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.
