Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 171

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2 > Part 171

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The marriage of Mr. Wyatt took place in Jacksonville, In 1856, to Minnie Berry. She was born in Morgan County, but her parents were from Kentucky, coming to Morgan County to locate on a farm, but iater moving to Macoupin County, where they died. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt, only three of whom survive : Dora, wife of Owen Hackett, an en- gineer who resides near Riverton; Ida, wife of Samnel S. Alsup, a grocer of Decatnr. Ill., and Oscar, also of Decatur. There are ten grand- children in the famlly. Mr. Wyatt owns the pleasant family residence in Riverton and hls property has been accumulated throngh industry and thrift. The family are Methodists in relig- ious faith.

Too much cannot be said in praise of the service of the veterans who once were the hope of the nation. Fifty years ago men who are now drawing pensions were in the full flush of heaithy manhood. Many left yonng families to go forth to fight for the Union. Many who lived to return came back broken in health and spirits, with memories of the horrors of war that never left them. It is only just and right that some recompense be made them for what they sacrificed and suffered that the Union might be preserved.

YATES, Henry. (Vol. I, p. 603.) YATES, Henry, Jr. (Vol. I, p. 603.) YATES, Richard. (Vol. I, p. 603.)

YOCOM, William Jacob .- The pioneers of Iili- nois placed the State under iasting obligations, for they were the forerunners of civilization and made possible the conditions that exist to- day. Where now are beautifuliy tilled fieids. the pioneer found a vast wilderness, peopled by savage beasts and often hostile Indians. Lit- tle by little he cieared away the undergrowth. routed out the Indians and wild animals. put in his seed, buiit his house and barns. devel- oped roads, and erected schoolhouses and churches, in ali being assisted hy his faithful

wife, until today Illinois stands second to no other State except New York. One of the fami- lies closely associated with the early history of the State, is that bearing the name of Yocom. and one of its able representatives of Springfield is William Jacob Yocom.

Mr. Yocom was born in Sangamon Connty, March 8, 1846, a son of Stephen and Martha A. (Council) Yocom, both natives of Kentucky. Grandfather Yocom was born in Virginia, and he and his wife rode from that State to Ken- tncky on horseback, more than a century ago. The parents came to Iilinois in 1828 and spent their remaining lives in Williamsville Township, where the father was a farmer. They reared a large family and its members have married and located throngbout Sangamon Connty, nntil there are hundreds of descendants of the two hardy Illinois pioneers who bore the name of Yocom.

After a boyhood spent In Williamsville Town- ship, during which time he attended district school and worked on the family farm, Mr. Yo- com began farming for himseif, and still owns the fine farm he acquired.

During the Civil War Mr. Yocom eniisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-third Ilii- nois Volunteer Infantry, nnder Captain Oren- dorff. He served for one hundred and fitty days, guarding prisoners at Rock Island. A stanch Republican, Mr. Yocom has served as School Director upon many occasions, but otherwise has not been before the public for office. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen, Royal Neigh- bors, and Stephenson Post, G. A. R. The Meth- odist Church holds his membership and he gives liberally towards its support. Mr. Yocom has never married. He is genial in temperament and cordial, being a weicome addition to any social gathering, where he is sure to find many warm, personal friends, for he is a general favorite.

YOUNG, Benjamin F., farmer and owner of eighty acres of fine land in Section 10, Cotton Hill Township, Sangamon Connty, Rochester Rurai Delivery Route 20, was born in Garrard Connty, Ky .. May 22. 1849, a son of John D. and Nancy A. (Wheeler) Yonng, the first a na- tive of Lincoln Connty, Ky., born November 23, 1827, and the latter of Garrard County, Ky., born May 29, 1829. His Grandfather Yonng, a native of North Carolina, and the first known David of the family, moved to Kentucky while he was yet a young man and spent the remain- der of his life in that State. He married Polly Coffman, who also died in Kentucky. His Grandfather Wheeler, a native of Kentucky, mar- ried Sophia Bracher. They removed to Missouri in 1850 and both died there. His paternal great- grandfather Melem Yonng, lived to be over one hundred years old. His grandfather, Benjamin Wheeler. died in Gentry County, Mo .. aged eighty-eigiit years. His parents moved from Kentucky to Gentry Connty, Mo., in 1850 and in 1864 they came to Springfield, Iil. After a

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

short residence there they went to Taylorville, whence in the fall of the year last meutioned they returned to Springfield. They lived ou a farm near there until 1867, when they located iu Cotton HIIl Township, Sangamon County. In the spring of 1870 they located near Taylorville, where Mr. Young died March 29, 1908, and where his widow Is living at this time.

