My Genealogy Hound

JOHN F. AIKEN, a prosperous farmer of Prescott, Mass., was born upon the farm which he now owns and occupies, February 9, 1835, son of Benjamin and Lucinda (Paul) Aiken. Mr. Aiken’s paternal grandfather was an early settler in Hardwick, Worcester County, where he followed agricultural pursuits during his entire life.

Benjamin Aiken was born in Hardwick and reared to farm life. He settled in Prescott upon the farm where his son, John F., now resides, and conducted it successfully for many years. He was an able and industrious farmer, and improved his property to a considerable extent, erecting the present buildings, which were the best and most substantial in town at that time. He died at the age of fifty-two years. His wife, Lucinda Paul, who was born in Berkley, Bristol County, became the mother of six children, four of whom are now living, namely: Benjamin P., a resident of West Brookfield; Mary, widow of Elbridge Ruggles, residing in Hardwick; James N., who resides in Prescott; and John F., the subject of this sketch, who is the youngest. The others, now departed, were: Julia, Mrs. Shaw; and Sarah, Mrs. Gould. The mother lived to reach the age of eighty-nine years.

John F. Aiken was educated in the district schools of his native town, and at an early age commenced to assist his father in the lighter labors of the farm. When he was nineteen he took charge of the farm, and at the age of twenty-one he purchased the homestead. He has added to the property since taking possession, and now owns eighty-five acres of well-improved land, which he conducts with ability and success. In connection with general farming he makes a specialty of fruit growing and dairying, and keeps a herd of from ten to twenty cows. He is a Democrat in politics, and was a member of the Board of Selectmen for two terms.

On December 21, 1859, Mr. Aiken was united in marriage to Mary A. Lovering, who was born in Spencer, Mass., September 16, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Aiken have had five children, as follows: Elmer M., who was born July 16, 1863, and resides at home; Fidelia P., born April 25, 1867, and now the wife of Henry F. Drury; Luella F., born October 26, 1869, residing in Athol, Mass.; Estella and Florence, who are no longer living.

Mr. and Mrs. John F. Aiken are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Aiken is an old and highly esteemed resident of Prescott; and his son, Elmer M., who is a well-known and progressive young man, is now a member of the Board of Selectmen of the town.