Posted on: VanBuren Co. Ia Query Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/VanBuren/11317 Surname: Van Auken, Hales ------------------------- Hello, FYI, I can confirm Marian Cox's response with these comments. I was born and reared in Vernon Twp on the Hales farmstead adjacent to Austin and Carrie Van Auken with Indian Creek running between our farms. While I am not a blood relative I recall a number of things about this family. I recall that Carrie was related to the Hunters. In my family researching I copied a 1900/1909 landowner atlas which lists M.P. Van Auken as the owner of 200 acres in Section 3 Vernon Twp this is about 3 miles east and a bit north of the now-nearly-extinct town of Mt. Sterling. M.P. is likely Austin's dad Peter. I knew Harold and Helen very well, the first neighborhood shivaree that I remember as a small boy was theirs about 1930? Harold had a sister, Opal, who I think was older, she married a man named Russell, they lived in Fairfield for many years. I would say that Mr. Russell's name should appear in the Fairfield City directory in the 50's to maybe 70's. I don't think they had issue. Opal was educated, attractive, traveled a great deal selling something like encyclopedias, was an “old maid” probably all of 25yrs, told fascinating stories, greatly impressing this country boy! Austin was rather crippled, he was severely injured by a pet bull that he trusted too far. One last thing, I seem to recall that Marian Cox has some connection to my Hales family. Is it from my grand father John P.D. Hales whose sister was Mary Elvira (Hales) Cox? Finally have you seen where there is to be a Hales Family Reunion this June 29,30-July 1. If I can be of help to anyone — I've been doing genealogy on the VB County HALES, WATKINS, HERRINGTON and descendants for more than 40 years Charles E. Hales Sun City, AZ