Elk City Sun, Friday, January 13, 1939, p. 1:
As darkness brought to a close another day, Henry Aiken Sr. of rural route No. 3, Elk City, retired yesterday evening after one of the happiest days of his life—the 100th anniversary of his birth. It is the privilege of few persons (about one in each 300,000 statisticians say) to reach the century mark. It is still less frequent for one to reach 100 years and retain the use of his faculties as has Mr. Aiken. In recent years this venerable citizen, the last Civil War veteran in this community, has had a determination to live until his 100th birthday. This determination was doubtless largely responsible for his recovery from a serious illness two years ago. The observance of strict rules of diet and sleep has been a large factor in his unusual good health.
Mr. Aiken has not used glasses for 20 years and reads some daily. He keeps abreast of the times by listening to the radio news broadcasts. He has always been a lover of ancient history and read Redpath's [John Clark Ridpath's] History of the World when he was past 70 years of age. About five years ago he read H. G. Wells' "Outline of History" down to modern times.
Mr. Aiken received a shower of birthday cards yesterday and a number of gifts including a large U. S. flag, presented to him by Dr. Harris of Caney, who has been his family physician for several years.
Several hundred neighbors, friends, and well wishers of Mr. Aiken joined with members of his family in celebrating the unusual event at the Aiken farm home about eleven miles southwest of Elk City. Nearly three hundred persons registered during the day and there were many callers who did not register. At noon perhaps two hundred persons enjoyed a cafeteria dinner, the food being spread on long tables in the yard. A large birthday cake was a feature of the dinner.
Mr. Aiken autographed more than 100 souvenir birthday cards which were passed out to visitors yesterday. His signature is very legible and would indicate that it was written by a much younger person.
During the afternoon a large group of Sedan friends, accompanied by the Sedan High School Band of forty pieces, visited the Aiken home and the band gave a short concert which was very much appreciated by Mr. Aiken. Mingling in the crowd were many old time friends, some from a distance, who had known Mr. Aiken for 50 or 60 years. It was the first time many old friends had met for years.
It was on January 12, 1839 that Henry Aiken was born in Hamilton, Scotland. At the age of one year he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled at Bath, Me. His father, who was a bookbinder by trade, died when Henry was 7 or 8 years of age. Several years later his mother remarried. At 17 years, he left Maine and came west to the then new state of Illinois, locating at Cherry Valley.
Mr. Aiken has vivid recollections of his boyhood in Maine. The winters were long and severe and settlers were "snowed in" for months at a time. Ox teams were used to "break" the roads. They were slower but less excitable than horses and could be depended on. The young people enjoyed the sleigh riding and winter sports then but he thinks youngsters should have more pleasure now as they have more rapid transportation.
He was still residing in Illinois when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the 8th Ill. Cavalry, Co. L. He served continuously in the Union Army for 3 years, 10 months and 10 days. In November 1865 he was honorably discharged. His regiment was in 76 battles, which included Gettysburg, Antietam, Sevenday Battle, and other hard-fought battles. He speaks highly of the courage and ability of the Confederate Army and believes the victory of the Union forces at Gettysburg was the turning point of the war. He was wounded twice in action; once when a .50 caliber bullet entered his side. The bullet was extracted by an army surgeon and is now in Mr. Aiken's possession.
After the close of the war, Mr. Aiken's company boarded a stern wheel boat at Wheeling, W. Va. to return home via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. There was also a band on the boat and the soldiers had a most enjoyable time for several days. After entering the Mississippi river at Cairo, Ill., the vessel had proceeded upstream a short distance when it struck a snag. It was evident that the boat was leaking badly and as it was a dark night, fourteen of the soldiers became panic-stricken and jumped overboard. Five of them were drowned, which was a heavier loss than the company had sustained in any battle. These men were all close friends of Mr. Aiken and had served with him throughout the war. One end of the boat remained above water and the survivors were taken off by another boat.
After returning to Illinois, Mr. Aiken decided to go further west. While traveling through Iowa, his horse became lame and he stopped at a farm and secured employment until his horse was able to travel again. He continued to work for the farmer and later married his daughter, Margaret Tawney on April 15, 1866.
