The personal property and home of the late Ethan Shelton will be auctioned off this weekend.

The Berrien Center man, who was best known for running Shelton Farms, died in March 2014 at the age of 110. At the time of his death, he was the oldest American-born man in the world.

In addition to Shelton’s Barber Shop in Niles, Shelton and his family operated Shelton Farms in Berrien Center and what would become the current Shelton’s Farm Market in Niles.

Shelton’s son, Joe Shelton, said having an auction was the best way to disperse the possessions of a man whose life touched so many. Ethan had more than 100 children, grandchildren, great grand children and great-great-grandchildren, in addition to countless friends from all walks of life.

“It was a tough decision, but Ethan was blessed with lots and lots of relatives. I wasn’t comfortable being in the difficult position to decide who gets this or who gets that,” Joe said. “There are a lot of people he made contact with and we felt that this would be the best way to give all those people an opportunity to keep a memento from Ethan.

“The last thing I want to do is horde this and keep it under lock and key. That wouldn’t serve any purpose for anyone. So I decided an auction was the best and fairest way.”

Joe, who plans to be at Saturday’s auction, said he expects it to be an emotional day.

After all, he spent 18 years in the family home that will be auctioned off at 9981 M-140 in Berrien Center.

“My dad was blessed to have such a good and healthy long life and the people who got to know him I think were blessed by his presence. I think anyone who knew him well would agree with that,” Joe said. “He was a unique individual and I guess it is time to close this chapter.”

Among the items being auctioned are the many instruments Ethan was well known for playing, including a guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, slide guitar and more.

“Playing those instruments gave him a lot of joy,” Joe said. “Unfortunately neither one of us (me and my brother Jim) can carry a tune in a bucket.”

The auction will be conducted by Big Bear Auctions. It is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7 at the family home at 9981 M-140 in Berrien Center.

For more information about the auction, visit the website bigbearauctioncompany.com.