago, Illinois and Reverend Thomas
Aten, of Linden, Iowa. Reverend Thomas Aten was the only one of them who was able to be present at the funeral.
Mr. Aten was a useful citizen wherever you put him. He will be missed among the business men, among his friends
and in his home. He was a good husband, a kind father, a faithful Christian and a loyal friend.
The funeral services were conducted from the home Monday afternoon at two o'clock by J. G. Duling, his Pastor.
The body was laid to rest in the High Point Cemetery.
The Humeston, Iowa, New Era, Wednesday, July 8, 1914
A. K. Aten, aged fifty-five years, of Garden Grove, died in a Des Moines hospital Sunday, following an operation.
The funeral was held at High Point Monday. He was a farmer and merchant. He conducted a store at High Point for
several years and was in business in Garden Grove at the time of his death. He was a good man and well known in
Decatur and Wayne counties.
[Submitted by Sara Hemp]
