Person:Myers Van Aken (3)

Name

from Donald Van Aken

James Van Aken’s death certificate – after going thru the census records and trying to piece together some stories, first cousin Frances Morrish in Detroit and we have decided Myers John Van Aken didn’t like his first name so went by the name “James” in Sturgis. We are still hoping to get further information from Oak Grove Cemetery in Coldwater – there isn’t any date on his tombstone at the grave – only “M.J. Van Aken”.

Obituary

Courier Republican Newspaper

January 7, 1881

M.J. Van Aken, son of J.H. Van Aken of this city died at his home in Sturgis on Sunday morning last of tumor, and his body was brought here and interred in Oak Grove cemetery, the funeral being held at his father’s residence, Rev H.P. Collin conducting the services. Mr. V lived in this city and township previous to 1869, since which time he has been a respected resident of Sturgis. He leaves a wife and five children, besides a host of friends, to morn his loss. We extract the following regarding Mr. V from the Constantine mercury of yesterday: “Myers J Van Aken, cigar manufacturer, died at Sturgis on Sunday last, of heart disease and sciatic rheumatism. He had been confined to his bed for weeks, and endured the most intense suffering – so great indeed that he scarcely desired to live, save only for his family. He leaves a wife and several small children. He was a good straight, honest man, intending to do what was the right thing, and only unavoidable misfortune prevented him from meeting all his engagements.”

J.H. Van Aken Shenanigans

After Myers J Van Aken passed away, his father wanted to marry Myers’ wife, Martha A Hara van Aken, but she, Martha would have no part of it and moved to Coldwater to get away from the situation, says Frances Freeman Morrish to Gretta Van Aken Anderson.

Occupation

• Listed as Tobacconist on marriage certificate
• Listed as Cigar Maker on death certificate

1. ↑ Ann Croston. Ancestor Charts by Ann Croston.
2. ↑ Ann Croston. Ancestor Charts by Ann Croston.
3. ↑ Ann Croston. Ancestor Charts by Ann Croston.