Charles Youngkin |
Charles Youngkin was born in 1809 in Northampton County, PA, the son of Henry and Anna Mariah (Overpeck) Younkin Jr. He was baptized on Sept. 7, 1809 in the Stone Church in Kreidersville, Northampton County, PA.
He and Hannah Troxell (Aug. 5, 1821-1898) were joined together in matrimony in about 1840. Born in Blair County, PA, Hannah was one of 11 children of John Troxell Sr., "one of the oldest and best known families in the northern part of this county," said the Altoona Tribune. She never learned how to read.
Their nine known children were Elizabeth Fister Kelley, Sarah A. Warrick, John Clinton Youngkin, Mary Dean, Henry Youngkin, Susan Youngkin, Albert Youngkin, Andrew Jackson "A.J." Youngkin and Richard B. "R.B." Younkin. One of the daughters married Simon Hollis of Haynes, WV.
When the federal census was enumerated in 1850, the Youngkins made a home in White Township, Cambria County, with Charles laboring as a lumberman.
By 1860, Charles' primary occupation was farming, as shown in that year's census. At that time, the census-taker spelled the family name "Younken." He continued his work as a farmer through the Civil War years and into 1870. The 1870 U.S. Census shows that two-month-old grandson C.H. "Harry" Lumedue/Lummado lived in the household.
The 1880 census indicates that only two sons were left in the Youngkin household, now in Reade Township, Cambria County, as well as 10-year-old grandson C. "Harry" Lumedue/Lummado.
Charles passed away in about 1887.
Hannah survived as a widow for almost 11 years. Her final home was in Fallen Timber, Cambria County. Toward the end, she endured what the Tribune called "extreme suffering" and died on March 10, 1898.
From the time she was taken ill until the end came she was confined to bed, most of the time being obliged to sit propped up, on account of the paroxysms of coughing, which rendered breathing difficult. The physicians said she had a form of the grip, accompanied with some dropsical affection at first, but the cough was the principal trouble, and medical skill was unable to do more than give ease and keep the vital spark in the frail body for a limited time. Every kindness and attention that children and grandchildren and friends could bestow was cheerfully given, and hopes were entertained for a time of a partial restoration to health, but there was a sudden relapse the evening of the day she died, and, peacefully as if going to sleep, she passed away... Mrs. Youngkin was a remarkably well preserved woman prior to her last illness, being possessed of a splendid memory, excellent business qualities and of a stirring, industrious nature particular to all the members of her father's family. She accomplished more work than the average young woman. Her step was as quick and firm and erect as a girl, and no one enjoyed fund and merriment more than she. She was a devoted mother, and her prayer to the last was for the children and that they might meet her in heaven, where she wanted to go to meet her husband and the little ones who were taken in childhood. The greatest respect and kindness was shown through her illness by the great number of persons who visited her. The neighbors were exceedingly kind and showed themselves to be friends in need by giving every assistance to the sorrowing children in their time of trouble, from the beginning of her sickness until the remains were consigned to the grave... The community has lost a good neighbor and the children a loving and devoted mother whose cheery countenance and wise couinsel will be greatly missed.
Hannah was age 76 years, seven months and five days at death, and had outlived four of her nine children. She also was survived by her brother Perry Troxell of near Glasgow and sister Mary Gates of Beaver Valley, the sister attending the funeral service but with great difficulty given her delicate health. A brief service was held in Hannah's residence, with a longer one occuring at the United Brethren Church in Beaver Valley, led by Rev. Spanogle of Coalport, who preached on John 14 -- "I go to prepare a place for you." Rain and high winds made the roads almost unpassable for those who came.
Hannah's estate was comprised of 135 acres of land, of which 65 were clear, adjoining the Cresson and Clearfield Railroad. The tract contained an orchard and good sources of water, under which were valuable deposits of coal. A public sale was held on Nov. 26, 1898.
~ Son John Clinton Youngkin ~
Son John Clinton Youngkin (1840-1916) was born on Oct. 19, 1840 in Pennsylvania. He grew up as a farm laborer and in 1860, at age 19, lived at home.
