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Highland Cemetery - courtesy Connie Langvardt

Jeremiah "Jerry" Younkin was born on March 8, 1828 (or March 4, 1829) in Turkeyfoot Township, Somerset County, PA, the son of Henry F. and Mary (King) Younkin. 

In 1854, when he was age 15, Jeremiah became aware of the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which opened new western territories for settlement. Two years later, he migrated to Illinois in 1856, when he was age 17 years, and in April of that year, along with his brothers Moses and William, and John T. King, settled in Kansas on Timber Creek in Grant Township, Clay County -- cited by the Kansas Historical Society as "the first white men to settle within the present limits of Clay county." 

On Dec. 23/25, 1860 (or 1862), at the age of 31, Jeremiah married 20-year-old Elizabeth Branscom (1840-1918), daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Gregg) Branscom. They were wed in Riley, Riley County, KS, with the nuptials mentioned in Janice Schneck's book Kansas Kin. 

Elizabeth was a native of Illinois who had come to Iowa in childhood, settling in Jackson County, and then moved in 1858 into Kansas.

The couple went on to produce a family of eight known children -- Marietta "Mary" Reed, Sylvia Ellen Sanders, Daniel George Younkin, Celinda J. Young Wilson, James Edward Younkin, Earl Younkin and Loretta Younkin. Sadly, they lost an unnamed infant son at age 16 days on Jan. 20, 1863, with interment of the tender remains in Milford Cemetery.

Putting down permanent roots in Kansas was difficult, not only because of the back-aching work to break the sod and cultivate the soil, but also in the thicket of legal/administrative issues. Under the terms of the Homestead Act, Jeremiah selected a particular 160-acre tract in Clay County on July 25, 1862, near the main line of the Union Pacific Railroad, purchased at a price of $2.50 per acre. Then, six days later, the Commissioner of the General Land Office canceled the offer, perhaps at the request of the railroad, stating in legalize that "pre-emptors filing on land after the date of the approval of the Homestead Act could not transmute their pre-exemption to a homestead." Citizens were outraged and many wrote letters to the editors of local newspapers such as the Junction City Weekly Union. How this issue was resolved is a mystery for now.

During the Civil War Confederate forces under Maj. Gen. Sterling Price threatened to mount a raid into Clay County. Jeremiah and many other local men joined the Kansas State Militia in about October 1864 to be prepared if and when an attack ensued, but none materialized.

History of Kansas, 1883

When the federal census was enumerated in 1870, the Younkins lived in Gatesville, Republican Township, Clay County, KS. In 1872, they had moved to near the town of Batcheller (renamed Milford and later still to Acme) in Milford Township, Davis County, KS, purchasing a farm in Section 21, Township 6, Range 5. Jeremiah was profiled in a short biography in A.T. Andreas' 1883 book History of the State of Kansas

Their farm was located three miles east of Milford.

Jeremiah died in his home along Timber Creek in the Republican Valley near Wakefield, Clay County at the age of 78 on Feb. 25 (or 26), 1907. The Clay Center Times published an obituary, calling him "an early settler here" and stating the cause as "a complication of diseases incident to old age.... The deepest sympathy of a host of friends of the afflicted family is extended to them in their sad hour of bereavement."

Another obituary, in the Junction City Republic, noted that "Mr. Younkin was of a peculiarly quiet and affable disposition. Every one was his friend and he was friendly with all whom he met."  

Elizabeth outlived him by more than a decade. While in the home of her daughter Cinda Wilson near Milford, she entered eternal sleep on Feb. 27, 1918 at the age of 77. Funeral rites were held in the Congregational Church in town. Burial was in Branscomb (Highland) Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Wakefield News, which said that she and her husband were "among the earliest settlers of the Timber Creek neighborhood in Clay county." The Junction City Republic said that "In that cemetery are buried four generations of Branscombs."

In 1907, the year of his death, Jeremiah's obituary was reprinted in Collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, Vol. 10, published by the Kansas State Historical Society. Jeremiah and Elizabeth's family was well known to Younkin family history researchers in southwestern Pennsylvania in the 1930s and is neatly typed in notes of Otto Roosevelt Younkin, president of the National Younkin Home-coming Reunion.

