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Abraham Younkin Jr. |
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Abraham Younkin Jr. Courtesy Kenneth Collins, Della (Orr) Shafer |
He apparently was born several months after his father's death in 1790. The early years of his life otherwise are opaque to us, other than that Nicholas Wyker was appointed guardian for Abraham and his sister Mary in Bucks County Orphans Court in November 1794.
His identity is confirmed in a Bucks County deed which states that "Abraham Youngkin & Mary Overholt, late Youngkin now the wife of Isaac Overholt. Abraham & Mary are children of Abraham Youngkin late of Tinicum Twn. Harman Youngkin by will 1788 bequeathed to his son Abraham who died." [Deed Book 41, page 280]
Then as Ohio opened to more orderly, safe settlement, he made his way there by 1811, when he would have been 20 years of age.
On Nov. 6, 1811, when Abraham would have been about age 21, and living in or near Marietta, Washington County, OH, he married Sarah "Sally" Montgomery (1798- ? ), of Maryland. She was two years older than he. The nuptials were conducted by Stephen Lindsly of Washington County, OH.
The couple went on to bear these eight known children -- Adaline Eliza Van Pelt, Marietta Porterfield, Susanna "Susan" Beeson, John M. Youngkin, Sarah Annette Byal, Robert McNeal Younkin, Hall [Harold?] Younkin, Henry Clay Younkin and Dr. Jerome Wilson "J.W." Younkin.
When the federal census enumeration was made in 1820, the young family dwelled in Hocking Township, Fairfield County, OH. From there the couple settled in the burgeoning town of Lancaster, Fairfield County, where he acquired lot 10 in town from Abraham Ruger in 1821.
The Younkins were plunged into grief at the death of their son John on Dec. 30, 1821, with burial taking place in the Old Methodist Cemetery in Lancaster.
When a Presbyterian Church was constructed in 1822-1823, Abraham traded tailoring services in return for a $10 credit as a subscriber to the fund. This was recorded in Charles M.L. Wiseman's 1898 book Centennial History of Lancaster, Ohio, and Lancaster People. Abraham is known to have taken on an indentured servant, 16-year-old Joel Todd, ward of Robert Todd. The length of the term was to be four years and two months, to commence on Oct. 29, 1825.
Sarah underwent an adult baptism in Lancaster on Nov. 20, 1826. A record was kept in the church records and preserved by the Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia, PA. The seven eldest offspring together were given the rite of baptism in the Presbyterian Church in Lancaster on May 10, 1828. Son Jerome then was baptized in the same church on April 8, 1831.
The U.S. Census of 1830 shows that 12 people lived under the Younkins' roof in Fairfield County.
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| Findlay, Ohio, 1850 at the time Abraham was mayor. Historical Collections of Ohio by Henry Howe |
Abraham joined the Masonic lodge in Lancaster. Among the other members were Gotlieb Steinman, John Noble, Thomas H. Cushing and George Sanderson.
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A younger Abraham Courtesy Kenneth Collins, Della Shafer, Younkin Family News Bulletin |
In 1846, Abraham was a charter member of the Hancock Lodge of the International Order of Odd Fellows.
When the federal census was taken in Findlay in 1850, Abraham and Sarah headed a household which also included their son-in-law and daughter, physician Jesse Beeson and Susan, their children Sarah and Jerome, and 20-year-old Mary Stuart.
On Oct. 22, 1852, a charter was granted to form a Masons lodge in Findlay, with Abraham as an original member and holding the initial office of Master. Others in the original group were Abel F. Parker, Edwin Parker, David Patton, J.M. Coffinberry, George Arnold, Adolphus Morse, E.S. Reed and C.B. Wilson. The lodge grew, and Abraham helped obtain another charter to form a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, where he held the office of King. Said Daniel B. Beardsley's 1881 book History of Hancock County From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, "The chapter has always held its meetings in same room with the Lodge. Its membership is now about forty."
Abraham was elected Mayor of Findlay serving during the 1847-1852 period, succeeded by George W. Galloway. He also maintained his tailor business during that time, as shown in the 1850 U.S. Census enumeration. In 1850, physician Jesse Beeson and his wife Susan and their children lived in the Younkin household in Findlay, also with 20-year-old Mary Stuart.
The Younkins appear to have made a move during the 1850s to Putnam County, OH. There, Sarah died at the age of 69 on Aug. 13, 1858. Her remains were lowered under the sod of Harman Cemetery in Gilboa, Putnam County. A stone was erected that is legible today.
The widowed Abraham then moved into the household of his married daughter Adaline Van Pelt in Washington, Fayette County, OH. There, he worked as a clerk as shown in the U.S. Census of 1860.
Then in 1870, census records show that at the age of 79, he was living in the residence of his married grandson William Henry and Nancy Van Pelt in Hartsgrove, Ashtabula County, OH.
Possibly during the decade of the 1870s, he moved to Texas to reside with his married daughter Susan Beeson and family in Lavaca County, TX. He is shown in the Beesons' household in 1880, at the age of 90, with his occupation shown as "Farmer."
He died in the home of his married daughter Susan Beeson in Big Brushy, TX on June 24, 1881. His gravesite seems to be lost to history. A short obituary stated that he was aged 90 years, three months and six days and that he "leaves a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his loss. He had been a member of the Masonic society for nearly seventy years, and had taken nearly every degree in that order." The obituary was preserved by his direct descendant Kenneth Collins of Ponca City, OK.
Abraham is named in the 1910 book by Jacob A. Kimmell, Twentieth Century History of Findlay and Hancock County Ohio and Representative Citizens, and in the 1961 book by William Depue Humphrey, Findlay: The Story of a Community.
In its edition of Sept. 6, [year?] the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette named Abraham as one of Lancaster's original settlers in Square 12 on the south side of Mulberry Hill.
Abraham was profiled and pictured in an article by Della (Orr) Shafer in the July-August-September 1992 edition of the Younkin Family News Bulletin, published by the late Donna (Younkin) Logan.
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| Della Shafer's biography of Abraham and family - Younkin Family News Bulletin |
~ Daughter Susan (Younkin) Beeson ~
Daughter Susan Younkin (1819-1907) was born on April 24, 1819 in Ohio.
On May 10, 1828, in the Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Fairfield County, OH, she and six of her siblings were given the rite of Christian baptism.
Then on Nov. 9, 1841, she was joined in matrimony with Dr. Jesse Beeson (June 9, 1813-1884), a native of Columbiana County, OH.
Together, the pair produced two daughters -- Sarah M. Atkinson and Irene Dodd.
As a teenager, Jesse "learned the printer's trade and worked for a small newspaper near his home county," said the book Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Prior to marriage, in 1836, Jesse served in Col. Wilson's Regiment during the Texas Revolution, allegedly holding the rank of colonel.
The United States Census of 1850 shows the Beeson family living under the roof of Susan's parents in Findlay, with Jesse earning a living as a physician. Later, they lived in Van Buren, OH.
Then in 1856, the family relocated to Fon du Lac, WI, remaining a year. They pulled up stakes and moved to Texas in 1857 and settled in Lavaca, Lavaca County. The 1860 federal census shows Jesse continuing to practice medicine in the new location. He also is said to have been an adventurer and publisher. As such, they were considered by the Houston Post among "the early settlers in this part of Texas." The census of 1880 lists the Beesons in Lavaca, and Susan's elderly, widowed father in the household.