Benjamin F. Young, as a boy and man, has been fond of all outdoor sports. He enjoyed his young years on his father's farm and entered with keen zest into his studies at the nearby district school. He accompanied his parents from Kentucky to Missouri and from Missouri to Sangamon County, and has lived almost con- tinuously within its borders since hls arrival in 1864. He has been regarded as one of the lead- ing men of hls community. As a Democrat he has been elected to several important township offices. He has been a School Director mauy years (1883-1909), was Tax Collector 1889-90, was Assessor in 1892, and was elected Justice of the Peace in 1903. He is a member of Ro- chester Lodge, No. 268, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of Cotton Hill Camp, No. 619, Modern Woodmen of America, and Is helpfully Identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church. February 19, 1874, Mr. Young married Nancy E. Rape, Justice Beam, of Ball Township, per- forming the ceremony. She was boru in Cotton Hill Township, April 27, 1856, a daughter of John Rape, who was born in South Carolina in 1795 and moved to Teunessee and thence to Sangamon County, making the journey with a horse and wagon, and died there January 29, 1872. John Rape was a soldier in the War of 1812. Ellzabeth Snodgrass, who married John Rape and became the mother of Mrs. Young, was born in Sangamon County in 1822 and died in 1SS1. They were married in Sangamon Coun- ty and are buried side by side in Brunk's Ceme- tery. Mr. Rape was a farmer, who began in the days of small prices and won a commendable success. He entered the farm on which his daughter now lives, in 1828, at $1.25 an acre, and its present value is $200 an acre. Mr. and Mrs. Young have had three sons aud four daughters, all of whom are living. Rufus O., born December 29, 1874, married Miss Mary Motter and she has borne him three children, whom they have named: Virgil, Carroll and Everett. Ira, born April 1, 1877, married Miss Emily Smith and lives in Cleveland, Ohlo. Lil- lie, born November 14. 1879, became the wife of George Cresse, a grocer of Springfield, Ill. Nona E., born March 2, 1882, married Harry Huggins, and they live at Oswego, Kan. Jessie, born April 25, 1889; Burl F., September 15, 1891; and Irene, December 7, 1895, reside at home.

YOUNG, George H .- The call of the soil has wooed many men from the activities of city life and brought them back to the farm, where they find they can be of the most usefulness, both to themselves and to the commuulty at large, and an example of this Is found In George H. Young.

now liviug retired after forty years spent in agricultural pursuits, who in early life was en- gaged iu numerous busluess enterprises all over the country. Mr. Young, who is one of the best kuowu aud most highly respected citizeus of Pawnee, Ill., was born November 2, 1832, in Pittsylvanla County, Va., a sou of Williamu H. aud Lucinda (Mann) Young. His paternal grandfather was a uative of Virginia and a sol- dier during the War of 1812, in which he cou- tracted sickuess that ended his life after he re- turned home. Grandfather Manu came to Vir- ginia from England in the early days, but in 1835 removed to Keutucky, where he carried on a millwright business and farming until his death. William H. Young was born in Virginia lu 1810, and his wife in 1813, and after their marriage in that State removed to Caldwell County, Ky., where they followed farming until thelr deaths.

George H. Young received his education In the public schools of Kentucky, and until he was twenty years old resided on the home farın, as- sisting his father and engaging in various out- of-door sports, of which as a youth he was very fond, and 'for which he has never lost hls lik- ing. Before he had attained lis majority he became overseer on the farm of a widow in Kentucky, a position which he held for two years. theu becoming foreman In an irou works at Marion, Ky. After four years there, Mr. Young engaged in a dry goods business at Dycus- burg, Ky., until 1861, and during the following year first came to Sangamon County, shortly afterwards, however, going to Callfornia, where for three years he was engaged in the lumber business and also managed a dry-goods estab- lishment. In 1865 he came back to Sangamon County and settled down to farming, in which he was uniformly successful, and which he con- tinued to follow until 1904, In which year, de- ciding that he had earned a rest, he retired, and since that time has been one of Pawnee's foremost citizens. A Democrat In politics, Mr. Young was for many years a School Director and Road Overseer, and his activities iu the political field have been of much benefit to his party In this section. With his family he at- tends the Methodist Church.

