Erven John Yenerich, well known in financial circles of Lee County as cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Ashton and active also in the public life of the community, was born in Reynolds township, this county, March 26, 1881, a son of Wallace C. and Catherina (Kersten) Yenerich. He acquired his preliminary education in the Ashton public schools and later entered Dixon College, from which he was graduated June 24, 1901. His entire active life has been devoted to the banking business. In 1905 he entered the Whitten Bank at Whitten,Iowa, as cashier, serving in that capacity until April 11, 1907. In that year the Farmers State Bank of Ashton was organized and Mr. Yenerich was appointed cashier, a responsible position which he has since creditably and ably filled. He owns a great deal of valuable property, including tracts of land in Lyman county, South Dakota, city property in Somonauk, Illinois, and valuable holdings in Ashton. In addition to his position of cashier he also holds stock in the Farmers State Bank.

Although Mr.Yenerich is a resourceful, farsighted and careful financier, understanding banking in principle and detail, his interests have not by any means been confined to his business, but have extended to many other fields, notably that of public service. A republican in his political beliefs, he has been very active in the work of his party and has held various positions of trust and responsibliity. From 1905 until 1907 he was mayor of Whitten, Iowa, his administration being constructive, progressive and businesslike and he is at present a member of the board of aldermen of Ashton, an office to which he was elected in the spring of 1913. He is a member of the United Evangelical church, of Ashton, serving as assistant Sunday school superintendent since 1910 and he has extensive and important fraternal affiliations, being a member of Ashton Lodge, No.531, A.F. and A.M.; Nathan Whitney Chapter, No. 129, R.A.M., Dixon Commandery, K.T.; and Tebala Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., Rockford Illinois. He is affiliated also with Ashton Lodge, No. 977, I.O.O. F., and has been its secretary since its organization January 21, 1910.

In all relations of life in which he has been found,Mr.Yenerich has proven capable and progressive and although he is still ayoung man, is numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of his community.

History of Lee County by Frank E. Stevens 1914