Interestingly, Jesse and an "S. Yonkin" are named as the only two physicians in the town of Hope, Lavaca County, TX as shown in the 1886 Medical and Surgical Directory of the United States. Their nephew, Dr. John Abraham Youngkin, also practiced in Lavaca County circa 1897-1898.
Sadly, Jesse died on Feb. 11, 1884 in Hope, Lavaca County.
Susan outlived him by 23 years. Said the Post, "She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian church and lived a noble, Christian life."
She died in the residence of her married daughter Irene Dodd in Yoakum, TX at the age of 87 on Jan. 30, 1907. News of her demise was published in the Postand the Waco Times-Herald. Another obituary said "We 'stand up before that hoary head' and so honor to that 'crown of glory' which was ever 'found in the way of righteousness'."
Daughter Sarah M. Beeson (1844-1892) was born in about 1844 in Ohio. In 1866, in Victoria, TX, she tied the knot with Civil War veteran William Patton Atkinson (Sept. 16, 1833-1922), son of Dorsey and Mary Ann (Patton) Atkinson. They are known to have borne at five children, Flora Malone, James Willis Atkinson and John Willard Atkinson along with two others. William came to Texas as a nine-year-old in 1842. Then during the war, William served with Company B of the 4th Texas Cavalry of the Confederate Army, holding the rank of first lieutenant. Sadly, Sarah died on Dec. 20, 1892, in Hope, Lavaca County, TX. The remains were laid to rest in Memory Gardens of Edna Cemetery in Jackson County, TX. William outlived his wife by three decades. He passed into the arms of the heavenly host on Aug. 16, 1922. Interment was in Memory Gardens.
- Granddaughter Flora Atkinson (1870-1931) was born in 1870. She wed (?) Malone
- Grandson James Willis Atkinson (1880-1929)
- Grandson John Willard Atkinson (1880-1966)
Daughter Irene Beeson (1846-1928) was born on Aug. 11, 1846 in Van Buren, Hancock County, OH. She wed Thomas McKendree Dodd Sr. (Feb. 25, 1840-1921). Together, they produced a family of children -- Lillie Tippett, Susan Beeson Dodd, Gussie Dodd, Thomas McKendree Dodd Jr., Jacob Everett Dodd and Gertrude Ione Spencer. Thomas Sr. is believed to have been a pharmacist. The Doddses lived in Yoakum, TX for many years until about 1919 when they relocated to Orange, TX and into the home of one of their sons. The grim reaper of death cleaved Thomas away on March 5, 1921. His obituary was published in the Orange Daily Leader. Irene survived for another seven years. While in the residence of her daughter Lillie, Irene died at the age of 81 on April 12, 1928. The pair sleeps for the ages in Oak Grove Cemetery in Yoakum, TX.
- Granddaughter Lillie Dodd (1871-1957) was born on Nov. 28, 1871 in Lavaca County, TX. She married Mack Tippett. Their home in 1956 was in Orange, TX. Lillie passed away on Jan. 19, 1957.
- Granddaughter Susan Beeson Dodd (1875- ? ) was born in 1875. Nothing more about her is on record.
- Grandson Thomas McKendree Dodd Jr. (1877-1956) was born on Oct. 26, 1877 in Concrete, Lavaca County, TX. He received his education in the Yoakum High School and the Toby Business College in Waco. He first entered into marriage in 1904 with Maude Josephine Bland (1884-1917). The Doddses moved in about 1902 to Orange, TX and spent their balance of 13 years together there. Offspring in this family were John D. Dodd, Olive Peveto, Irene Harral and Mrs. Charles L. Ottinger. Grief blanketed the family when Maude died in 1917. As of 1953, his address was 1109 Main Street and in 1956 at 2407 Pacific Street. The Orange Leader said that Thomas "was a prominent businessman and a former employe of the Orange National Bank and the Orange State Bank and once a cashier at the First National Bank. In 1930 he was elected district clerk of Orange County and served in that capacity until 1952, when he retired due to ill health." His wife then took over the post of district clerk. A newspaper said in 1953 that Thomas was "a man of indomitable will" and was the "oldest in point of service of any public official in Orange county." He held a membership in the Lutcher Memorial Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Madison Lodge of the Masons and the Woodmen of the World. Their address in the mid-1950s was 2407 Pacific Street. Sadly, at the age of 78, Thomas passed away on Feb. 23, 1956. An obituary was published in the Leader. His funeral was held in the family church, with the Orange County Courthouse closing that afternoon so that public officials and staff could attend.
Great-grandson John D. Dodd lived in Orange, TX in 1956.
Great-granddaughter Olive Dodd married Oran Peveto. They settled in Orange, TX.
Great-granddaughter Irene Dodd (1908-1966) was born in 1908 in Orange, TX and attended school in the community. She wed Ned Harral Sr. ( ? - ? ). Their pair of children were Mrs. Stanley McDaniel and Ned Harral Jr. They established a dwelling-place in Houston, TX. After an illness of three weeks' duration, Irene passed away in a hospital in Houston in June 1966. An obituary was published in the Orange (TX) Leader.
Great-granddaughter (?) Dodd was joined in marriage with Charles L. Ottinger Jr. They too put down roots in Houston, TX.
- Granddaughter Gussie Dodd was in San Antonio in 1928.
- Grandson Jacob Everett Dodd Sr. (1880-1952) was born on June 13, 1880 in Concrete, Lavaca County, TX. The identify of his first bride is not known. Offspring in this family were Margaret Elizabeth Black, Jacob Everett Dodd Jr., Harry G. Dodd and Barbara Marie Carlson. Then at the age of 39, he married Pearl Pauline Gatton (1887-1972). Sadly, Jacob Sr. died at age 72, in South Houston, on Nov. 6, 1952. His remains sleep for the ages in South Park Cemetery, Pearland, TX.
Great-granddaughter Margaret Elizabeth Dodd (1913-2002) wed (?) Black.
Great-grandson Jacob Everett Dodd Jr. (1916-2009)
Great-grandson Harry G. Dodd (1918-1964)
Great-granddaughter Barbara Marie Dodd (1926-2008) tied the knot with (?) Carlson.
- Granddaughter Gertrude Ione Dodd was joined in wedlock with T.C. Spencer. They settled in Houston.
~ Son Dr. Robert McNeal Youngkin ~
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Dr. Robert McNeal Youngkin Courtesy Kenneth Collins, Della Shafer, Younkin Family News Bulletin |
On May 10, 1828, in the Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Fairfield County, OH, he and six of his siblings were given the rite of Christian baptism.
He was twice-wed. His first bride was on April 3, 1849 to Elizabeth Crosser (1828-1857).
Two known daughter of the pair were Helen M. McGinnis and Sara Alice Youngkin.
In 1856, they relocated from Lancaster to Mechanicsville, Cedar County, IA.
Grief washed over the Youngkins when Elizabeth died on Nov. 3, 1857. Compounding the family's mourning, their baby daughter Sara Alice died a month later, on Dec. 5, 1857 at age nine months.
His second spouse was Elizabeth Ann Conner (1841-1915), daughter of Edward and Eliza Conner. Their wedding was held on Dec. 11, 1862 in Mechanicsville, IA.
They produced a daughter of their own, Isola Bell.
While residing in Iowa, said a newspaper, Robert "made a public profession of faith in Christ and united with the Presbyterian church."
They moved in 1874 from Mechanicsville to Florence. Their address was on West Fourth Street.