~ Daughter Mary Etta/Marietta (Younkin) Reed ~

Highland Cemetery - courtesy Jana Mitchell

Daughter Mary Etta (or "Marietta") Younkin (1861-1953) was born on Sept. 29, 1861 in Clay County, KS.

On March 21, 1878, at the age of 17, she wed 32-year-old James J. Reed (May 1845-1932) of Clay County, originally from Ohio. Manvah Woolpert officiated at the wedding ceremony, held at her father's home. There was a 15-year difference in their ages.

Together they bore a family of 10 known children -- Katherine Metzger, Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Budden, Harriet Ellen "Hattie" Van Der Stelt, twins Samuel F. Reed and Daniel Andrew Reed, Clara Randall, Almeda Jane Budden, James J. Reed, Sylvia Harrell and Alzina Reed.

When the federal census enumerations were made in 1880 and 1900, the Reeds dwelled in Republican Township, Clay County, with James earning a living as a farmer. They were next-door neighbors in 1900 of the family of double cousins Nessly and Caroline (Kreger) Younkin. In 1910, still in Republican Township, only four of the children were still in the household, with son James working outside of the homeplace.

They later migrated to Colorado, making their home in Pueblo, Pueblo County, where their daughter Sylvia Harrell had been living since 1927.

Sadly, James died in Pueblo at the age of 87 on Dec. 20, 1932. The body was shipped back to their native Clay County for burial in Highland Cemetery.

Marietta lived for another 21 years. Genealogy notes compiled in the 1930s by researcher Otto Roosevelt Younkin show that she lived with a daughter during that time. Marietta passed away in Pueblo on Nov. 28, 1953 at age 92.

Daughter Katherine "Kate" Reed (1878- ? ) was born in about 1878 in Clay County, KS. Kate wed (?) Metzger. Circa 1943, when named in the Long Beach (CA) Press-Telegram obituary of her aunt Almeda (Reed) Streeter, she made her dwelling-place in Bell, near Los Angeles, CA. Research is underway to determine if she died in Los Angeles on Nov. 23, 1953.

Daughter Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Reed (1881-1946) was born on Jan. 22, 1881. On March 18, 1902, she married William Herbert "Will" Budden (1881-1953), with a local probate judge officiating. News of their marriage was announced by the Clay Center Dispatch. Their trio of children were Clifford James Budden, Lawrence Sealey and Blanche Maxine Jevons. She died in Junction City at the age of 65 on June 3, 1946. They sleep for the ages in Wakefield's Highland Cemetery.

• Grandson Clifford James Budden (1906-1987)
• Grandson Lawrence Sealey Budden (1907-1952)
• Granddaughter Blanche Maxine Budden (1914-1967) married (?) Jevons. 

Daughter Harriet Ellen "Hattie" Reed (1884-1980) was born on Nov. 21, 1884 in Clay County. She tied the marital cord with Robert "Edward" Van Der Stelt (1883-1969), also spelled "Vanderstelt." Six known offspring were Raymond Van Der Stelt, Gladys Hazel Alsop, James "Edward" Van Der Stelt, Mary Almeda Lippert, Helen Vanderstelt and Robert Dean Van Der Stelt. Sadly, sons Raymond (1906) and Robert (1928) died in infancy. As of 1963, the Van Der Stelts lived in Milford, KS and in 1976 in Clay Center, KS. At the age of 95, Harriet passed on March 19, 1980. Interment was in the sacred soil of Highland Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Gladys Hazel Van Der Stelt (1909-1969) was born on March 31, 1909 in Wakefield. She married John H. Alsop ( ? - ? ). The pair made a home in Belleville, KS and bore two daughters -- Mary Jo James and Lyla Barclay. Together, they owned Alsop Sand and Gravel Company of Salina, KS. Sadly, at the age of 60, Gladys died on Aug. 9, 1969 at Republic County Hospital. Rev. Duane Seitz led the funeral rites, with interment in Highland Cemetery, Wakefield. An obituary appeared in the Salina Journal.
• Grandson James "Edward" Van Der Stelt (1911-1999) was born in 1911. His residence in 1969 was in Wakefield, KS.
• Granddaughter Mary Almeda Van Der Stelt (1920-2014) wed (?) Lippert. She lived in Wakefield in 1969.
• Granddaughter Helen Vanderstelt made a home in 1969 in Pacific Grove, CA.