About a year later Mr. Aiken and his bride left Iowa and came to Cass county, Mo., where he farmed for a year. He then leased 160 acres in Miami county, Kans. from his brother-in-law and broke the sod on it. When the Osage Diminished Reserve was opened for settlement in 1869 he took a claim 6 miles west of Independence, where they lived until 1879 when he traded the homestead for his present home in northeastern Chautauqua county. He has resided on this place continuously for nearly 60 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Aiken were the parents of twelve children of whom eight are still living. They are: Frank of the home; Homer and Henry Jr. of that vicinity; Buford, of Puyallup, Wash.; Herbert, of Orofino, Idaho; Mrs. Lou Teney of rural Elk City; Mrs. Phoebe Ridenour of Morehead, Kans.; and Mrs. Anna Stingley, Lewiston, Mont. All were present yesterday to celebrate their father's anniversary except Buford and Herbert, who were prevented from coming by illness. Present yesterday also were fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mrs. Aiken passed on in 1925.
It is the sincere wish of Mr. Aiken's many friends that he may continue in good health and enjoy many more pleasant anniversaries.
Independence Daily Reporter, Fri., Mar. 29, 1940, p. 4:
Centenarian Dies Today
Henry Aiken, Sr., 101, Was Veteran of Civil War; Funeral Services Sunday
On January 12 Henry Aiken, Sr., celebrated his 101st birthday and this morning at 2:10 at his home, 11 miles southwest of Elk City in Chautauqua county, he died following a five day illness.
Mr. Aiken had been in exceptionally good health considering his years and the attending physician gave old age as the cause of death. Until a few minutes before he died, Mr. Aiken was able to speak to his children and told each one goodbye.
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Elk City Methodist church with Rev. Howard Benton of Cherryvale presiding. Burial will be in the Elk City cemetery.
Surviving are seven children. They are: Mrs. Annie Stingley of Lewiston, Montana; Herbert Aiken of Orofino, Idaho; Henry and Homer Aiken of Chautauqua county; Mrs. Phoebe Ridenour of Morehead; Mrs. Lou Teney of Elk City and Frank of the home. All the children except Mrs. Stingley and Herbert were at their father's bedside when he died. Twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren also survive.
This typical pioneer resident credited his extreme longevity to the practice of moderation in his living. He had not used tobacco for over 40 years and in later years he was on a strict vegetable diet. Although his hearing had failed, his eyesight was good and he could read without glasses.
His last serious illness was in 1936 and the doctors thought at that time he would never recover, but he told them he would pull through and he did.
As darkness brought to a close another day, Henry Aiken Sr. of rural route No. 3, Elk City, retired yesterday evening after one of the happiest days of his life—the 100th anniversary of his birth. It is the privilege of few persons (about one in each 300,000 statisticians say) to reach the century mark. It is still less frequent for one to reach 100 years and retain the use of his faculties as has Mr. Aiken. In recent years this venerable citizen, the last Civil War veteran in this community, has had a determination to live until his 100th birthday. This determination was doubtless largely responsible for his recovery from a serious illness two years ago. The observance of strict rules of diet and sleep has been a large factor in his unusual good health.
Mr. Aiken has not used glasses for 20 years and reads some daily. He keeps abreast of the times by listening to the radio news broadcasts. He has always been a lover of ancient history and read Redpath's [John Clark Ridpath's] History of the World when he was past 70 years of age. About five years ago he read H. G. Wells' "Outline of History" down to modern times.
Mr. Aiken received a shower of birthday cards yesterday and a number of gifts including a large U. S. flag, presented to him by Dr. Harris of Caney, who has been his family physician for several years.
Several hundred neighbors, friends, and well wishers of Mr. Aiken joined with members of his family in celebrating the unusual event at the Aiken farm home about eleven miles southwest of Elk City. Nearly three hundred persons registered during the day and there were many callers who did not register. At noon perhaps two hundred persons enjoyed a cafeteria dinner, the food being spread on long tables in the yard. A large birthday cake was a feature of the dinner.
Mr. Aiken autographed more than 100 souvenir birthday cards which were passed out to visitors yesterday. His signature is very legible and would indicate that it was written by a much younger person.
During the afternoon a large group of Sedan friends, accompanied by the Sedan High School Band of forty pieces, visited the Aiken home and the band gave a short concert which was very much appreciated by Mr. Aiken. Mingling in the crowd were many old time friends, some from a distance, who had known Mr. Aiken for 50 or 60 years. It was the first time many old friends had met for years.
It was on January 12, 1839 that Henry Aiken was born in Hamilton, Scotland. At the age of one year he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled at Bath, Me. His father, who was a bookbinder by trade, died when Henry was 7 or 8 years of age. Several years later his mother remarried. At 17 years, he left Maine and came west to the then new state of Illinois, locating at Cherry Valley.