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Dr. Robert McNeal Youngkin Courtesy Kenneth Collins, Della Shafer, Younkin Family News Bulletin |
When the City of Florence held an election for mayor, councilmen and police judge in March 1880, Robert served as one of three judges of the election. He was elcted mayor about that same time.
In August 1899, they endured the death of married daughter Helen McGinnis in Black Hawk, CO. Eulogized the Bulletin, "Her death was a great shock to the entire family, and the father never seemed to regain entirely his wonted health and strength."
He passed away in Florence on April 24, 1904. In an obituary, the Bulletin said that "Although his eath has been momentarily expected for several days, the announcement came as a severe shock to all. Dr. Youngkin was held in high esteem by everyone who knew him and the sorrow for his death is universal. He never knew a sick day in his life until two years ago. Since then he has been in continued ill health." Funeral services were held in the home, led by Rev. C.F. Brause of the Presbyterian church. A vocal quartet provided music, including Florence Miller, May Hancock, Dr. R.A. West and D.F. Hancock.
As a widow, Elizabeth Ann's mental health declined, and by 1909 she was considered "a person of unsound mind."The Probate Court of Marion County assigned her daughter Isola Bell as guardian.
She died at the age of 74 on May 7, 1915, possibly in Atchison, KS. The body was brought to Florence to sleep in the sacred soil of City Cemetery, with Rev. Hamilton leading graveside rites. An obituary was printed in the Bulletin.
Daughter Helen M. Youngkin (1852-1899) was born on Sept. 5, 1852 in Ohio. In April 1875, she married John McGinnis (1848-1928). Their wedding was conducted in Florence, Marion County, KS. Known children in this family were Mollie M. Young, Judson McGinnis, Guy R. McGinnis, Wade Baker McGinnis, John Francis McGinnis and Russell Harding McGinnis. Their residence in 1879 was in Granada, CO and in 1889 was in El Dorado, KS. Later they migrated back to to Colorado, settling in Black Hawk, Gilpin County, where he had obtained employment as an agent with the Colorado and Southern Railroad. In this capacity, he was responsible for shipments large quantities of concentrates and smelting ore. In the month of November 1899 alone, he registered 289 cars to the smelters of Denver, representing 5,317 tons. Some of the material alternately was shipped to smelters at Idaho Springs. He also sold passenger tickets, including 200 at Christmas 1899, all bound for Denver. Sadly, stricken with pneumonia at the age of 46, and with her parents having arrived for a visit a day or two earlier, Helen died in Black Hawk, CO on Aug. 7, 1899. An obituary in The News said that she had "died suddenly this morning from heart failure. Yesterday morning shortly after breakfast she complained of not feeling well, her father, who is a doctor, and other physicians were called in. She died at 7 o'clock this morning." The remains were transported to Kansas, accompanied by the widower and children, for burial in Hillcrest Cemetery in Florence. An obituary was published in the Florence Bulletin. Two of the motherless children were taken in by an aunt, Zola Belle of Fort Scott. The widowed John continued an active and vigorous life of work and business in a career spanning more than three decades of railroading. Circa 1906, he was an agent at Wichita for the Missouri Pacific Lines but then resigned to become self-employed in Denver. Of the move, reported the Wichita Eagle,
In the departure of Mr. McGinnis the company loses one of its best agents. He is a self-made man, having worked to the position of trust he held by starting in at the bottom. In 1873 he made his first visit to Wichita as a brakeman on a Santa Fe train carrying one section of the John Robinson shows. Mr. McGillis has worked in nearly every department of railroading. He was with the construction department of the Santa Fe when the road was built west from Newton and held an important position when the work was completed to Colorado. At Emporia he learned telegraphy and then became an agent. Later he entered the service of the Missouri Pacific as agent at El Dorado, where he remained for nearly twelve years, going from there to Fort Scott. He was given the agency here two years ago, getting the position by being a personal friend of Russell Harding. Mr. McGinnis will enter the brokerage business in Denver, having been engaged in that business there before he came to Wichita as agent for the Missouri Pacific.
Just a year later, he received word that his son Russell had become critically ill and rushed home from Denver only to find that the son had died while he was en route. He returned to Wichita circa 1911, and was secretary of the Wichita Commercial Club and local lodge of the Elks. Then in about 1921, he relocated to Southern California, settling in Los Angeles. He died in the city of the angels at the age of 79 on Jan. 7, 1928. The Eagle carried an obituary, and the remains were shipped back to Florence for interment.
- Granddaughter Mollie M. McGinnis (1875-1950) was born on Nov. 20, 1875 in Sterling, KS. She grew up in Dodge City, KS and in 1880 visited her mother's parents in Florence, prompting the local Herald newspaper to say "She is a bright little girl." Still single in 1904, she lived in Pueblo, CO and traveled to Florence to attend her grandfather Youngkin's funeral. On July 8, 1907, at Fort Scott, KS, she wed V. Herbert Young (Sept. 28, 1877-1944). They bore one known son, John Herbert Young, who died at age two weeks on June , 1912. The Youngs lived in Kansas City, MO in 1928. Herbert died in 1944. Mollie passed away in 1950. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery in Florence.
- Grandson Judson D. McGinnis (1877-1942) was born on Dec. 17, 1877 in Sterling, KS. Circa 1927-1928, he made his home in Paris, France. Death swept him away in 1942. The remains are interred in Hillcrest Cemetery in Florence.
- Grandson Guy R. McGinnis (1879- ? ) was born on Sept. 2, 1879 in Granada, CO.
- Grandson Wade Baker/Blaker McGinnis (1882-1939) was born on Aug. 7, 1882 in Florence, KS. He relocated to Los Angeles. He succumbed to the spectre of death in 1939. The remains were transported back to Kansas to rest in eternity under the sod of Hillcrest Cemetery.
- Grandson John Francis McGinnis Sr. (1884-1967) was born on May 5, 1884 in El Dorado, Butler County, KS. On Aug. 16, 1907, in Los Angeles, CA, he tied the marital cord with Florence J. Snow ( ? - ? ). Their only son was John Francis McGinnis Jr. As of 1927-1928, they remained in Los Angeles. John died in 1967. His remains sleep for eternity in Florence's Hillcrest Cemetery.
Great-grandson John Francis McGinnis Jr. (1908- ? ) was born in June 1908.
- Grandson Russell Harding McGinnis (1893-1907) was born on Aug. 22, 1893 in El Dorado, Butler County, KS. He likely was named for his father's close friend Richard Harding. The boy was age six at the death of his mother, and he and his sister Mollie were taken in by their aunt Zola Belle in Fort Scott. Sadly, he died at age 12 on Feb. 9, 1907, the cause given as "stomach trouble," reported the El Dorado Republican. His father was away in Denver and was headed to Fort Scott in the hope of seeing his son alive. The body was brought back to town for burial next to his mother's remains.