In July, 1867, Mr. Young was united in mar- rlage to Mrs. Elnora (Haley) Lochridge, widow of Joseph Lochridge, and she died in Saugamon County, her birthplace, in 1884. The Haleys came originally from Virginia, Mrs. Young's father, James Haley, dying in the early days, of . cholera. Her mother, who belonged to the Hig- gins family, also came from Virginia. By her first marriage Mrs. Young had two children, Edward, who is deceased, and Juliet, who mar- ried Neal McTaggart and lives in Sangamon County. To Mr. and Mrs. Young there were born the following children: William E., born in Sangamon County in 1868, married Cora Brown and Is now living in California ; Lou, born in Sangamon County in 1870, married John Twist, now living in Taylorville, Ill., has one

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

child, Luella ; Thomas M., born in 1872 in Sau- gamon County, married Pearl Watkins, and now lives in Pawuee, Iil., where he is engaged in tbe grain elevator business; and Walter, born iu Sangamon County in 1875, married Sadie Greenawalt, by whom be had two children, Wal- ter and Geraldine, is now engaged in railroad- ing and makes his home in Pawnee.

Mr. Young has always beeu kuown as one of the public-spirited men in whatever community he has made his home and can be counted upon to lend his support, time and means towards all movements which have for their object the bet- terment of civic, religious or educationai con- ditions of his section. During his loug resi- dence in Sangamon County he has made many acquaintances, and his friends are legion.

YOUNG, George W., a well and favorably known citizen of Springfield, is a successful contractor engaged in business there, and a veterau of the Civil War. He was born in Hamilton County. Ili., April 6, 1847, son of John K. and Janetta (Whitbead) Young, the former a native of Vir- ginia and the latter of Tennessee. The family moved from Tennessee to Illinois and later re- turned to Tennessee, where the father died June 20, 1860. His widow died in Missouri, in 1886. The grandfather of George W. Young was an early settler of Tennessee and belonged to a prosperous and prominent family there. He par- ticipated in the War of 1812.

Tbe childhood of George W. Young was spent on a farm in Illinois and he received his edu- cation in the country schools. He was fond of dancing and outdoor sports as a young man and grew up to the occupation of farming. He moved from Illinois to Missouri, theuce to Arkansas and back to Missouri, and in 1889 moved to Springfield, which has since been his bome. He eventually became a contractor, and in connec- tion with bis business assisted materially in the growth and progress of the city. He has al- ways been actively interested in political af- fairs and has always favored Republican prin- ciples. His first vote was cast for President Grant and be bas since voted the Republican ticket in national elections.

Mr. Young enlisted, in October, 1862, in Com- pany C. First Kentucky Cavairy, serving eleven months and then being dismissed because he was under age. He participated in the Battle of Mill Spring, but spent most of his time as a scout in the hills of Kentucky and Tennessee. and was engaged in guerilla warfare. He spent some time at Camp Dick Robinson, in Kentucky. He proved himself a brave and faithful soldier, and one able to discharge his duties to the credit of his company and regiment. He belongs to the G. A. R.

Mr. Young was married, in Chatham Town- sbip, Sangamon County, May 28, 1870, to Miss Mary J. Norman. born April 2. 1856, daughter of George and Maria Norman. Mr. Norman served in the Civil War and was killed in the battle at Pea Ridge. Four children have blessed

the union of Mr. and Mrs. Young, uamely : James E., born June 1, 1873; Hattie May, born March 20, 1871; Ida May, August 20, 1875; Jobn W., June 20, 1877. Mr. Young belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church and fraternaliy is connected with the Court of Honor and the Odd Fellows. He owns several pieces of prop- erty in Springfield and lives at 1016 South Fif- teenth Street. He stands weil with his asso- ciates and has many friends in both social and business circies.

YOUNG, James, a retired gardener and truck farmer living in Springfield, Ill., was born in Hampshire, England, December 22, 1841, a son of John and Ann (Smith) Young, both of whom spent their entire lives in the town of Wickham, England, where the father died April 12, 1873, and the mother in 1878. They were parents of fourteen children, of whom the following three survive : Henry and Joseph, living near South- ampton, Engiand, and James, of this sketch.

