CHRISTIAN YARGER, of Lancaster Township, is the proprietor of 187 acres of valuable farming land on section 15, which he has brought to a fine state of cultivation, and where he has a handsome residence, and all the buildings required by the progressive agriculturist. The residence built of limestone, presents a handsome spectacle to the passer-by, whose attention is invariably attracted to the premises in general, and in every detail of which is indicated the cultivated tastes and ample means of the proprietor. One of the attractive features is a little building, erected over a perpetual spring, which furnishes an icy coolness for vegetables and provisions of all kinds. The barn is an ample and substantial structure, one of the finest of its kind in the county. The stock includes horses, cattle and swine. The machinery utilized in the cultivation of the soil is of the best description, the fences are neat and substantial, and the homestead in all its appointments forms one of the attractive features in the landscape of Stephenson County. It is with pleasure that we give a view of this substantial and attractive home on another page of this work.

The first representatives of the Yarger family in this country emigrated from Germany, and settled in Pennsylvania prior to the Revolutionary War. John Yarger, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of Berks County, Pa., and a tanner by trade. He was reared to manhood in his native county, where he was married and spent the remainder of his life. His wife had preceded him to the silent land, Grandfather Yarger living to an advanced age. The family for some generations back preserved the pure German dialect of their ancestors, speaking and reading in their native tongue.

John Yarger, the father of our subject, was also a native of Berks County, Pa., and, like his father, learned the tanner’s trade, although he only followed it a short time. After his marriage he removed to Union County. His wife, Miss Mary Keener, who was always called Mollie, was of similar ancestry as her husband, and was born and reared in the county of his birth. They located in Union County and remained there until after becoming the parents of several children, when they removed to Centre County, where the father followed general farming with fair success, and where both parents spent the remainder of their lives. They were early settlers in both Union and Centre Counties, where they became widely and favorably known and were numbered among the most valued citizens of that section. They connected themselves with the German Reformed Church, and John Yarger, politically, was a stanch Democrat.

The parental household of our subject included five sons and four daughters, of whom Christian was the youngest son, and next to the youngest child. His early years were spent under the home roof, and he was educated in the district school of his native county. He was born in Walker Township, Centre County, about sixty years ago, and lived with his parents until becoming of age, being soon afterward united in marriage with Miss Sarah McManigal. Mrs. Yarger is a native of Clinton County, Pa., and is the daughter of Hugh and Catherine (Allison) McManigal, also natives of the Keystone State. They finally removed to Centre County, where they spent the last years of their lives. Mrs. Y. was educated in the district schools, and received careful home training from her excellent parents. Of her union with our subject there have been born eleven children, of whom one is deceased. Mary is the wife of Earl Hathaway, a farmer of Vernon County, Mo.; Harriet J. married James Askey, a farmer of Rock Grove Township, this county; James L. has for some years been connected with the burial-case factory at Sterling, Ill., but at present is living in Freeport; he married Miss Anna Melick, of Freeport. Franklin R. is building up a good homestead near Marysville, Marshall Co., Kan.; he was married, but his wife is now deceased. Thomas M. married Anna Myers, of Lancaster Township, and they occupy a part of his father’s homestead; Sarah E. is the wife of Frank Barmore, who is carrying on farming successfully on Oneco Township; William C. married Miss Martha Mitchell, and is farming in Rock Run Township; Juliet L., Hiram M. and Laura J., are at home with their parents; Iola died when four years of age.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Yarger lived for a time on a farm in Centre County, Pa., but in the spring of 1865 decided to seek their fortunes in the farther West. Coming to Northern Illinois, they located on section 15, in Lancaster Township, and there commenced building up the homestead which they may be pardoned for viewing now with pride and satisfaction. Mr. Yarger has been prominent in township affairs, serving as Assessor one year, and has been Road Commissioner for the last nine years. He is a strong Prohibitionist, and an active member of the Democratic party.

Transcribed by Carol Parrish
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical Pg 623