Abner Joel Yancey

Abner Joel Yancey, 81, of Oakdale died in the Oakdale Hospital yesterday afternoon after an illness of but five days.

Yancey was born in Spring Place, Murray county, Georgia, June 1, 1861.  When 3 years of age, his father, a Confederate officer was killed at Kenesaw Mountain, Ga., in the battle of the Atlanta during Sherman's march to the sea(?).

He was married to Amanda C. Barnes on April 5, 1883, at the home of her parents in Tounigh(?), Ga.

Yancey operated a cotton gin and plantation for five years after his marriage and in the spring of 1889 he came to Modesto and remained one year before returning to Georgia for his family.  Upon returning to California, he farmed in the Cores-Hughson district for several years.  He moved to Tuolumne county in 1897, and was engaged in extensive cattle business for 10 years.

Returning to Stanislaus County, he settled at Montpellier and operated a general merchandise store there while still continuing his cattle business in Tuolumne County.  He was postmaster at Montpellier, holding that post until the service was discontinued.

He retired from active life in 1937 and bought a home in Oakdale, where he lived with his wife and a daughter, Mrs. Frances Johns.

In April, 1912, Mr. and Mrs. Yancey celebrated their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary.  

Besides a widow, he leaves four children, Mrs. Johns of Oakdale, Mrs. Patterson Brougher of San Francisco, Mrs. Leland Paul of Montpellier, and A. Paul Yancey of Montpellier; a sister, Mrs. A. J. Barnes of Modesto; 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Community Methodist Church in Oakdale with Rev. T. J. Carter officiating.  Interment will be in the Cores Cemetery with the Oakdale Mortuary in charge. 

Source: Modesto Bee and Herald-News  3 Feb 1943