Mr. Aiken has vivid recollections of his boyhood in Maine. The winters were long and severe and settlers were "snowed in" for months at a time. Ox teams were used to "break" the roads. They were slower but less excitable than horses and could be depended on. The young people enjoyed the sleigh riding and winter sports then but he thinks youngsters should have more pleasure now as they have more rapid transportation.
He was still residing in Illinois when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the 8th Ill. Cavalry, Co. L. He served continuously in the Union Army for 3 years, 10 months and 10 days. In November 1865 he was honorably discharged. His regiment was in 76 battles, which included Gettysburg, Antietam, Sevenday Battle, and other hard-fought battles. He speaks highly of the courage and ability of the Confederate Army and believes the victory of the Union forces at Gettysburg was the turning point of the war. He was wounded twice in action; once when a .50 caliber bullet entered his side. The bullet was extracted by an army surgeon and is now in Mr. Aiken's possession.
After the close of the war, Mr. Aiken's company boarded a stern wheel boat at Wheeling, W. Va. to return home via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. There was also a band on the boat and the soldiers had a most enjoyable time for several days. After entering the Mississippi river at Cairo, Ill., the vessel had proceeded upstream a short distance when it struck a snag. It was evident that the boat was leaking badly and as it was a dark night, fourteen of the soldiers became panic-stricken and jumped overboard. Five of them were drowned, which was a heavier loss than the company had sustained in any battle. These men were all close friends of Mr. Aiken and had served with him throughout the war. One end of the boat remained above water and the survivors were taken off by another boat.
After returning to Illinois, Mr. Aiken decided to go further west. While traveling through Iowa, his horse became lame and he stopped at a farm and secured employment until his horse was able to travel again. He continued to work for the farmer and later married his daughter, Margaret Tawney on April 15, 1866.
About a year later Mr. Aiken and his bride left Iowa and came to Cass county, Mo., where he farmed for a year. He then leased 160 acres in Miami county, Kans. from his brother-in-law and broke the sod on it. When the Osage Diminished Reserve was opened for settlement in 1869 he took a claim 6 miles west of Independence, where they lived until 1879 when he traded the homestead for his present home in northeastern Chautauqua county. He has resided on this place continuously for nearly 60 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Aiken were the parents of twelve children of whom eight are still living. They are: Frank of the home; Homer and Henry Jr. of that vicinity; Buford, of Puyallup, Wash.; Herbert, of Orofino, Idaho; Mrs. Lou Teney of rural Elk City; Mrs. Phoebe Ridenour of Morehead, Kans.; and Mrs. Anna Stingley, Lewiston, Mont. All were present yesterday to celebrate their father's anniversary except Buford and Herbert, who were prevented from coming by illness. Present yesterday also were fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mrs. Aiken passed on in 1925.
It is the sincere wish of Mr. Aiken's many friends that he may continue in good health and enjoy many more pleasant anniversaries.
Independence Daily Reporter, Fri., Mar. 29, 1940, p. 4:
Centenarian Dies Today
Henry Aiken, Sr., 101, Was Veteran of Civil War; Funeral Services Sunday
On January 12 Henry Aiken, Sr., celebrated his 101st birthday and this morning at 2:10 at his home, 11 miles southwest of Elk City in Chautauqua county, he died following a five day illness.
Mr. Aiken had been in exceptionally good health considering his years and the attending physician gave old age as the cause of death. Until a few minutes before he died, Mr. Aiken was able to speak to his children and told each one goodbye.
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Elk City Methodist church with Rev. Howard Benton of Cherryvale presiding. Burial will be in the Elk City cemetery.
Surviving are seven children. They are: Mrs. Annie Stingley of Lewiston, Montana; Herbert Aiken of Orofino, Idaho; Henry and Homer Aiken of Chautauqua county; Mrs. Phoebe Ridenour of Morehead; Mrs. Lou Teney of Elk City and Frank of the home. All the children except Mrs. Stingley and Herbert were at their father's bedside when he died. Twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren also survive.
This typical pioneer resident credited his extreme longevity to the practice of moderation in his living. He had not used tobacco for over 40 years and in later years he was on a strict vegetable diet. Although his hearing had failed, his eyesight was good and he could read without glasses.
His last serious illness was in 1936 and the doctors thought at that time he would never recover, but he told them he would pull through and he did.