Daughter Isola Youngkin (1864-1955) was born on March 24, 1864 in Mechanicsville, IA. When she was about age 10, she accompanied her parents and sister in a move to Florence, KS. On June 16, 1889, in nuptials held in her parents' home, she wed Allen Hervey Bell (1863-1934), son of John M. and Mary F. (Hervey) Bell. Rev. W.D. Patton presided. In announcing the marriage, the Florence Herald and Walnut Valley (KS) Times of El Dorado said "Well, the fraternity of the 'Brotherhood of Bachelors' has lost one of its most valued members, he having deserted their ranks, and became a Benedit at about noon last Sabbath, however, no one was greatly surprised at this, as many of the friends of the contracting parties were anticipating such a climax for some time... The bridegroom is an honest, industrious and estimable young gentleman, and well worthy of the heart and hand of the fair young lady, while the bride is an amiable, kind and industrious lady, and we here congratulate Mr. Bell in his selection of a life companion." The Bells lived in Fairview, OK before returning to Florence in 1911. Together, they produced a brood of three -- Harry Earl Bell, Ellena Marguerite Collins and Dorothy Youngkin Bell. Isola held a membership in the First Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star, White Shrine and Twentieth Century Club. Her final home was in Wichita, KS, with her daughter Dorothy, at the address of 504 South Elizabeth. She died in Wesley Hospital at the age of 91 on May 25, 1955. She was pictured in her obituary in the Wichita Beacon.
Grandson Harry Earl Bell (1891-1992) was born on March 9, 1891 in Florence, KS. He grew up on a farm located between Blue Rapids and Irving, KS. As a boy he traveled with a grandfather to Cripple Creek, CO to attend the funeral of his aunt Helen McGinnis. Harry joined the local lodge of the Masons and in May 1914 became a master Mason. He is known to have served in World War I, attaining the rank of lieutenant. On May 31, 1917, when he was 26 years of age, he was joined in wedlock with Laura "Lora" Hogg (1897-1990). The pair did not reproduce. Laura was a 1914 graduate of Irving High School. In young manhood, Harry was employed as a county road patrolman along the Blue Rapids to Irving route, said the Marysville (KS) Advocate, "the first to use a four-wheeled unit as a change form the old-fashioned road drag, powered by a four-horse team." They relocated to the District of Columbia in 1941 when he accepted a government position. They remained in the Washington, DC area for 45 years, and in 1986 returned to Kansas to dwell in the Kansas Masonic Home in Wichita. In March 1989, having remained a Mason over the decades, he received a 75-year membership pin. Sadly, Lura passed away in 1990. Circa 1991, researcher Della (Orr) Shaffer interviewed him in the Masonic Home and reported in a letter that "His mind is still sharp as a tack and although he is alittle hard of hearing, he's a delight to talk to. However,... he's one YOUNGKIN descendant who has no interest in family history at all." He died in Wichita at the age of 101 on the Fourth of July 1992. An obituary appeared in the Advocate. Their ashes sleep for all eternity in Arlington National Cemetery (Columbarium 3-Y-15-2).
Harry, 1991 - Arlington National Cemetery
- Granddaughter Ellena "Marguerite" Bell (1893-1967) was born on Feb. 17, 1893. On April 10, 1915, at the age of 22, she wed Earl Leroy Collins (1893-1967), son of Elmer Bensen and Alice Minetta (Greek) Collins. The couple's nuptials were conducted in Wichita. Together they became the parents oftwo sons -- Leroy Elmer Collins and Kenneth Edward Collins. Circa 1955, they made a residence in Florence, KS and in 1967 at 504 South Elizabeth in Wichita. They held a membership in Trinity Methodist Church. Tragically, on Aug. 23, 1967, Marguerite and Earl were killed in two-vehicle accident when he failed to yield the right-of-way at the intersection of U.S. Route 60 and Missouri Route 86 in Neosho, MO. News of the tragedy was printed in the Wichita Eagle and Salina (KS) Journal.
Great-grandson Leroy Elmer Allen Collins (1917-1981) was born on July 6, 1917 in Topeka, KS. On June 1, 1941, in Burbank, CA, he entered into marriage with Virginia Fay Lindsay ( ? - ? ). They appear to have spent their married lives in Burbank. Their par of daughters were Carole Royann Collins and Christine Louise Cross. Sadly, Leroy died in the city on Sept. 19, 1981. Burial was in Hollywood Hills, CA. Virginia survived as a widow for another nine years. She was spirited away by the angel of death in 1990.
Kenneth and Virginia (Madsen) Collins - courtesy Della (Orr) Shafer Great-grandson Kenneth Edward Collins (1920- ? ) was born on June 10, 1920 in Topeka, KS. He was married twice. His first bride was Gwen Ellen Abbott (1917- ? ). The wedding was held in Garden City, KS. Their two children were Janice Kay Smith and Duane Edward Collins. Their marriage dissolved in divorce on Dec. 14, 1956. Kenneth's second spouse, with whom he exchanged marital vows on Oct. 26, 1957, was Virginia (Madsen) Roth (Oct. 5, 1921- ? ), daughter of Oscar and Jane (Hayes) Madsen. Kenneth and Virginia compiled a family history research trove about Abraham Younkin and his son Robert McNeal Youngkin.
- Granddaughter Dorothy Youngkin Bell (1896-1972) was born on Nov. 9, 1896. She never married. Dorothy shared a home with her mother in Wichita in the mid-1950s. Her last residence was in an apartment at 1633 May in Wichita. She succumbed to the spectre of death at age 75 on May 22, 1972. Interment of the remains was in Florence, KS. Her obituary was published in the Wichita Beacon.
~ Son Hall [Harold?] Younkin ~
Son Hall [Harold?] Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born on (?).
On May 10, 1828, in the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Fairfield County, OH, he and six of his siblings were given the rite of Christian baptism.
Nothing more about his life is known.
~ Son Henry Clay Younkin ~
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Henry Clay and Elizabeth (Shafer) Youngkin Courtesy Della Shafer |
He reputedly grew up learning the tailor trade from his father in Findlay, OH.
When he was a little more than a year old, on May 10, 1828, in the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, Fairfield County, OH, he received the rite of Christian baptism along with six of his siblings.
Henry entered into marriage on April 12, 1849 with Elizabeth Shafer (Feb. 18, 1827-1910), daughter of Jon and Mary "Polly" (Putman) Shafer. Justice of the peace John Kelly officiated the ceremony in Hancock County. The two are said to have met when she fell through thin ice and he presumably came to her aid.
They became the parents of two -- Dr. John Abraham "J.A." Youngkin and Josiah Shafer Youngkin.
When Elizabeth's father died in the early 1850s, the couple were appointed administrators of the estate.
After a decade of marriage, the Youngkins migrated to Texas, arriving in old Indianola, TX on Dec. 3, 1859. They first lived in the small village of Hope, where Henry taught school, and their son John became a trail driver.
Later, they moved to the town of Yoakum, Lavaca County. There, on Jan. 25, 1863, at the age of 36, he enlisted in the ranks of a Confederate unit, the 24th Regiment of Texas State Troops (or "Troopers"), Company C. His commanding officer was Capt. J.F. Spears. In an interesting twist, his muster roll index card spells his surname "Youngking."
The 24th Regiment was not a formal part of the Confederate Army. Rather, it was commanded by officers paid by the State of Texas until the end of 1863 when the men were mustered into the CSA Army organization. Other members of Henry's Company C are known to have been John Himes Livergood, who served in 1863 for a term of six months, and Nathaniel Boone "Nathan" Burkett and Joseph Wylie Magee.
On Oct. 1, 1870, five years after the war's end, he was appointed to the rank of colonel in the Texas Militia by Gov. Edmund J. Davis.
