Born: Near Eaton, Ohio, 1839.
Died: 1924.
Mr. Aten came to Illinois in 1849, where he grew up on a farm. Educated at Rochester Seminary and Abingdon College. Received the A.B. and A.M. degrees, and later the LL.D. degree from another institution. He was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1860 and has preached continuously since. With his ministerial service he has united educational work through many years. He was pastor of the churches at Rochester and La Fayette and Abingdon, meanwhile serving as principal of Rochester Seminary and eight years as professor of belles lettres in Abingdon College. From 1861-65 he was recording secretary of the I. C. M. S. [Illinois Christian Missionary Society] and a member of its board of managers. In 1864 he was the evangelist of the society in the old Tenth District. In 1876 Mr. Aten left Illinois. Since then he has been busy in his twofold service in Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas and Oklahoma, In 1913 he was pastor of the Southside Christian Church in Oklahoma City. Besides, he has done considerable editorial and literary work.
It goes without saving that Mr. Aten has been a very active man. but his good habits have helped to wide and varied usefulness and continued efficiency.