Elk City Sun, Friday, January 13, 1939, p. 1:
As darkness brought to a close another day, Henry Aiken Sr. of rural route No. 3, Elk City, retired yesterday evening after one of the happiest days of his life—the 100th anniversary of his birth. It is the privilege of few persons (about one in each 300,000 statisticians say) to reach the century mark. It is still less frequent for one to reach 100 years and retain the use of his faculties as has Mr. Aiken. In recent years this venerable citizen, the last Civil War veteran in this community, has had a determination to live until his 100th birthday. This determination was doubtless largely responsible for his recovery from a serious illness two years ago. The observance of strict rules of diet and sleep has been a large factor in his unusual good health.
Mr. Aiken has not used glasses for 20 years and reads some daily. He keeps abreast of the times by listening to the radio news broadcasts. He has always been a lover of ancient history and read Redpath's [John Clark Ridpath's] History of the World when he was past 70 years of age. About five years ago he read H. G. Wells' "Outline of History" down to modern times.
Mr. Aiken received a shower of birthday cards yesterday and a number of gifts including a large U. S. flag, presented to him by Dr. Harris of Caney, who has been his family physician for several years.
Several hundred neighbors, friends, and well wishers of Mr. Aiken joined with members of his family in celebrating the unusual event at the Aiken farm home about eleven miles southwest of Elk City. Nearly three hundred persons registered during the day and there were many callers who did not register. At noon perhaps two hundred persons enjoyed a cafeteria dinner, the food being spread on long tables in the yard. A large birthday cake was a feature of the dinner.
Mr. Aiken autographed more than 100 souvenir birthday cards which were passed out to visitors yesterday. His signature is very legible and would indicate that it was written by a much younger person.
During the afternoon a large group of Sedan friends, accompanied by the Sedan High School Band of forty pieces, visited the Aiken home and the band gave a short concert which was very much appreciated by Mr. Aiken. Mingling in the crowd were many old time friends, some from a distance, who had known Mr. Aiken for 50 or 60 years. It was the first time many old friends had met for years.
It was on January 12, 1839 that Henry Aiken was born in Hamilton, Scotland. At the age of one year he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled at Bath, Me. His father, who was a bookbinder by trade, died when Henry was 7 or 8 years of age. Several years later his mother remarried. At 17 years, he left Maine and came west to the then new state of Illinois, locating at Cherry Valley.
Mr. Aiken has vivid recollections of his boyhood in Maine. The winters were long and severe and settlers were "snowed in" for months at a time. Ox teams were used to "break" the roads. They were slower but less excitable than horses and could be depended on. The young people enjoyed the sleigh riding and winter sports then but he thinks youngsters should have more pleasure now as they have more rapid transportation.
He was still residing in Illinois when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the 8th Ill. Cavalry, Co. L. He served continuously in the Union Army for 3 years, 10 months and 10 days. In November 1865 he was honorably discharged. His regiment was in 76 battles, which included Gettysburg, Antietam, Sevenday Battle, and other hard-fought battles. He speaks highly of the courage and ability of the Confederate Army and believes the victory of the Union forces at Gettysburg was the turning point of the war. He was wounded twice in action; once when a .50 caliber bullet entered his side. The bullet was extracted by an army surgeon and is now in Mr. Aiken's possession.
After the close of the war, Mr. Aiken's company boarded a stern wheel boat at Wheeling, W. Va. to return home via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. There was also a band on the boat and the soldiers had a most enjoyable time for several days. After entering the Mississippi river at Cairo, Ill., the vessel had proceeded upstream a short distance when it struck a snag. It was evident that the boat was leaking badly and as it was a dark night, fourteen of the soldiers became panic-stricken and jumped overboard. Five of them were drowned, which was a heavier loss than the company had sustained in any battle. These men were all close friends of Mr. Aiken and had served with him throughout the war. One end of the boat remained above water and the survivors were taken off by another boat.
After returning to Illinois, Mr. Aiken decided to go further west. While traveling through Iowa, his horse became lame and he stopped at a farm and secured employment until his horse was able to travel again. He continued to work for the farmer and later married his daughter, Margaret Tawney on April 15, 1866.
