Person:George Van Aken (41)

Biography from A History of Branch County

Hon. George W. Van Aken, living in Coldwater, is well known as a farmer and buyer of stock and wool and in his business career has displayed the close application, energy and persistency of purpose which are very indispensable elements in a successful career. He is a native of the Empire state, his birth having occurred in Monroe county, New York, September 8, 1828. His father, Cornelius Van Aken, was born and reared in Pennsylvania and was married in New York to Miss Harriett Phelps, whose birth occurred in New York. They located in Monroe County, where they resided until 1833, when they became residents of Lenawee County, Michigan. In 1837 they removed to Branch county, setling in Girard Township, where the father entered a half section of land from the government. The tract was wild and unimproved but he at once began its development and continued its cultivation up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1853, during which period his labors wrought a wonderful transformation in the appearance of his farm. He was a life long member of the Presbyterian Church, active in its work and growth and his political allegiance was given to the Democracy. He served as commissioner of highways for several years and whether in office or out of it was always loyal to the public welfare and was a co-operative factor in many measures for the general good. His wife survived him for about ten years, passing away in 1863. They were the parents of ten children of whom two died in childhood, while eight reached mature years.

Hon. George W. Van Aken, the sixth child and fourth son in this family, was only eight years of age when brought by his parents to Branch county and upon the old homestead farm in Girard township he was reared. He attended school, which was held in a little log building such as was common in the early days, and there he mastered the elementary branches of learning. Later he continued his studies in Coldwater and was subsequently a high school student in Hillsdale, Michigan, thus acquiring a good education. In 1851, attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he went by way of Greytown to San Francisco and for two and a half years remained on the Pacific slope engaged in mining, meeting with a fair measure of success during that period. He then returned by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New York city and on again reaching Branch county he purchased the old family homestead, on which he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1891, when he removed to Coldwater and erected his present residence from timber which came from his farm. He now rents his farm property, which comprises one hundred and ten acres of land and brings to him a good financial return. Not content to live a life of idleness he here began buying and selling stock and wool, making large shipments each year. He was also instrumental in organizing the Farmer's Mutual Insurance Company of Branch County and was a director and president of the company for twenty-five years.

On the third of July, 1854, occurred the marriage of Mr. Van Aken and Miss Lucy Clement, a daughter of Jonathan H. and Catherine Clement. They became the parents of one daughter, Mattie, who married William Storr and died leaving two sons, Van J. and George S., who were reared by their grandparents. The elder is now operating Mr. Van Aken's farm, while the younger brother is at Battle Creek, Michigan. Mrs. Van Aken died in 1885, and in 1887 Mr. Van Aken married Mrs. Celia A. Telton, who died in 1898. In 1901, Mr. Van Aken was united in Marriage to Mrs. Marion Foster, who was born in Bronson, Branch County, Michigan. She is a daughter of Hiram Hadley.

Mr. Van Aken voted with the Democracy until the organization of the new Republican Party, when he cast his ballot for John C. Fremont and has since supported each presidential nominee of the Republican party. Called to public office he served as supervisor of Girard Township for fourteen consecutive years and was a member of the state legislature from 1873 until 1875. His political service like his private life has been characterized by fidelity to duty and a devotion to the public welfare. He was identified with the Grange of Girard Township, serving as its master for fourteen years and was also master of the county Grange for eight years. He has been identified with the Presbyterian Church since 1848 and his life has been actuated by honorable principles. His career will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny and is indeed in many respects well worthy of emulation. As one of the pioneers of the county he deserves representation in this volume, having for more than two thirds of a century resided in Branch county. What to many people are matters of record are to him matters of experience, for he shared in all of the hardships and trials of pioneer life and in later years has been an active participant in many events. He has passed the seventy-seventh milestone on life's journey and receives from his fellow men the veneration and respect that should ever be accorded those of advanced years whose course has been marked by all that constitutes the good and thereby really great citizen.

1. ↑ Van Benschoten, William Henry. Concerning the Van Bunschoten or Van Benschoten family in America: A Genealogy and Brief History. (Poughkeepsie, NY: A. V. Haight Co. Printers, 1907)
   427.
2. ↑ Ann Croston (?). Descendants of Cornelius Van Aken
   2.