Henry was a Republican in his politics. Circa 1870, at the death of A.K. Foster, "a severe blow to the ranks," says the 1967 book On the Headwaters of the Lavaca and the Navidad, Henry emerged as a leader to help fill the void. On the Headwaters says that he "was a native of Ohio, a stockraiser who lived at Antioch in the southwest portion of the county." He duly was elected as one of three representatives of the 25th District of Texas. Later that year, he is known to have voted "yea" to an amendment to an educational bill, that "nothing contained in this section shall be construed as requiring or authorizing the mixture of the races in any public free school of this State; but separate equal and uniform in every respect, shall be established for the races respectively."
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| Above: the Youngkins' marriage license, 1849. Below: receipt signed by Elizabeth and Henry in the 1850s. Courtesy Della (Orr) Shafer |
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In 1872, says On the Headwaters, "politics leveled off, though the Republicans, statewise and nationally, controlled the reins of government. H.C. Youngkin, the Republicans' voice in the county, August, 1872, in his report, summed it up well: 'No News. Politics runs smoothly'."
Then in 1884 he is believed to have been appointed postmaster for the town of Antioch, TX. Family lore says that he also taught school or college in Concrete, TX.
Elizabeth reputedly had her own rural mail route to manage. She is said to have become crippled when a team of horses became frightened by an umbrella she was holding, they bolted and "rammed the umbrella into her hip," reports family researcher Della (Orr) Shaffer.
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| Henry's commission as colonel of the Texas Militia, 1870, signed by Gov. Edmund J. Davis and Secretary of State James P. Newcomb - courtesy Della (Orr) Shafer |
Their final years were spent in Hallettsville, TX. There, at the home of their son John, they marked their golden wedding anniversary in 1899. At that time, said the Victoria Advocate, the pair "have lived more than the allotted three score years and ten and are hale and hearty."
Henry passed away on Oct. 20, 1909, in Yoakum, at the age of 82.
Elizabeth only outlived her spouse by a few months. She was spirited away into the heavenly host on Jan. 9, 1910 in Yoakum. She and Henry rest for all time in Oak Grove Cemetery, Yoakum.
Many years later, their grand-nephew on the Shafer side, Melvin D. and Della (Orr) Shafer of Haysville, KS, shared their genealogical research and a biography of Abraham Younkin for publication in the Younkin Family News Bulletin, a newsletter edited by the late Donna (Younkin) Logan. Della Shafer carried on an extensive correspondence with Donna Logan and Kenneth Collins in the early 1990s, papers that are preserved today in the Minerd.com Archives. The two women met on a visit to Maryland in 1990. Della also authored an article about the Youngkins in the Hancock Heritage Newsletter published in Findlay, OH, date unknown, republished in the Putnam Pastfinder of Ottawa, OH, issue of February 1992.
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| Dr. John Abraham Youngkin Sr. seated, center, and sons, back, L-R: Clay, Josiah II, Frank and Albert. Front, L-R: John Abraham "Ponnie" and Robert Henry "Jim. - Courtesy Younkin Family News Bulletin, July-Sept. 1991 |
Son Dr. John Abraham "J.A." Youngkin Sr. (1850-1928) was born in 1850. At the age of nine, in 1859, he migrated to Texas with his parents and first arrived at old Indianola. At the age of 19, in about 1869, he "went up the old trail" as a trail driver and later joined the Old Trail Drivers Association. He completed his education in the local country school and then obtained a medical degree in 1876 from Tulane University. On Oct. 1, 1874, John was joined in wedlock with Pauline Dorothy Arnim (1859-1952). Their nuptials were held in Hallettsville, TX, and their union endured for a remarkable 54 years. They produced a brood of 10 offspring -- Francis Marion Youngkin, Josiah Shafer "Si" Youngkin, Elizabeth Louise Bryan, John Abraham "Ponnie" Youngkin Jr., Ida May Youngkin, Robert Henry "Jim" Youngkin, Pearl Marguerite Howerton, Birdie Grace Majors, Albert Arnim Youngkin and Clay Youngkin. He first practiced medicine in Antioch, TX before moving to Sweet Home after the railroad was built. John and his brother Josiah became partners in the 1880s of "Youngkin Bros." located in Sweet Home. Their firm sold drugs, medicines, chemicals, paints, oils and varnishes in addition to brushes, stationery and toilet articles. From there he moved to Yoakum, TX, and was considered a pioneer of that community, one of the first settlers. He helped to found the Yoakum National Bank as a stockholder and circa 1898 also owned cattle.His name was in the news in Corpus Christi in 1904 when summoned to treat the dying Mrs. Lerick, who had been horifically burned by an exploding can of kerosene in her home. By 1906, he was living in Austin, and told an American-Statesman reporter about the old days in town, "when Austin was a mere village. [He] remembered the time when the people had to cross the Colorado river over a pontoon bridge, way back in 1868. He said that Austin was comparatively in its infancy then and far from the beautiful city that she is today. When asked what county he was from, the doctor said he did not know exactly, as his office is situated in DeWitt county and his residence is in Lavaca county, consequently he has never been satisfied whether he is a resident of Lavaca county or one of DeWitt. The town of Yoakum is built on the county line separating DeWitt and Lavaca..." John died in Yoakum on July 16, 1928.
- Grandson Francis Marion "Frank" Youngkin (1875-1946) was born on Feb. 17, 1875 in Hallettsville, Lavaca County, TX. In June 1900, he married Irene Crozier (1877-1959). Two children of this coupling were Crozier Marion Youngkin and Irene Longacre. They lived in Big Wells, TX in 1928 and in Cotulla, LaSalle County, TX in 1934-1946, with him earning a living as a service station operator. He was felled by a heart attack and died in Cotulla at the age of 68 on Sept. 26, 1946. His remains were placed into eternal repose in Brenham, TX.
Great-grandson Crozier Marion Youngkin (1901-1973) was born in 1901. On Jan. 19, 1920, he tied the marital cord with Kathryn Burwell ( ? - ? ). Two children in this family were Crozier Harris Youngkin and Sarah Kathryn Pretter. Crozier died in San Antonio, TX on Sept. 7, 1973.
Great-granddaughter Irene Youngkin (1903- ? ) was born in 1903. In 1925, she wed Elbert Willard Longacre ( ? - ? ).
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Grandson Josiah Shafer "Si" Youngkin II (1877-1960) was born on Jan. 26, 1877 in Lavaca County, TX and named for his uncle. In childhood, circa 1885, he and his family relocated to Yoakum. When he was 41 years of age, on March 12, 1918, Josiah was united in matrimony with Minnie Mae Sample (Dec. 21, 1887-1975), a native of Burlington, TX. Their trio of children included Pershing Ison Youngkin, John Henry Youngkin and Pauline Pearl Pantuso. Josiah's place of residence in 1928 was at Wichita Falls. In time he moved back to Yoakum and worked in an automobile/bicycle repair shop. They lived at 815 Edgar Street. Sadly, Josiah died in Huth Memorial Hospital at the age of 83 on Feb. 13, 1960. Rev. W. George McWilliams presided over the funeral rites, with interment following in Oak Grove Cemetery. The Victoria Advocate printed an obituary, which said that he had been a Yoakum resident for 75 years. Minnie outlived him by 15 years. Death spirited her away in Yoakum on Feb. 5, 1975. Rev. W.W. Connally presided over the rites, with an obituary appearing in the Advocate. Josiah II was pictured and his family spelled out in the Younkin Family News Bulletin edition of April, 1991, authored by Della (Orr) Shafer.