In boyhood James Young received practically no education and early began to help with the work on his father's farm. He worked seven years for the British Government as heiper to workmen in the blacksiuitb department, and in 1873 emigrated to the United States, landing in New York, whence he soon afterwards came to Springfield. He lived about five months on a farm five miles west of the city ou the Jack- souville Road, tben spent three years in the city, after which he moved to a farm east of the city. living tbere from March 1, 1876, until the fall of 1908, wben he removed to his present resi- dence, 2011 East South Grand Avenue. He has spent his active life in farming since first locat- ing in Saugamon County, with the exception of three years spent working in the rolling miils in Springfield. He bas been successful in his ag- ricultural operations and bas beeu able to se- cure a very pleasant home and his land by the exercise of industry and close application to the work in band. He has made the most of his opportunities for the improvement of his posi- tion in life and is to a large extent self-edu- cated. He stands weil with his neighbors and has many friends, being considered a useful, public-spirited citizen. He retired from active life in 1908.

Mr. Young was married in Portsmouth, Eng- land, July 10, 1861, to Amelia Pink, born March 24, 1841. daughter of James and Harriet Goodali Pink, who spent their entire lives in England, becoming parents of eleven childreu. Besides Mrs. Young there is one other dangbter living, Augusta Houghton, wbo resides in Swanwick, Engiand. Ten children were born to Mr. Young and his wife, namely: Rose, wife of Charles Burgess. living in Chicago ; James E., living on East Laurel Street, Springfield ; Mrs. Alice Het- tenhausen, a widow, of Chicago; Georgiana, wife of Edward Werian, of Cheyenne. Wyo .; Frank A. and George H., of Springfield ; Julia. wife of George Nokes, a groceryman, at the cor- ner of Eighteentb and Cook Streets, Springfield,

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

and three who are now deeeased. Twelve grand- children were born in the family, of whom eleveu survive. In religious views Mr. Young is an Episcopalian, and in politics he supports the Re- publican party. For the last nineteen years he has been a member of Camp No. 1534, M. W. A., of Springfield.

YOUNG, John J., one of the representative and successful business meu of Springfield, has been identified with that city's Interests since attain- ing his majority. He is a native of Germany, born January 6, 1874, son of Nicholas, Jr., and grandson of Nicholas Yonng, both of whom par- ticlpated in the Frauco-Prussian War. Nieholas Young, Jr., married Angela Sehue, born in Ger- many, whose parents spent their entire lives in Germany. He was born June 24, 1844, and his parents speut their entire lives in Germany. In his boyhood he learned the trade of black- smitlı, worked at same until he came to tbe United States in 1881, aud afterward followed his trade many years in Springfield, where his death occurred, in 1896, caused by falling in a mine while he was in the hoisting shaft. He was married before leaving Germany and his widow now resides in Springfield.

John J. Young received his education in the schools of Springfield, and lived with his par- ents until he was twenty years of age, then worked on a farm until he went into business for himself. He has spent most of his life in Sangamon County, where he was brought by his parents when a small cbild. He is a member of the Catholic Church aud of the Knights of Columbus. He is au ardent Democrat and has always been active in political affairs. He has been successful in business aud careful in his investments, having aceumulated considerable real estate.

Mr. Young was married, at Springfield, April 25, 1893, to Emma Lenegar, who was born in Springfield, Juue 4, 1875. daughter of August and Catherine (Eck) Leneger, the former born in Germany and the latter In Springfield. Mr. Lenegar conducts a grocery store In Springfield. Three children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Young, namely : George, born Novem- ber 3, 1895; Florence, in March, 1905, and Ar- thur, March 7, 1908, all born in Springfield and all surviving. Mr. Young has the good-will and esteem of a large circle of friends and ac- quaintances.

YOUNG, Joseph .- German-Americans are num- bered among the best residents of the country, few of them having falled in the work they set out to accomplish. Many have become wealthy since arriving in their new homes, and nearly all have acquired fair competence. Sangamon County has its share of these excellent people, whose Industry and thrift have set an example to those less deserving of success. One of the substantial retired residents of the county Is Joseph Young, of Riverton. He was born in Germany, March 11, 1850, being a son of Joseph

and Barbara (Schaffer) Young, both natives of Germany.

Generation after generation of Youngs were born and reared in the old family home In Ger- many, in which Joseph Young was brought Into the world. There Joseph Young Sr. and his ex- cellent wife lived and dled, after long and useful lives as farmers. They had three daughters and one son.