On March 3, 1861, he married Rebecca Gray ( ? - ? ), daughter of William and Barbara Gray of White Township, Cambria County.
They moved to North Dakota in 1898 and cultivated a farm with the intent of ownership. The tract was located in Section 10, Township 154, Range 101. In addition to farming, he made a living as a carpenter.
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| Flour mills along the Souris River, serving farmers in Minot, ND |
Sadly, Rebecca died in Minot, ND on May 11, 1900.
John outlived her by 16 years and, in 1908 married again to Katherine "Kit" Stafford (Aug. 13, 1854-1912). She claimed to be a relative of England's Queen Victoria, a story met with some skepticism in the local community.
They were together for four years until her passing from stomach cancer on New Year's Eve 1912. Her funeral service was held at the home, by the hand of Rev. Olsen of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The widowed John made news in March 1915 when, said the Jamestown (ND) Weekly Alert, he claimed that he had "speared a monster pickerel in the billowy Mouse river and had all he could do to pull it out onto the ice. It is further stated that the fish measured 36 inches in length, 20 inches around the body and weighed thirteen and one-half pounds. It took the strength of two men to pull the spear out of the denizen of the river, according to Youngkin's story. Spearing fish in the Mouse river is affording a great deal of sport to many Minot people in the last few weeks, and a number of persons are making their living in that manner."
On the fateful day of April 25, 1916, the 76-year-old John was struck and killed by a moving Soo Line No. 105 passenger railroad train. The Williston (ND) Graphic said that the accident occurred:
...near the crossing at Valley street and one the road leading to Valker's greenhouse east of the city. He was on his way up town and was walking near the track. The engineer of the train blew his whistle for the crossing, only a short distance away, and the victim evidently heart it and stepped from the track, but did not get far enough away and the cross beam in front of the engine hit him, throwing him about thirty feet and killing him instantly. The train was stopped in two car lengths after it had struck Mr. Youngkin, and the crew returned to help in caring for the man. But he was dead when help reached him... He was a well known and highly respected citizen, and his death will be a severe shock to hundreds of people in the city, who have known him for many years.
He had suffered a broken arm, crushed side and a deep cut in his scalp. Reported the Ward County (MT) Independent of Minot, the county coroner convened a jury which ruled that the train's crew was not at fault.
Son Charles William Youngkin (1862-1930).
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Son Harry Elsworth "Elmer" Youngkin (1865-1929) was born on April 3, 1865 in Pennsylvania. He was a longtime house painter and wallpaper hanger. On Sept. 17, 1891, at the age of 26, he married his first wife, Sarah Ann "Sadie" Reese (May 11, 1872-1932), daughter of James and Arvilla (Barr) Reese. The wedding was held in Harwarden, IA. The couple settled in Muncie, IN. Together, they bore a brood of children including Laura Youngkin, Bessie Ann Youngkin, George Josiah Young-Kin, Evelyn Gertrude Youngkin, Walter Burdett Youngkin, Harry Elsworth Youngkin Jr., Dorothy Lucille Youngkin, Thelma Irene Youngkin and H.E. Youngkin. Evidence suggests that the couple divorced. In about 1927, Harry wed a second time to Rose E. ( ? - ? ). Ex-wife Sarah Ann died in Muncie on Dec. 9, 1932. Harry's final years were spent in San Diego. There, he passed away at age 64 on July5, 1929. The remains were shipped to Muncie to rest for all time in Elm Ridge Cemetery.
Daughter Alice A. Youngkin (1867- ? ).
Son Walter T. Youngkin (1870-1933).
Daughter Mary Adelia Youngkin (1873-1959).
Son Frank S. Youngkin (1875- ? ) was born in about 1875. He and George Sennett went into business together, but their partnership was dissolved in December 1901, with Frank assuming all debts, liabilities and receivables. In July 1901, he filed a notice of his intention to prove his claim to a farm in Section 10, Township 154, Range 101, where his brother John also had a nearby claim.