- Granddaughter Elizabeth Louise Youngkin (1877-1926) was born on July 7, 1877 in Antioch, Lavaca County, TX. She married W.E. "Claude" Bryan ( ? - ? ). One known daughter was Claudia Bryan. Sadly, Elizabeth died in Yuma, AZ on July 17, 1926. Her body was shipped back to Texas for burial in Yoakum. The widowed Claude lived in Independence, KS in 1928 and in Tampa, FL as of 1960.
Great-granddaughter Claudia Bryan ( ? - ? )
Grandson John Abraham "Ponnie" Youngkin Jr. (1880-1975) was born on Feb. 5, 1880 at Antioch, Lavaca County, TX. He was a longtime cattleman. Circa 1925, he was making a dwelling-place in Moravia, CA. He married Cora Bailey ( ? - ? ). There were three children in this family -- John Edward Youngkin, Marion Frank Younkin and Dorothy Pearl Younkin. The pair eventually divorced. By 1960, he returned to Texas and lived in Yoakum at the address of 200 Hubbard Street. After that, he is said to have never spoken with relatives about his family or children. As his health failed, he was admitted to reside in the Cuero Nursing Home in DeWitt County. He was swept away by the angels at the age of 95 on Aug. 17, 1975. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery.
Article about Josiah II -
Younkin Family News BulletinGreat-grandson John Edward Youngkin (1910- ? ) was born on Aug. 29, 1910 in Yoakum, TX.
Great-grandson Marion Frank Youngkin ( ? - ? ) may have changed his name to Francis Gifford. He was the father of Carol Youngkin-Pruitt.
Great-granddaughter Dorothy Pearl Youngkin ( ? - ? )
- Granddaughter Ida May Youngkin (1882-1972) was born on Feb. 21, 1882 in Antioch, Lavaca County, TX. On Nov. 20, 1910, in DeWitt Couunty, TX, she is said to have married William E. Bryan ( ? - ? ). She surrendered to the spectre of death at age 90 on July 14, 1972.
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| Clockwise from back left: Pershing Youngkin, Melvin Shafer, Rebecca Youngkin, Betty Youngkin, Pauline Youngkin, Saralynn Bigelow Pratt, San Marcos, TX, 1991 - courtesy Della (Orr) Shafer |
Great-grandson Pershing Ison Youngkin (1920- ? ) was born on Jan. 18, 1920 in Yoakum, Lavaca County, TX. He may well have been named for famed U.S. Army General John J. Pershing, hero of World War I. On May 28, 1948, Pershing tied the marital knot with Elizabeth Jane "Betty" Morrissey (Dec. 24, 1923- ? ). Five children produced by this marriage were Jeffrey Thomas Youngkin, Paula Elizabeth Callahan, Richard Shafer Youngkin, Robert Clay Youngkin and Saralyn Youngkin. They were in Houston in 1960 and in Littleton, CO in 1975.
Great-grandson John Henry Youngkin (1921-1988) was born on June 19, 1921 in Yoakum, Lavaca County, TX. He remained in the town of his birth and never married. Death spirited him away on Yoakum at the age of 67 on Nov. 30, 1988.
Great-granddaughter Pauline Pearl Youngkin (1923-2009) was born on Sept. 29, 1923 in Yoakum, a twin with an unnamed sibling who sadly died at birth. On July 1, 1955, she wed Sammie Pantuso (Oct. 18, 1925- ? ), son of Joseph and Mary (Colose) Pantuso. Their nuptials were held in Sequin, TX. They dwelled in San Antonio in 1960-1975 and bore a son, Dino Christopher Pantuso. The marriage ended in divorce, and Pauline took back her maiden name. She lived in San Antonio in the early 1990s but She died on Oct. 27, 2009 with an obituary appearing in the Victoria Advocate.
- Grandson Robert Henry "Jim" Youngkin (1883-1982) was born on April 4, 1883 or 1884. In boyhood at age seven he rang the bell of his parents' Church of the Holy Communion on East Hugh Street. as well as cleaning the building and pumping the organ as the organist played. As there were two services each Sabbath he sometimes fell asleep in between and had to be awakened with a prod in the ribs. Jim exchanged marital vows with Blanche Senftenbert ( ? - ? ). They put down roots in Beeville, TX where he earned a living as a cotton buyer. Jim provided content for a story by R.G. Winchester in the DeWitt-Lavaca Tales, saying his father had built cattle feeding pens on the east side of the railroad, running from Brushy Creek to the local oil mill. In some years, he said, they kept 6,000 to 7,000 steers in their pens. The cattle were fed cottonseed hulls and cotton seed meal, purchased in their entirety from the Yoakum Cotton Oil Mill. His final time was spent in the Yoakum Memorial Nursing Home. Burdened with a thickening or hardening of the arteries added to congestive heart failure, the spirit of death cleaved him away at the age of 99 on Dec. 19, 1982. The remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Oak Grove Cemetery in Yoakum.
- Granddaughter Pearl Marguerite Youngkin (1885-1982) was born on July 2, 1885 in Antioch, Lavaca County, TX. She entered into marriage in May 1904 with Phillip W. Howerton (Dec. 2, 1879-1953). The only son they bore together was Bert Paul Howerton. Their home in 1928 was in Corpus Christi. Sadly, Philip died in Corpus Christi on Jan. 9, 1953. The widowed Pearl remained in Corpus Christi for years. She passed away in Yoakum, TX on Jan. 5, 1982.
Great-grandson Bert Paul Howerton (1906- ? ) was born on Christmas Eve 1906 in Yoakum, Lavaca County, TX.
- Granddaughter Birdie Grace Youngkin (1886-1940) was born on Dec. 18, 1886 in Lavaca County, TX. On Oct. 19, 1909, in DeWitt County, TX, she tied the marital knot with Ealy G. Majors ( ? - ? ) and may have dwelled at one time in Three Rivers, TX. She became widowed sometime prior to 1940. Her address in 1940 was 200 Hubbard Street in Yoakum. She suffered from uremia and acute inflammation of the gallbladder ("cholecystitis") and died from their effects at the age of 54 on June 19, 1940. Burial was Yoakum's Oak Grove Cemetery.
- Grandson Albert Arnim Youngkin (1888-1950) was born on Aug. 22, 1888 in Sweet Home, Lavaca County, TX. His dwelling-place was in Wichita Falls in 1928. Death enveloped him on Dec. 16, 1950. He sleeps for all time in Oak Grove Cemetery.
- Grandson Clay Youngkin (1890-1961) was born on Oct. 11, 1890 or 1891 in Sweet Home, Lavaca County, TX. Clay had no middle name. His homeplace in 1960 was in an apartment at 3106 Darnell in Yoakum. He was stricken by a heart attack and passed away in Harris Hospital in Forth Worth at the age of 69 on Aug. 1, 1961. His remains sleep for the ages in Yoakum Cemetery.
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| Patent issued to the Youngkin brothers, 1890 - Courtesy Google Books |
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Dr. Josiah "Si" Youngkin Courtesy Kenneth Collins, Della Orr Shaffer |
Son Dr. Josiah Shafer "Si" Youngkin (1855-1925) was born on June 21, 1855 in Gilboah, Putnam County, OH or in Upper Sandusky, Wyandot County, OH. (Sources for his birthplace differ.) Josiah migrated to Texas in 1859 when he was about four years of age. He eventually was joined in the holy bond of wedlock with Rebecca G. Cox (1865-1895), daughter of Nathaniel Harmon and Penelope Leah "Lea" (Bennett) Cox.
