Mr. Martin Van Buren Ake
With more than the three score years and ten allotted as the life of man, the gentle spirit of Mr. Martin Van Buren Ake passed away Sunday morning, after only a day's illness. Thus is written "finis" to the earthly life of one of Polk's oldest and best citizens. Mr. Ake was born at Williamsburg, Pa., Oct. 13, 1839. As a young man he held a position in one of the departments in Washington, and in 1873 decided to make his home in the South. He came first to Etna, but soon bought the Battle Plantation near Cedartown, on which he has lived ever since, thoroughly identifying himself with our people. A man of education, ability, strong convictions and high character, he has been a useful and honored citizen. The unselfish devotion of Mr. Ake to his church has been most noteworthy, and he has served as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church ever since his coming here. He was much interested in educational work, and for many years has been chairman of our County Board of Education. He was for several years the trustee for Polk for the Seventh district Agricultural School at Powder Springs. As a progressive farmer he helped to organize the Cedar Valley Farmers Club, and has been it secretary from the beginning. Mr. Ake has known much sorrow, losing his wife and both of his sons several years ago, and through all has been sustained by his devoted Christian faith. His active interest in public affairs and in the world's work was maintained to the last. Funeral services were conducted Monday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church, which he loved so well, by his pastor, Rev. T. M. Stribling, and the remains were laid to rest beside his wife and sons in Greenwood Cemetery. It has been truly said of Mr. Ake that if he ever wronged any man in the least, he did not do so intentionally, and this section mourns the loss of a true-hearted, loyally active citizen. (Cedartown Standard, Thursday, November 1, 1917)

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