Son Samuel F. Reed (1889-1903) was born on May 9, 1889, a twin with his brother Daniel. News of their births was printed in the Wakefield Advertiser. He suffered from a debilitating illness. Grief shattered the family when, at age 14, Samuel died on Nov. 21, 1903. An obituary in the Clay Center Times cited the cause of death as "paralysis... He had been afflicted for a number of years." His remains sleep in eternal repose in Madura Cemetery, Wakefield.

Son Daniel Andrew "Dick" Reed (1889-1963) was born on May 9, 1889 in Wakefield, KS, a twin with his brother Samuel. The Wakefield Advertiser published the news of their births. He was the father of three -- Wayne Reed, Donald Reed and Mrs. Cecil Marr. Daniel made his dwelling-place for 46 years in Council Bluffs, IA and for 38 of those years was a switchman for the Union Pacific Railroad. He held a membership in the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen and the local lodge of the Masons. Daniel retired in 1956. His final address in town was 930 Second Avenue. Daniel's health declined over the last six months of his life. He passed away in a hospital in Council Bluffs, at the age of 74, on Sept. 7, 1963. An obituary appeared in the Council Bluffs Nonpareil. The headcount of his survivors was 17 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery.

• Grandson Wayne Reed was in Council Bluffs, IA in 1963.
• Grandson Donald Reed put down roots in Council Bluffs, IA.
• Granddaughter (?) Reed wed Cecil Marr. Her home in the early 1960s was in Council Bluffs, IA.

Daughter Clara Reed ( ? - ? ) was united in matrimony with Ed Randall/Randle ( ? - ? ). They moved to Ohio and in 1963 dwelled in Ross, OH and in 1976 in Hamilton, OH.

Daughter Almeda Jane Reed (1892-1946) was born on Jan. 5, 1892 in Kansas. Circa 1912, when she was about 20 years of age, she was joined in wedlock with Roy Sealey Budden (1891-1953). Four known offspring of their union were Elsie Velma Steiner, Evelyn Irene Olsen, Elma Imogene Rickley and Donald Dean Budden.

• Granddaughter Elsie Velma Budden (1912-1999) wed (?) Steiner.
• Granddaughter Evelyn Irene Budden (1913-2005) tied the knot with (?) Olsen.
• Granddaughter Elma Imogene Budden (1915-1999) was joined in wedlock with (?) Rickley.
• Grandson Donald Dean Budden (1925-1983)

Son James J. Reed (1893-1976) was born in Oct. 1893 in Kansas. At the age of 26, still a bachelor, he worked as a farm laborer, hired out by others. He does not appear to have married or reproduced. In time he moved to Southern California. As of 1943 to the 1960s, he was in Los Angele, where he secured employment as a superintendent of the Los Angeles Water & Power Company. He returned to Kansas after retirement and settled in Wichita at 5005 East 21st Street. He died at the age of 82 on Sept. 11, 1976. An obituary ran in the Wichita Eagle.

Daughter Sylvia Reed (1899-1986) was born in Jan. 1899 in Kansas. Circa 1920, at age 20, she was employed as a public school teacher in Republican Township, with assignments in 1919 at the Golden Ridge School and in 1921 at the Madura School (spring) and Manhattan School (fall). Then in the fall of 1922, she was placed at the Acme School near Milford. On June 25, 1924, she entered into marriage with Clyde Doran Harrell (Aug. 26, 1902-1974), son of Rev. Charles Harrell of Riley, KS. An announcement in the Wakefield News, reprinted in the Riley Regent, said that Rev. F.L. Marcy had officiated with his wife as the only other witness. 

