Wallace C. Yenerich holds a position of distinctive precedence in financial circles of Lee county as president of the Farmers State Bank of Ashton, an institution which he aided in organizing and which his executive power and ability as a financier has placed among the leading banks in this part of the state. He was born in Buffalo, New York, February 14, 1855, his parents being George H. and Elizabeth Yenerich, natives of Germany.

Wallace C. Yenerich acquired his education in the public schools of Wyoming township, this county, and at Northwestern College at Naperville, Illinois. After completing his studies he turned his attention to farming in Wyoming township and later moved to Ashton township, where he followed agricultural pursuits until the fall of 1905. At that time, in partnership with his eldest son, E. J. Yenerich, he opened a bank at Whitten, Iowa, and he has since been president of this institution. In April, 1907, with others Mr. Yenerich organized the Farmers State Bank of Ashton, Illinois, and was elected president, an office which he has held continuously since that time. In a responsible and difficult position he has proved capable, farsighted and reliable, promoting the interests of the bank in a progressive and practical manner and winning recognition for himself as a successful financier. He controls valuable property interests, owning nearly one thousand acres of land, most of which lies in Lee county. He has stock in several banks in Minnesota and was at one time the owner of the majority of the stock in the Farmers State Bank of Ashton. He now holds a majority of the stock in the Whitten Bank at Whitten, Iowa.

In Reynolds township, this county, on the 4th of December, 1879, Mr. Yenerich was united in marriage to Miss Catherina Kers- ten, a daughter of John and Christina Kersten, the former a large land holder in that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Yenerich have become

History of Lee County by Frank E. Stevens 1914