Son John Clayton Youngkin (1877-1913) was born in 1877. In young manhood he dwelled in Williston, SC. On June 14, 1899, in a ceremony held at Minot, ND, the 22-year-old was united in matrimony with 17-year-old Marie Ellifson ( ? -1901), a resident of Minot, ND. They settled about three miles north of the town of Williston. Sadly, their union only lasted for less than two years. Marie died at age 18 at home on April 9, 1901. An obituary in the Williston Graphic said that her funeral was led by Rev. Emerson at the Congregational Church, "and was attended by a large number of sympathizing friends." Circa April 1902, he filed paperwork to prove his claim to having settled a tract of land in Section 10, Township 154, Range 101, where hs brother Frank also had a nearby claim.
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Lignite coal mining near Burlington and Minot, ND, where Thomas George Hunnewell was a well known mine operator |
Daughter Clara Pearl Youngkins (1879-1958) was born in 1879. At the age of about 20, on Dec. 7, 1898, she wed Thomas George Hunnewell ( ? -1908), son of John Hunnewell, with the nuptials taking place in Ward County, ND. Thomas was a New York native who had migrated to Burlington in Ward County. The couple put down roots in Burlington, ND, where Thomas was considered "one of the well known Burlington mine operators," said the Ward County (ND) Independent of Minot. Five childred resulted from this union -- John James Hunnewell, Gladys Pearl Hunnewell, Thomas George Hunnewell, Earl Delos Hunnewell and Clara Pearl Hunnewell. But sadly, Thomas contracted tuberculosis, and over the span of months he lost hope for a recovery. For a "long time it was realized that his days were numbered," said the Independent. He died at the age of 34 on Nov. 22, 1908. Rev. E.P. Lawrence of Minot delivered the funeral sermon, and the "Old Settlers attended in a body," reported the Independent. The widowed Clara Pearl wed again to Prosper Robinson Hall (1880-1964). They bore a son of their own, Paul Robert Hall.
Daughter Evelyn May Youngkin (1882-1959).
Daughter Ollie S. Youngkin (1885-1907) was born in about 1885. In young womanhood she migrated to Bellingham, Whatcom County, WA. There, on April 2, 1905, she entered into marriage with Jesse McGraw ( ? - ? ), a resident of Vancouver, British Columbia. Her brother Frank witnessed the wedding. Rev. Edward William Erickson, of the Fairhaven Methodist Episcopal Church, officiated.
~ Daughter Mary (Youngkin) Dean ~
Daughter Mary Youngkin (1843- ? ) was born in about 1843.
On June 18, 1861, at about age 18, she was united in marriage with Samuel Dean (Aug. 24, 1824-1902), son of Elijah Dean and a native of Ithaca, NY.
The five offspring they bore together were Emma Averill, Clara Quigley, Hannah Kelly, C. Grace Dean and Charles T. Dean.
Samuel in his 30s migrated south to Williamsport, PA in early 1860 and was hired as a foreman by a lumber company from New York, an assignment lasting for a year. He then moved to Fallen Timber, Cambria County, reported the Altoona Tribune, where he:
...scaled logs for a number of years in the primitive forests that then covered the country from the head waters of Clearfield creek to Blair City, Clearfield county. Large towns have been built on the site in many places where then stood the giant oak and the magnificent pine. The town of Coalport was not even a small hamlet. No railroads had been built nearer than Altoona and coal mines were almost unheard of anywhere nearby. No physician of any note lived nearer than the city and the home where he lived and died was cleared by his hard working,untiring industry.
The couple established their longtime home in about 1864 in Van Ormer, PA. They remained there for good. Said the Tribune, Samuel was:
...a man of unimpeachable character, honest and upright in all his business transactions, never having a suit at law with any one in his life. He was a most honorable citizen, an earnest, sincere Christian, having been a member of the United Brethren church a number of years, joining under the pastorate of Rev. b.J. Hummel. He was possessed of a remarkably fine, strong constitution, never having needed the services of a physician, with but two slight exceptions, until a year ago He was in full possession of all his faculties until within a few hours of his decease. He was very deeply devoted to his family, a noble example of a husband and father, always planning for the comfort and pleasure of each. The door of his hospitable home was always open to the stranger as well as the welcome friend. He was perfectly resigned to his Master's will, repeatedly saying during his illness, "Not my will but Thine be done. For him there were "no clouds and no dark valley," as he told his friends.
