Biography - David M. Yost

DAVID M. YOST, a well-known citizen residing on section 21, Ridge Township, Shelby County, is a son of George Yost, who was born in Cumberland County, Pa., and Catherine Harbaugh, a native of York County, Pa. The lady survives her husband, who died in Nauvoo, Ill. They have a family of six children, of whom our subject was the fourth, being born in Cumberland County, Pa., December 8, 1840, and being orphaned by the death of his father when about six years old. After the death of his father the mother removed to Franklin County, Ohio, where the boy passed his youth and early manhood with the exception of three years spent in the army, remaining there until he came to Shelby County, Ill.

David M. Yost enlisted in August. 1862, in Company B, One Hundred and Thirteenth Ohio Infantry and served for about three years. He was married in Franklin County, Ohio, September 9, 1866. to Miss Mary Motts, who was born in Pennsylvania December 17, 1842. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. The father, Daniel, and the mother, Harriet (Warner) Motts, are both deceased. About four years after marriage he came and made his home in Ridge Township, Shelby County, upon rented land. Here he lived for five years and then bought eighty acres, which he afterward disposed of, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres, on section 21, where he has since been a resident.

Eleven interesting children clustered about the hearthstone of Mr. and Mrs. Yost. Their first-born, Ollie, died when only three years old and the survivors are named: Harriet L., Charlotta M., Charles S., Rhoda I., Mary A., E. Amanda, David O., John W., Chauncy M. and Eunice M. Agricultural pursuits have absorbed the attention and strength of our subject to a great degree, still he has found some time for serving his neighborhood and for three years he has been Highway Commissioner and School Director. He has taken an active part in local political movements and is considered a leader in the Republican ranks. He is deeply interested in every movement looking toward the social and industrial advance of the agricultural community and is identified with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association. He is Secretary of the Reformed Church, with which both he and his worthy wife are identified.

Extracted 26 May 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 521-522.

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