Van Auken, Solomon J.

Birth

Solomon J. Van Auken was born in Knox in 1932.

Obituary

S. J. VAN AUKEN, PROMINENT KNOX RESIDENT, IS DEAD

When death called Solomon J. Van Auken from this world, Albany county lost a dependable citizen and the town of Knox and the surrounding territory a true and loyal friend. A heavy loss is felt throughout the country for "Old Sol" was a friend of the needy and a loyal supporter of the righteous.

Mr. Van Auken was born in the town of Knox and the surrounding always lived in that town. Up on the hill, as Knox is sometimes termed, was dear to him and every person residing there was a friend of Sol's. Always willing to help, no matter what was in the way, was one of his attributes. Every farmhouse and citizen was known personally to him, and there is not a highway in this section that he has not driven over.

Always a strong and sturdy Republican, Mr. Van Auken was leader in his community in political matters. He could always be depended upon to deliver the vote, and several will attest to his calling on them at all hours, day and night, to talk politics and solicit their support. For many years he was the deputy sheriff in town, and was known by all as "Sheriff." He filled the office with grace and dignity and there was no mischief when the sheriff was about. His fearlessness... was known by all, and many tales are told of his strength and grit in wrestling matches. Although a short man in stature, he was the biggest man in controlling his fellow citizen, and his advice and experience was always solicited.

Mr. Van Auken was always a farmer, and his farms were the envy of all. A tireless and indefatigable worker, he prospered and he put back into the soil much of that he took out.

Known by all neighbors as a lover of horses, and the breeding of horses, which was his main hobby and enjoyment, many a prize has he taken at the country fairs year after year. So much so that exhibitors knew something was lacking is Solomon J. was absent.

The horses he handled were always the finest. This was perhaps his chief enjoyment; it was his hobby, and never was he happier than when about his steeds, or in showing them to his friends or exhibiting them at country fairs. We doubt if there be a person in the county who has taken more blue ribbons for horses than this man.

The raising of sheep was also another hobby with him. He introduced this custom to the Helderbergs at an early age, and his flock of 100 of more were the envy of the countryside.

Mr. Van Auken in his business and his social contacts, established a wide and ever increasing circle of friends, who liked him for his quiet dependability, his willingness to aid, and his sincerity and straightforwardness.

A sturdy son of the Helderbergs has answered the call, but his name, deeds, loyalty and sterling qualities are embedded in the history of the Town of Knox, and linked with the strength of the hills he loved, and will never fade.

Altamont Enterprise - March 30, 1928

—The funeral of Mrs. Solomon J. Van Auken, who died at her residence in Knox, about two miles west of this village, on Sunday, the 23d inst., was largely attended from her late residence at 1, and from the Lutheran church of Knox, at 2 p. m., on Tuesday. Mrs. Van Auken had been out of health for some eight years past, and had been a constant sufferer for the past three months. The cause of her death was a chronic inflammation of the stomach. She was an estimable Christian lady, possessing many graces of mind and heart, and leaves a large circle of relatives and friends. A husband and daughter survive her. The interment took place at the Knox Cemetery.

Altamont Enterprise - June 29, 1889

Additional Media

Garrett Keennolts and wife of Albany, spent Sunday with their father, Solomon J. Van Auken.

Altamont Entrprise - April 19, 1907

Auction Sale - At S. J. Van Auken farm, Knox, N. Y., will be held on SATURDAY, APRIL 14, at one p.m. The following property will be sold: Farm implements, plows, cultivators, seeder, drill, fanning mill, reaper and binder, cutters, wagons, harness, sleighs, farm wagons, etc., hay, grain, and other articles. Victrola, porcelain lined ice box. Order of LOUISA KEENHOLTS, Executrix, estate of Solomon J. Van Auken.

Altamont Entrprise - April 6, 1928

Sources

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