They will make their home in Dodge City in the near future... where Mr. Harrell will be employed. For the present Mrs. Harrell is here with her folks and he is employed by Dan Younkin. Mrs. Harrell is very well and favorably known in this community, being one of the members of the popular young set, a graduate of the local high school, and having taught two terms of school at Acme school east of town. Mr. Harrell is the son of the Presbyterian minister of Riley, and is fairly well known around here, having worked at the Henry Meyers ranch and for Albert Adams last year. He was also a sailor in the recent World war, was disabled while on duty and is entitled to disability training, which he may take next fall.

The four children they produced together were Robert Reed Harrell, Mary Alice Bryant, Jo Ellen Jenkinson and James Harrell. In the mid-1920s, Clyde worked on the Wakefield farm of his brother-in-law, Ed Vanderstelt. The Harrells relocated to Pueblo, CO in about 1927, after the birth of their eldest child, and stayed for good. Initially, Clyde was employed by the Minnequa works of Colorado Fuel and Iron, working as a butt puller and rigger. When the federal census enumerations were made in 1940 and 1950, Clyde was employed by the city as a policeman, with their address 431 Acero Avenue. Sylvia's mother lived under their roof during that timeframe. They all were plunged into anxiety and later grief when son Robert was reported missing in action in the Philippines during World War II and later declared dead. Sadly, Clyde passed away in Pueblo at the age of 71 on Jan. 29, 1974. An obituary ran in their hometown newspaper, the Manhattan (KS) Mercury. Sylvia endured for another dozen years. Death cleaved her away in 1986. Burial together was in Imperial Memorial Gardens.

Above: burning USS Princeton on which Robert R. Harrell was killed in World War II (Naval History and Heritage Command, Digital ID 80-G-287970). Below: his name on the Tablets of the Missing, Manila American Cemetery (courtesy Julie, StoriesBehindTheStars.org)

• Grandson Robert Reed Harrell (1925-1944) was born on May 15, 1925 in Milford, Geary County, KS. As a young boy he moved with his parents to Pueblo, CO. He stood 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighed 158 lbs., with grey eyes and brown hair. Circa 1940, Robert was employed by Colorado Fuel & Iron Company in Pueblo. He joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving as a watertender third class aboard the USS Princeton (CVL-23) light aircraft carrier. Robert was engaged in action during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in the Philippines, considered the largest naval battle of the war and possibly all of human history, in support of Gen. Douglas MacArthur's invasion of the island chain. In that fight, on Oct. 24, 1944, the Princeton was struck in an attack by a dive bomber. The shell ignited her magazine, starting fires which led to other explosions throughout the day, killing 108 and seriously wounding several hundred others. The ship was so badly damaged that it had to be scuttled. While initially reported missing in action, Robert in time was declared dead and his parents notified in Jan. 1945. Today his name is inscribed on the Navy's Tablets of the Missing at Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.

• Granddaughter Mary Alice Harrell (1929- ? ) was born in about 1929 in Colorado. She entered into marriage with (?) Bryant. She lived in Sacramento, CA in 1974.

• Granddaughter Jo Ellen Harrell (1934- ? ) was born in about 1934 in Colorado. She was joined in matrimony with (?) Jenkinson. They relocated to Fountain Valley, CA. 

• Grandson James Charles Harrell (1936- ? ) was born in about 1936 in Colorado. He settled in Santa Rosa, CA.

Daughter Alzina Reed (1902- ? ) -- sometimes misspelled as "Alvina" -- was born in about 1902 in Republican Township, Clay County, KS. She was a teacher at the Milford School in Clay County in 1921. She went on to enroll in the Kansas State Agricultural College in 1922. Evidence suggests that she then taught in the Ashland High School and was there in 1928. Then by 1963, she migrated to Colorado and settled in Denver. She remained in the Mile High City as of 1976 when named in the news obituary of her brother James. Her final fate is not yet known.

~ Daughter Sylvia Ellen (Younkin) Sanders ~

Milford Cemetery - courtesy Connie Langvardt

Daughter Sylvia Ellen Younkin (1865-1937) was born on Sept. 13, 1865 in Clay County, KS. 

She attended the Milford Congregational Church in her youth.

When she was age 15, circa 1880, Sylvia married Isaac N. "Ike" Sanders (1856-1928). The wedding was conducted in Milford Township, and they remained there for decades.