During his boyhood Joseph Young attended school in Germany, at the same time working on bis father's farm. All the while, however, he was dissatisfied with existing conditions, and iu 1871 he set sail for America from Liverpool, landing In New York City, and passing through Castle Garden, April 17th. From there he came to Northumberland County, Pa., where he re- mained until February, 1872, working iu the mills. At that time he went to Renovo, Pa., and for five years worked in a foundry. His next change was made when he went to Cleveland, to work in a machine shop for five months, after which he came to Riverton, Ill. There he en- gaged iu miuing, coutinuing in that line of work until a few years ago, when he retired.

The marriage of Mr. Young occurred August 16, 1873. in Riverton, when he was united with Catherine Prehoder, born in Bohemia, Germany, October 22, 1850. Her family came to America in 1871, direct to Riverton, where the parents spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Young became the parents of eight chil- dren : Joseph, a mine expert of Springfield; Frank and John, of Riverton; Annie, wife of Walter Hankley, of Riverton; William, George and Catherine, who live at home; one died In infancy. There are eleven grandchildren in the family.

During the years he was engaged in aetive work. Mr. Young saved his earnings, investing them In Riverton property, and now owning sonie very desirable realty, including his home. He is a member of St. James Roman Catholic Church, of Riverton, giving it his euthusiastic support. In political faith he is a Democrat. He is Industrious and has never shirked any duty that was laid upon him, but labored faith- fully to perform it as best lay within his power, and suecess has been his reward, as well as the consciousness of having discharged all obliga- tions he may have ineurred.

YOUNG, Nicholas (deceased) .- It is generally in his youth that the average European leaves his native country for the United States, but a fair percentage of mature men emigrate, and of these Germany furnishes a full proportion. The late Nieholas Young was a type of the lat- ter class, for he had reached middle age when he located in Springfield. and there became an honored citizeu and well-known business mau. He was born. in Germany, June 2. 1814, the sou of Nicholas Young and his wife, farming peo- ple of the Fatherland, who never left their na- tive country.

The youth of Mr. Young was spent on his

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY

father's farm in Germany, and his education was secured in the Catholic schools. He did not desire to follow the life of an agriculturist, and as a boy chose the biacksmithi trade for his life work, subsequently securing a thorough train- ing in this time-honored occupation. After he had finished his apprenticeship he engaged in business and continued to follow it successfully until 1881, when he came to the United States and located in Springfield, Ill., where for fifteen years he was known as one of the foremost men in his iine of business. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a Democrat in politics, but never cared for public honors, ai- though his father had served as Mayor of his village in Germany. He died in the faith of the Catholic Church,

On February 6, 1873, Mr. Youug was married in Germany to Miss Annie Schu, a native of the Fatherland, and to them there were boru eleven children, of whom four survive, uamely : John J., who was born January 6, 1875; Matt A., born December 8, 1887; Francis S., born August 3, 1883; aud Joseph M., born December 13. 1889. Mrs. Young, who survives her husband, resides in her comfortable home at No. 1413 East Jack- son Street, Springfield, and is weli and favor- abiy knowu in that vicinity.

YOUNG, Silas J .- The pioneers of Illinois be- longed to a sturdy class of people, who cared · little for hardships or dangers, so long as there was opportunity for them to secure homes for their families. In these days when we are sur- rounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life, when not only are the water and land conquered, but we are entering into a new era which promises that soon the air it- self will be navigated as easily and constantly as the other two elements, it is difficuit for us to appreciate what pioneer life meant to those who came to a new locality to wrest a living from raw iand, with few appliances, except those of the crudest nature. Silas J. Young, of Section 34. Curran Township, Sangamon Coun- ty, is now living on thirty acres of the large tract which his father secured as a pioneer of that part of the 'county. Mr. Young was born in Montgomery County, Ky., March 10, 1834, a son of James and Lucinda R. (Cuming) Young, natives of North Carolina and Ken- tucky, respectively.

James Young was a soldier in the War of 1812, under General Harrison, and at the close of the conflict came to Kentucky, where he mar- ried. He and his wife became the parents of seveu children, and four were born before they migrated to Sangamon County, in 1838, where the father entered 160 acres in Curran Town- ship. This was the home of the father until his death, March 11, 1870. His widow survived untii May, 1SS9. Those of the family who survive are : Silas J. William, and Mrs. Martha C. Hoi- iis, of Oklahoma. A brother, Wiiburn Young, died in 189S, having married Volka Emman. She was born in Germany, but her parents are

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Historical encyclopedia of Illinois, Volume II, part 2, Part 171

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913 Publication date: 1912 Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 774

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913
Publication date: 1912
Publisher: Chicago, Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 774