They became the parents of two -- Lina Elizabeth Chambers and John Henry Clay Youngkin. As with his brother, Josiah became a physician and in 1883 obtained a degree at the Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. He first practiced in Hope, TX before moving to Sweet Home after the railroad was built, and thence to Yoakum, TX.
Specializing in part as a veterinarian, he and his brother received a U.S. patent on April 22, 1890 for what they called "new and useful Improvements in Compounds for Exterminating Screw-Worms." The compound they invented was a combination of chloroform, alcohol, tincture asaftida and carbolic acid, designed to destroy worms in an animal's wound while doubling as an anti-septic. In 1894, in Yoakum, he was employed as a surgeon by the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway. That year, in September, he and another railroad surgeon were called upon to conduct an amputation to the right foot of Rev. Lewis Fitzgerald, who had fallen off a passenger train at Hallettsville. Then in November 1897, he amputated the right leg below the knee of Will Schneider, who had accidentally shot himself with a six-shooter he was carrying in his pocket while at a dance. Josiah was in the news again in June 1902 when operating on the right foot of Walter Rees, son of a former sheriff, who had been wounded when his gun accidentally fired.
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Josiah in later years Courtesy Kenneth Collins, Della Orr Shaffer |
- Granddaughter Lina Elizabeth Youngkin (1886-1968) was born on Jan. 31, 1886 in Hope, Lavaca County, TX. On June 2, 1908, she first wed Walter Chambers ( ? - ? ). They lived in Amada, AZ in 1925 and bore a trio of children, John Walter Chambers, Dorothy Lina Williams and Mildred Martha "Joan" Beeler. Later, she tied the knot with William J. McConnaughay ( ? - ? ). Her address in 1968 was in Phoenix at 3015 West Holly. She died in late Dec. 1968, with an obituary published in the Arizona Republic. Her death date also has been stated in one record as Aug. 1, 1961.
Great-grandson John Walter Chambers (1909- ? ) was born in 1909. He tied the knot with Glennis.
Great-granddaughter Dorothy Lina Chambers (1912- ? ) was born in 1912. She married Donald Williams.
Great-granddaughter Mildred Martha "Joan" Chambers (1913- ? ) was born on Oct. 8, 1915. She was joined in wedlock with George Beeler.
- Grandson John Henry Clay Youngkin (1887-1979) was born on Oct. 11, 1887 in Sweet Home, Lavaca County, TX. On June 10, 1914, he was united in holy matrimony with Violet Mildred Anderson ( ? - ? ). The nuptials were led by Rev. A.E. Boyd at Highland Park Baptist Church in El Paso. In announcing the marriage, the El Paso Herald said that the "bride was gowned in a white silk, covered with white embroidered net. The dress was made with a graceful length train, and she wore a long tulle veil, which was held in place about her head with sprays of orange blossoms. She carried a shower boquet of bride's roses, the shower effect being formed of sprays of white sweet peas, white lilies of the valley and ferns and trailing satin ribbons." Two offspring born to the pair were Rebecca Grace Card and Harry Lea Youngkin. The family relocated to Colorado and were there in 1925. He dwelled in Denver in 1968. John passed away on Sept. 21, 1979.
Great-granddaughter Rebecca Grace Youngkin (1915- ? ) was born on Dec. 13, 1915 in El Paso, TX. She was united in matrimony with David Charles Card Sr. (May 10, 1915- ? ), a native of Denver, CO. Two sons of their union were David Charles Card Jr. and Michael Roland Card.
Great-grandson Harry Lea Youngkin (1919- ? ) was born on Nov. 22, 1919 in El Paso, TX. He exchanged marital vows on Leap Day 1944 with Ruth Louise McCandlish ( ? - ? ), daughter of Edward Everett Hale and Mildred Adelaide (Proxmire) McCandlish. Together, they produced a brood of three -- John Everett Youngkin, Tyler Proxmire Youngkin and Saralee Deacon.
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| Sisters Rebecca Youngkin and Saralynn Bigelow Pratt, March 1991 - Della (Orr) Shafer |
- Granddaughter Saralyn Youngkin (1899-2000) was in Yoakum, TX in 1925. She was twice-wed. She first tied the knot on Aug. 15, 1925 with Ray Trumbull Bigelow ( ? - ? ). Their only daughter was Lina Jane Nance. In 1968, Saralyn's residence was in San Marcos, TX. Later, on Oct. 15, 1969, she entered into marriage with Ruger Truett Pratt ( ? - ? ). She lived in Houston in the 1990s, and in March 1991 she entertained a visit from Youngkin researcher Della (Orr) Shafer. She told Della that her grandfather Josiah was the "good son" and his brother John the "bad son.". Saralyn died in San Marcos at the age of 101 on June 9, 2000. Funeral services were held in the local First Baptist Church, with a brief death notice appearing in the Austin American-Statesman.
Great-granddaughter Lina Jane Bigelow (1927- ? ) was born on Sept. 25, 1927. She married James W. Nance ( ? - ? ). Five children were born to this couple -- Rebecca Jolley, Cynthia Nance, James Wesley Nance, Carlton Ray Nance and Jennifer Nance.
- Granddaughter Rebecca Lee Youngkin (1903-2003) was born on July 12, 1903 in Texas. She appears not to have married but devoted her life to teaching school. Rebecca made her residence in the mid-1920s in Yoakum, TX. In 1925, she and friend Frances Ross spent the summer in Calgary, Canada. By 1944, she had moved to Houston, and may have stayed for good, with an address in 1944 of 218 Hawthorne. She was named in a Victoria Advocate article in October 1999 in connection with the designation of the Bennett Cemetery near Sweet Home as the first "Official Historic Texas Cemetery" in Lavaca County, as the "resting place of old traildrivers, pioneer Texans and soldiers of many wars."
- Granddaughter Mary Alice Youngkin (1905-1998) was born on Dec. 6, 1905 in Yoakum, TX. On May 10, 1925, she married Henry Egbert Buchanan ( ? - ? ), son of E.J. Buchanan. The couple did not reproduce. Henry received his education at Cuero, Yoakum and then at Texas A&M College. He was employed by the Texas and New Orleans Railroad Company. He then joined Humble Oil and Refining Company as a bulk agent and on Nov. 1, 1934 was transferred to Victoria, TX as district agent. On their arrival in Victoria, they rented an apartment from Janie S. Fly but were making plans to move into the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Cyril Hopkins. Fate intervened when the Buchanans were badly injured in an automobile accident in DeWitt County in November 1934 when their vehicle "plunged into a broken bridge across a three-foot-deep raving near Fordtran," said the Victoria Advocate. They were admitted to Huth Memorial Hospital in Yoakum. The Advocate reported that Henry "received an ugly gash on the forehead and body bruises. Mrs. Buchanan's nose and jaw were broken. She also suffered a compound fracture of the right thigh and numerous cuts and bruises about the face and body as well as internal injuries." Mary Alice slowly recovered and in mid-December was released to be moved into her mother's residence on Hubbard Street. Henry joined the Masons lodge in Victoria, and they belonged to the First Baptist Church. He was transferred to Humble's finance department in Houston in 1944. Mary Alice spent her working career as an interior designer in the Houston area. They transferred their membership to South Main Baptist Church, with her teaching Sunday School. Their final home together was in Houston. Sadly, Henry died at the age of 52 on June 10, 1956. At the age of 91, Mary died on Jan. 22, 1998. Burial was at Yoakum City Cemetery, with Rev. M. Eugene Vickrey providing the final rites. An obituary appeared in the Advocate.