The pair produced eight children, among them Nora Martin, Lucinda Mellinger, Caroline Heer, Lettie Ellen Heer, Milton Sanders, Anna Sanders and Minnie Sanders. They also lost an infant in 1892, with two others deceased young, prior to 1900..

Ike succumbed on Oct. 17, 1928 in Milford Township.

Now widowed, Sylvia went to live in Riley, Riley County. She died there in about 1937, at the age of 71. Interment was in the Branscomb Cemetery. The grave later was relocated to Milford Cemetery.

Daughter Nora E. Sanders (1884-1961) was born on Oct. 2, 1884. At the age of 26, on July 11, 1911, she married Joseph A. Martin (Jan. 6, 1884-1935). The only child of this couple was Dean J. Martin. Sadly, Joseph passed away on Oct. 25, 1935. Nora outlived him by more than a quarter of a century. She died at the age of 76 on July 28, 1961. They sleep at each other's side in Milford Cemetery.

• Grandson Dean J. Martin (1918-1979) 

Daughter Lettie Ellen Sanders (1885-1977) was born in June 1895. When she was 24 years of age, on Sept. 15, 1909, she entered into marriage with Henry Heer ( ? - ? ), eldest son of Jacob and Maria Elizabeth Heer. The nuptials were held in the parsonage of the German Methodist Episcopal Church in Junction City and reported in the Junction City Republic, which said that "If energy and industry auger success these young people have a bright future before them." Henry had moved to Milford in the early 1900s. The family home in 1961 was in Abilene, KS.

Daughter Lucinda/Celinda "Sinda" Sanders (1887-1965) was born on Nov. 6, 1887. She wed Albert J. Mellinger (Aug. 18, 1887-1974). Together they bore a pair of offspring -- Mildred E. Ewy and Gladys E. Ringey. The angel of death cut away Sinda at age 75 on March 13, 1965. Interment was in Milford Cemetery. Albert lived for another nine years as a widower. He passed away on Sept. 15, 1974.

• Granddaughter Mildred E. Mellinger (1909-1992) tied the knot with (?) Ewy. 
• Granddaughter Gladys E. Mellinger (1912-2000) was born in 1912. She wed (?) Ringey. 

Daughter Caroline/Carolyn Sanders (1895-1986) was born in 1895. On March 4, 1914, she was joined in wedlock with Ben Heer (Dec. 20, 1892-1985), son of Milford farmer Jacob and Maria Elizabeth Heer. The same day and place, Jacob's sister Martha wed Buel J. Hartshorn, with both couples exchanging vows in the Heers' home eight miles north of Junction City, in Riley County, with Rev. Paustian officiating. The news was made public in the Junction City Republic, which reported that the ceremony was "performed in the presence of a large number of friends and relatives. All of the young people are well and widely known and will have the good wishes of hosts of friends." Their only daughter was Sylvia Heer. The Heers settled on a farm in Manhattan, KS in the 1930s and later put down roots in Riley, KS. They belonged to the Riley United Methodist Church, and he held a membership in the Riley lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Husband and wife died a year apart. As a resident of Leonardville Nursing Home, he passed first, on Dec. 20, 1985. An obituary was printed in the Manhattan (KS) Mercury. Rev. Paul Babcock preached the funeral sermon in the family church. Caroline too lived in the nursing home at the end and followed him to the grave in 1986. They repose eternally in Riley Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Sylvia Heer ( ? -1969) was born on (?). As a young woman, she was employed as a beautician in the Wareham Beauty Shop. On Jan. 21, 1937, in the pastor's home, she married Kenneth G. Smith ( ? - ? ) of Salina. Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Holman, of the First Methodist Church, officiated. In announcing the happy event, the Manhattan (KS) Mercury said the bride was "an attractive brunette [who] word a floor-length dress of gold satin with a short-sleeved bolero jacket. Violets tied with gold ribbon formed her corsage." Kennet at the time of marriage worked for Cultra Produce Company of Salina. As of 1961, the Smiths dwelled in Panorama City near Los Angeles, CA. One known daughter of the pair was Linda Smith. Grief swept over the family when Sylvia died on Dec. 8, 1969.

