Biography of Jay F. Van Auken, pages 945 /946. History of De Kalb County, Indiana. Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885. Jay F. Van Auken, Surveyor of De Kalb County, Ind., was born at Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Feb. 8, 1852. He came to Indiana with his parents, Jacob and Nancy Van Auken, in the autumn of 1860, they settling near Pleasant Lake, Steuben County. When he was eighteen years of age he came to De Kalb County and taught in the district schools. He obtained a scientific education by attending the Union High School at Angola, and the Wesleyan College at Hillsdale, Mich., defraying his expenses by teaching. In December, 1873, he was appointed by the Commissioners of De Kalb County, Surveyor, to fill a vacancy, and in 1874 was elected on the Democratic ticket to the same office, and re-elected in 1876 and 1878. In 1880 he was nominee of the Democratic party for Sheriff of De Kalb County, but being so young, and running against an older and very popular man was defeated by a majority of ninety-six votes. In 1882 he was again nominated Surveyor and was elected by a majority of 451, and re-elected in 1884 by about the same majority. In May, 1873, Mr. Van Auken was married to Maggie Williams, of Auburn. They have had six children, but five are living---Ray, Roy, Maud, Frank B. and Jay. J. Jr. A daughter, May, died May 1, 1880. Mr. Van Auken is a prominent Mason, and is a member of the De Kalb lodge, No. 214, William Hacker Chapter, No. 63. Angola Council, No. 27, and Apollo Commandery, No. 19, Kendallville. He has been Master of his lodge, was twice elected High Priest of his chapter, and has filled the office of Warden in his commandery. Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com