About a year later Mr. Aiken and his bride left Iowa and came to Cass county, Mo., where he farmed for a year. He then leased 160 acres in Miami county, Kans. from his brother-in-law and broke the sod on it. When the Osage Diminished Reserve was opened for settlement in 1869 he took a claim 6 miles west of Independence, where they lived until 1879 when he traded the homestead for his present home in northeastern Chautauqua county. He has resided on this place continuously for nearly 60 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Aiken were the parents of twelve children of whom eight are still living. They are: Frank of the home; Homer and Henry Jr. of that vicinity; Buford, of Puyallup, Wash.; Herbert, of Orofino, Idaho; Mrs. Lou Teney of rural Elk City; Mrs. Phoebe Ridenour of Morehead, Kans.; and Mrs. Anna Stingley, Lewiston, Mont. All were present yesterday to celebrate their father's anniversary except Buford and Herbert, who were prevented from coming by illness. Present yesterday also were fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mrs. Aiken passed on in 1925.
It is the sincere wish of Mr. Aiken's many friends that he may continue in good health and enjoy many more pleasant anniversaries.
Independence Daily Reporter, Fri., Mar. 29, 1940, p. 4:
Centenarian Dies Today
Henry Aiken, Sr., 101, Was Veteran of Civil War; Funeral Services Sunday
On January 12 Henry Aiken, Sr., celebrated his 101st birthday and this morning at 2:10 at his home, 11 miles southwest of Elk City in Chautauqua county, he died following a five day illness.
Mr. Aiken had been in exceptionally good health considering his years and the attending physician gave old age as the cause of death. Until a few minutes before he died, Mr. Aiken was able to speak to his children and told each one goodbye.
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Elk City Methodist church with Rev. Howard Benton of Cherryvale presiding. Burial will be in the Elk City cemetery.
Surviving are seven children. They are: Mrs. Annie Stingley of Lewiston, Montana; Herbert Aiken of Orofino, Idaho; Henry and Homer Aiken of Chautauqua county; Mrs. Phoebe Ridenour of Morehead; Mrs. Lou Teney of Elk City and Frank of the home. All the children except Mrs. Stingley and Herbert were at their father's bedside when he died. Twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren also survive.
This typical pioneer resident credited his extreme longevity to the practice of moderation in his living. He had not used tobacco for over 40 years and in later years he was on a strict vegetable diet. Although his hearing had failed, his eyesight was good and he could read without glasses.
His last serious illness was in 1936 and the doctors thought at that time he would never recover, but he told them he would pull through and he did.
As darkness brought to a close another day, Henry Aiken Sr. of rural route No. 3, Elk City, retired yesterday evening after one of the happiest days of his life—the 100th anniversary of his birth. It is the privilege of few persons (about one in each 300,000 statisticians say) to reach the century mark. It is still less frequent for one to reach 100 years and retain the use of his faculties as has Mr. Aiken. In recent years this venerable citizen, the last Civil War veteran in this community, has had a determination to live until his 100th birthday. This determination was doubtless largely responsible for his recovery from a serious illness two years ago. The observance of strict rules of diet and sleep has been a large factor in his unusual good health.
Mr. Aiken has not used glasses for 20 years and reads some daily. He keeps abreast of the times by listening to the radio news broadcasts. He has always been a lover of ancient history and read Redpath's [John Clark Ridpath's] History of the World when he was past 70 years of age. About five years ago he read H. G. Wells' "Outline of History" down to modern times.
Mr. Aiken received a shower of birthday cards yesterday and a number of gifts including a large U. S. flag, presented to him by Dr. Harris of Caney, who has been his family physician for several years.
Several hundred neighbors, friends, and well wishers of Mr. Aiken joined with members of his family in celebrating the unusual event at the Aiken farm home about eleven miles southwest of Elk City. Nearly three hundred persons registered during the day and there were many callers who did not register. At noon perhaps two hundred persons enjoyed a cafeteria dinner, the food being spread on long tables in the yard. A large birthday cake was a feature of the dinner.
Mr. Aiken autographed more than 100 souvenir birthday cards which were passed out to visitors yesterday. His signature is very legible and would indicate that it was written by a much younger person.
During the afternoon a large group of Sedan friends, accompanied by the Sedan High School Band of forty pieces, visited the Aiken home and the band gave a short concert which was very much appreciated by Mr. Aiken. Mingling in the crowd were many old time friends, some from a distance, who had known Mr. Aiken for 50 or 60 years. It was the first time many old friends had met for years.
It was on January 12, 1839 that Henry Aiken was born in Hamilton, Scotland. At the age of one year he was brought to the United States by his parents, who settled at Bath, Me. His father, who was a bookbinder by trade, died when Henry was 7 or 8 years of age. Several years later his mother remarried. At 17 years, he left Maine and came west to the then new state of Illinois, locating at Cherry Valley.