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| Devoted Youngkin/Shafer genealogists Melvin and Della (Orr) Shafer |
~ Son Dr. Jerome Wilson "J.W." Youngkin ~
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Harman Cemetery - courtesy the late Merlin Eugene Steffe |
In infancy, he underwent the rite of Christian baptism in the First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster.
He stood 5 feet, 6 inches tall in manhood, and weighed 210 lbs., with a fair complexion, fark hair and grey eyes.
Jerome's first marriage, on May 29, 1856, was with Mary Ann Hall (July 16, 1838-1859). They exchanged their marriage vows in Gilboa, Putnam County, OH.
The two daughters they bore together were May Darling and Celia Conn.
Sadly, at the age of just 21 years, five months and six days, Mary Ann contracted typhoid fever and died in Gilboa, OH on Sept. 22, 1859. The remains were lowered under the sod of the local Harman Cemetery. Alen C. Hall and D.R. Oren both attended the funeral.
The widowed Jerome earned a living during those years as a clerk. On April 26, 1861, just two weeks after the outbreak of the Civil War, he joined the Union Army. He enlisted at Camp Taylor in or near Ottawa, Putnam County, OH. He was placed in the 21st Ohio Infantry, Company D and rose to become sergeant of the company. He received his honorable discharge three-and-a-half months later, in Columbus, OH, on Aug. 12, 1861.
Circa 1876, Jerome established a medical practice in about 1876 in Wolcottville, IN, a town straddling parts of LaGrange County and Noble County. He stayed in this profession for 31 remaining years of his life. He held memberships in the Indiana State and LaGrange County Medical Societies.
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| Harman Cemetery - courtesy the late Merlin Eugene Steffe |
Jerome was involved in a public controversy in July 1892 over the parole of killer Jack Dyer of Rome City, IN, who had murdered his wife. The Indianapolis News reported in a story datelined Wolcottville that "Governor Chase explains that he was influenced by a petition signed by numerous citizens, including eleven of the jurymen who passed sentence upon Dyer. Ther was also an affidavit by Doctor Younkins, of this place, in which he made it appear probable that Dyer's wife committed suicide. The Doctor is being censured, since has known these facts during all the thirteen years that Dyer has been in prison, and also because his affidavit was not made until after the death of the physician who was present at Mrs. Dyer's death."
As compensation for his wartime service, Jerome received a military pension in 1904. [Invalid App. #1.323.651 - Cert. #1.100.827] As of January 1905, he received a monthly check in the amount of $12.
Jerome surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 74 on Sept. 20, 1907, in Wolcottville. The Steuben (IN) Republican said he "was found dead on his porch..." Examining physician Dr. Christopher M. Reyher was called and found the old soldier "sitting in his chair with head thrown back." A ruling was made that the "probable cause of death was heart failure [and] old age." In signing the official Indiana certificate of death, Eliza was not able to provide the names of her husband's parents, other than the mother's maiden name of "Montgomery." The family name is spelled "Youngkin" on the grave marker in Woodland Cemetery in Wolcottville.
A brief notice of his death was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The widowed Eliza then filed to receive her late husband's pension, and it was awarded as of Oct. 18, 1907. [Widow App. #878.193 - Cert. #637419] To support her claim, friends Joel D. Raber and Cyrus S. Raber signed affidavits of testimony. She generally spelled the family name "Younkin," without the "g."
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Eliza's letter circa 1917 National Archives |
Remaining in Wolcottville, Eliza endured chronic ashthma. She was felled by a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 70 and died on March 31, 1923.
Daughter May Youngkin (1857-1952) was born in Dec. 1857. On Feb. 28, 1878, at the age of 21, she wed Jonathan Joseph "J.J." Darling (June 10, 1850-1922), son of Joseph and Sophia (Groff) Darling. Among their known offspring were Clinnie Ross, Etta Peckinpaugh, Jessie Laub, Leo Darling and Lena Longnecker. Sadness blanketed the family when their only son Leo died at age three in 1893. The Darlings were farmers and in retirement dwelled in Findlay at 865 Washington Avenue. Having been diagnosed with cancer of the bowels and stomach, Jonathan suffered for six months before passing away at age 72 on Dec. 26, 1922. May stayed put in their residence for the remaining three decades of her life. She developed kidney disease and hardening of the arteries. After being stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage, she was gathered in by the heavenly host on Feb. 24, 1952. They sleep for the ages in Harman Cemetery.
- Granddaughter Clinnie Darling (1879-1953) was born on Feb. 27, 1879 in Putnam County, OH. She married William Ross ( ? - ? ). They made a home in Gilboa, OH in the early 1900s. Their only daughter was Vera R. Dyer. Tragically, William died on May 13, 1903, when their baby daughter was just a year old. Clinnie outlived him by half a century. She passed away in Findlay, OH at the age of 74 on the Fourth of July 1953. Interment was in Harman Cemetery in Gilboa.
- Granddaughter Etta Darling (1881-1965) was born five days before Christmas 1881 in Gilboa, Putnam County, OH. In 1904, at age 23, she wed Edward Lee Peckinpaugh (1880-1957). Together they produced a family of three -- Edward Jerome Peckinpaugh, Vilroe Mae McGuigan and Gerald Lee "Bob" Peckinpaugh. Edward originally was a farmer but also operated a pharmacy in Leipsic, OH in White's Drug Store. They relocated in 1926 to Dearborn, MI and eventually to Farmington, MI, with him continuing to be engaged in the pharmacy business.
- Granddaughter Jessie Darling (1884-1960) was born on Jan. 30, 1884 in Riley Township, Putnam County, OH. She tied the marital cord in 1907 with Harry Clyde Laub (1879-1963). Three known offspring were Harold Dwight Laub, Raymond LaVerne Laub and Treva A. Barton.
- Granddaughter Lena Darling (1893-1973) was born on Oct. 4, 1893 in Putnam County, OH. She entered into marriage with Don Deem Longnecker (1892-1990). Their union held firm over 55 years together until cleaved apart by death. They were the parents of Doris L. Chandler. Sadly, Lena passed away at the age of 79 on May 15, 1973. Burial took place in Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton, Preble County, OH. Don survived her by 17 years and wed a second time to Theresa Gordon Folger ( ? -1985). Death swept him away on April 24, 1990 at the age of 98.
Daughter Celia Youngkin (1859-1952) was born on Jan. 15 or in April 1859 in Gilboa, OH. She married William "Wilson" Conn (Jan. 17, 1857-1931), the son of John and Eleanor (Patrick) Conn, also of Gilboa. For 50 years, the Conns made their dwelling-place in Findlay, OH. He earned a living as an elevator operator for the Patterson Dry Goods store. Their postal address was 500 Washington Street. The family was plunged into mourning when, afflicted with heart valve problems, Wilson died in Findlay on Oct. 3, 1931. Albert J. Conn of Findlay signed the official Ohio certificate of death. Celia survived for another 21 years. She endured hardening of the arteries and heart disease and was admitted to reside in Sunset Rest Home. She died on May 16, 1952. Burial was in Harman Cemetery.
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Copyright © 2019, 2023-2025 Mark A. Miner |
Research for this page graciously shared by the late Donna (Younkin) Logan and Della (Orr) Shafer. |