Aaker was a farmer and in the mercantile business. During the
American Civil War, Aaker served as a Lieutenant in Company D of the
3rd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment under Captain
Hans Mattson. Company D of the 3rd Minnesota was primarily recruited
Goodhue County, Minnesota. The nickname of Company D was the "
Scandinavian Guards" for the overwhelming amount of immigrants in the company from
Norway and
Sweden. Aaker served with the 3rd Minnesota until March 30, 1862 when he resigned his commission and was discharged from service. In 1859–1860, 1862, 1867, and 1869, Aaker served in the
Minnesota House of Representatives and as a
Republican. In 1881 and 1882, Aaker served in the
Minnesota Senate. Aaker worked in the
United States General Land Office in Alexandria, Minnesota, from 1870 to 1876 and then in
Crookston, Minnesota from 1883 to 1893. == Death ==