Mr. Aiken has vivid recollections of his boyhood in Maine. The winters were long and severe and settlers were "snowed in" for months at a time. Ox teams were used to "break" the roads. They were slower but less excitable than horses and could be depended on. The young people enjoyed the sleigh riding and winter sports then but he thinks youngsters should have more pleasure now as they have more rapid transportation.
He was still residing in Illinois when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted in the 8th Ill. Cavalry, Co. L. He served continuously in the Union Army for 3 years, 10 months and 10 days. In November 1865 he was honorably discharged. His regiment was in 76 battles, which included Gettysburg, Antietam, Sevenday Battle, and other hard-fought battles. He speaks highly of the courage and ability of the Confederate Army and believes the victory of the Union forces at Gettysburg was the turning point of the war. He was wounded twice in action; once when a .50 caliber bullet entered his side. The bullet was extracted by an army surgeon and is now in Mr. Aiken's possession.
After the close of the war, Mr. Aiken's company boarded a stern wheel boat at Wheeling, W. Va. to return home via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. There was also a band on the boat and the soldiers had a most enjoyable time for several days. After entering the Mississippi river at Cairo, Ill., the vessel had proceeded upstream a short distance when it struck a snag. It was evident that the boat was leaking badly and as it was a dark night, fourteen of the soldiers became panic-stricken and jumped overboard. Five of them were drowned, which was a heavier loss than the company had sustained in any battle. These men were all close friends of Mr. Aiken and had served with him throughout the war. One end of the boat remained above water and the survivors were taken off by another boat.
After returning to Illinois, Mr. Aiken decided to go further west. While traveling through Iowa, his horse became lame and he stopped at a farm and secured employment until his horse was able to travel again. He continued to work for the farmer and later married his daughter, Margaret Tawney on April 15, 1866.
About a year later Mr. Aiken and his bride left Iowa and came to Cass county, Mo., where he farmed for a year. He then leased 160 acres in Miami county, Kans. from his brother-in-law and broke the sod on it. When the Osage Diminished Reserve was opened for settlement in 1869 he took a claim 6 miles west of Independence, where they lived until 1879 when he traded the homestead for his present home in northeastern Chautauqua county. He has resided on this place continuously for nearly 60 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Aiken were the parents of twelve children of whom eight are still living. They are: Frank of the home; Homer and Henry Jr. of that vicinity; Buford, of Puyallup, Wash.; Herbert, of Orofino, Idaho; Mrs. Lou Teney of rural Elk City; Mrs. Phoebe Ridenour of Morehead, Kans.; and Mrs. Anna Stingley, Lewiston, Mont. All were present yesterday to celebrate their father's anniversary except Buford and Herbert, who were prevented from coming by illness. Present yesterday also were fifteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Mrs. Aiken passed on in 1925.
It is the sincere wish of Mr. Aiken's many friends that he may continue in good health and enjoy many more pleasant anniversaries.
Independence Daily Reporter, Fri., Mar. 29, 1940, p. 4:
Centenarian Dies Today
Henry Aiken, Sr., 101, Was Veteran of Civil War; Funeral Services Sunday
On January 12 Henry Aiken, Sr., celebrated his 101st birthday and this morning at 2:10 at his home, 11 miles southwest of Elk City in Chautauqua county, he died following a five day illness.
Mr. Aiken had been in exceptionally good health considering his years and the attending physician gave old age as the cause of death. Until a few minutes before he died, Mr. Aiken was able to speak to his children and told each one goodbye.
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Elk City Methodist church with Rev. Howard Benton of Cherryvale presiding. Burial will be in the Elk City cemetery.
Surviving are seven children. They are: Mrs. Annie Stingley of Lewiston, Montana; Herbert Aiken of Orofino, Idaho; Henry and Homer Aiken of Chautauqua county; Mrs. Phoebe Ridenour of Morehead; Mrs. Lou Teney of Elk City and Frank of the home. All the children except Mrs. Stingley and Herbert were at their father's bedside when he died. Twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-six great grandchildren also survive.
This typical pioneer resident credited his extreme longevity to the practice of moderation in his living. He had not used tobacco for over 40 years and in later years he was on a strict vegetable diet. Although his hearing had failed, his eyesight was good and he could read without glasses.
His last serious illness was in 1936 and the doctors thought at that time he would never recover, but he told them he would pull through and he did.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