Sadly, in the fall of 1900, Samuel developed several bad colds which led to a bronchial infection and reduced flow of blood to the heart ("angina pectoris"). The illness lasted through the winter and into the spring of 1901, with some fearing he might be dying. But he regained health during the summer. In May 1902, another bad cold struck, which caused kidney failure.
Ten days later, on May 23, 1902, he died. The funeral, in a church filled to overflowing, was co-officiated by his former pastor, Rev. C.C. Bingam, as well as Rev. Sible, Rev. Wagner and Rev. O.T. Stewart. The sermon was based on Revelations 14:13 [King James Version] -- "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." In Rev. Wagner's eulogy, he said that he "never knew a man of stronger faith in God and one who enjoyed communion with him more than did Brother Dean," according to the Tribune. Burial the the remains was in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Glasgow.
Daughter Emma Dean wed (?) Averill and lived in DuBois in 1902.
Daughter Clara Dean married (?) Quigley. Her home in 1902 was in DuBois.
Daughter Hannah Dean was joined in matrimony with (?) Kelly. They resided in Van Ormer.
Daughter C. Grace Dean dwelled in Van Ormer.
Son Charles T. Dean was in Van Ormer in 1902.
~ Son Henry Youngkin ~
Son Henry Youngkin (1844- ? ) was born in about 1844.
~ Daughter Susan Youngkin ~
Daughter Susan Youngkin (1849- ? ) was born in about 1849.
She was unmarried in 1870, at age 21, and dwelled with her parents in White Township, Cambria County.
~ Son Albert Youngkin ~
Son Albert Youngkin (1851- ? ) was born in about 1851. He grew up on the family farm, helping his father with farmwork.
~ Son Andrew Jackson Youngkin ~
Son Andrew Jackson Youngkin (1854-1919) was born on Sept. 9, 1854 (or 1850). He was a carpenter by trade and in 1880, at age 25, made his home in his parents' residence in Fallen Timber, Reade Township, Cambria County.
He eventually married Elizabeth C. ( ? - ? ).
In 1898, they resided in Ashtola, Somerset County, PA.
By the 1910s, he relocated to Philadelphia, where he earned income as a superintendent of bridge work. His address in 1919 was 5109 Funston Street.
Death spirited him away at the age of 69 on Feb. 22, 1919. An examining physician ruled the cause of death as acute alcoholism and kidney disease. The body was transported back to Fallen Timber to rest in Beaver Valley Cemetery, Cambria County.
~ Son Richard B. Youngkin ~
Son Richard B. Youngkin (1857-1928) was born on Jan. 4, 1857 in Fallen Timber, Cambria County, PA.
He lived in Fallen Timber in 1891-1898 and was united in wedlock with Sarah Anne Sneath ( ? -1923), a native of Fostoria, Blair County, PA and the daughter of Job and Nancy (Caskey) Sneath.
Evidence suggests that they were the parents of Ethel Youngkin and Del Youngkin.
In March 1891, he was awarded a contract for "clearing the right of way on the new grade of the Pennsylvania and Northwestern railroad from Lloydsville to Utahville," reported the Altoona Tribune. He turned to work as a butcher circa 1893, with his home stated as Van Ormer.
Grief cascaded over the family when, at age 68, Sarah Anne was felled by a cerebral hemorrhage and died on May 12, 1923.
During his five widowed years, Richard dwelled in Fallen Timber. He succumbed to the spectre of death, caused by hardening of the arteries, just three days before Christmas in 1928, at the age of 71. Burial was in Beaver Valley Cemetery. On his death certificate, his father's birthplace was listed as "Germany," attesting to the German language and customs that the family must have practiced after several generations in America.
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Minerd.com extends its gratitude to the late Donna (Younkin) Logan, Ina (Fister) Bright and Isabelle Tilton for their research contributions to this biography. |