A large portion of Stephenson County owes its settlement and development to a class of citizens who came of substantial Pennsylvania stock, many of them born in that State and who emigrated westward upon reaching manhood and becoming ready to establish permanent homes of their own. Among those was the subject of our sketch, who came to this locality in March, 1855, and has now been a resident here over thirty years. He was born in Clinton County., Pa., Feb. 22, 1826, and his parents celebrated the birth of their son and that of George Washington, who was born on the same day of the month.

Our subject was reared on the homestead of his father in Clinton County, where he spent his boyhood and youth and acquired a common-school education. He was also married in his native county, and when starting out on his pilgrimage to the Prairie State, was accompanied by his wife and three children. They made the journey by rail and located first in Ridott Township, in the southeastern part of the county. Here Mr. Yeager rented a tract of land, upon which he continued five years, thence went to Silver Creek Township, engaging there also in the cultivation of rented land, the property of Charles H. Rosenstiel, for a period of nine years. By the practice of frugality and industry he laid by a snug sum of money, and now purchased 200 acres of land on section 34, in Loran Township, which is included in his present homestead. Upon this he has effected great improvements, having brought the entire acreage to a good state of cultivation and erected all necessary and convenient farm buildings. He has also availed himself of the latest improved machinery, and keeps a variety of live-stock, including horses, cattle and swine. Everything about the place indicates the supervision of the thorough and industrious farmer, who takes pride in the position which he has honestly attained in the agricultural community.

The wife of our subject, to whom he was married in Clinton County, Pa., Feb. 3, 1846, was formerly Miss Lydia, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Poorman) Beck. She was born in Centre County, Pa., Nov. 30, 1830, and received her education in the district schools of that locality, while at the same time she was carefully trained by her excellent mother in all housewifely duties. She remained under the parental roof until her marriage. By her union with our subject there have been born nine children, of whom the record is as follows: John Andrew, born Dec. 15, 1847, married Miss Mary Fox, of Nora, this county, and is a resident of Aurelia, Iowa; Mary M., born May 22, 1849, is the wife of William Connor, and lives at home; William A., born June 6, 1859, married Miss Ida Bexeler, and is engaged in farming in Carroll County, Ill.; Joseph I., born May 10, 1855, and died Jan. 20, 1856; Sarah Ellen, born Sept. 16, 1856, married John Moist and resides in Lanark, Ill.; Benjamin F., born Sept. 27, 1858, married Miss Jane Holmes and is farming in Carroll County; Cora J., born April 7, 1853, and died May 6, 1885; Clarence R., born Jan. 5, 1868, is at home with his parents; Clara M., born Jan. 31, 1870.

Mr. Yeager has held the offices of Constable and Commissioner of Highways, and has always taken a genuine interest in the moral and educational welfare of his community. Politically, he votes the Democratic ticket. He is a fine illustration of the self-made man, and his industry and enterprise have met the reward which they fully deserve. His farm operations have been conducted in a methodical and praiseworthy manner. He has been prompt to meet his obligations, and his whole course through life has been that of an upright citizen and a useful member of the community. He has done a father’s full duty toward his children, who have been carefully trained and well educated. The estimable lady who has now been his companion for nearly forty years, has managed her household affairs with economy and good judgment, and enjoys the respect and friendship of her neighbors in a marked degree. For twelve years she has been a member of the Evangelical Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Yeager rejoice in the possession of eleven grandchildren. Their son Andrew has three sons – Robert, Arlington and Oscar; William has two daughters and a son – Lydia, Samuel A. and Corie; Mary M. is the mother of three daughters – Fairy M., Lottie T. and Mintie V.; Ellen is the mother of three children – Harry S., Maude V. and Lorance; Benjamin F. has one child, a daughter, Hazel.

Transcribed by Carol Parrish
History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical Pg 548