Son Milton Sanders ( ? - ? ) is believed to have been deceased by 1900.

Daughter Anna Sanders ( ? - ? ) may have been deceased by 1900.

Daughter Minnie Sanders ( ? - ? ) is believed to have been deceased by 1900.

~ Son Daniel George "D.G." Younkin ~

Son Daniel George Younkin (1867-1949) was born in 1867 in Kansas.

He was thrice married. His first bride was Ella "Ellen" Canrobert (Dec. 25, 1879-1904), daughter of Charles Canroberet. 

During their short union, they became the parents of a son, Clifford Younkin. The young family made a home in the Myersdale neighborhood of Wakefield.

Daniel made news in the Junction City Union in April 1903 when traveling to Kansas City "with two carloads of cattle that brought a good price and came within 5 cents of topping the market."

Tragically, Ellen died just two weeks after childbirth, at the age of 24 years, 5 months and 4 days on May 29, 1904. Her remains were laid to rest in Milford Cemetery, with Rev. P.C Weyant preaching the funeral sermon. An obituary in the Junction City Republic said that Ellen "leaves a husband and a little child two weeks of age. The sympathy of the many friends is extended to the sorrowing husband and for the little one who will never again know a mother's caress. [She] was a woman of singular sweetness of manner, winning loving friends wherever known, and she will be missed by all."

On June 16, 1906, he then married his second wife, Mabel M. Drury (1883-1923), a native of Terrace, Utah and the daughter of A.W. Drury. Mabel was a teacher and in 1904-1905 taught two terms of school in Clay Center.

Daniel and Mabel are known to have attended cattle stock shows in Kansas City in October 1907 and October 1913. Daniel advertised in the Wakefield News in 1917 that he had a good shorthorn bull and seed rye for sale and in 1918 that he was offering white and yellow 1916 seed corn along with two "extra good" yearling shorthorn bulls. Over the years, Mabel's mother often came to their home for visits as chronicled in the gossip columns of the local newspapers.

Mabel became ill in the winter of 1923 and lingered in failing health for nine months. She died in September 1923, at the age of 40 years, six months and seven days. An obituary in the Clay Center Times reported that she "was a very estimable lady and won the admiration of all her friends by her pleasant manner and gentle hospitality. She will be missed not only in her family circle and by all who knew her." Rev. F.L. Marcey of Milford, KS preached at her funeral service, with burial following in Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center.

Daniel wed yet again, on Sept. 8, 1924, to Della Avery (1892-1951), daughter of S.D. Avery. Rev. Rogers, of the Methodist church, presided. The Republic said in a related story that the bride "is a fine young lady and capable of making a good home. The groom is a prosperous farmer of the Wakefield community, where he has always resided and has a great many friends. They will make their home on Mr. Younkin's farm east of Wakefield."

Daniel died in 1949. 

Della lived for another two years and passed away in 1951 at age 59. They are buried together in Highland Cemetery.

Son Clifford Jeremiah Younkin (1904-1967) was born in 1904 in Wakefield. He was only two weeks of age at his mother's untimely death. Clifford was a longtime dairy farmer. His first bride was Metta F. Brill ( ? - ? ). They lived in Lewistown, MT circa 1930. Then in 1934, at the age of about 30, Clifford married Marian Rose Watt (1914-1954), a native of Lewistown, MT. All together, Clifford was the father of four -- Daniel Younkin, David Younkin, Donna M. Akehurst and Joan Marie Younkin. The family relocated to Washington State in the early 1940s, spending 18 years in Kent, King County and then 7½ years in Enumclaw, also in King County. Circa 1952, Clifford was arrested with another man, accused of allegedly stealing cattle and logging equipment, as part of "a state-wide cattle-rustling gang," said the Spokane Spokesman-Review. Sadly, Marian passed away at age 39 on March 16, 1954, with burial in St. Patrick Cemetery in Kent. Then in 1959, after five-plus years as a widower, the 55-year-old Clifford tied the knot with 43-year-old Esther Storbo ( ? - ? ) of Enumclaw. She brought four stepchildren into the union, Arthur Storbo, Paul Storbo, Kenneth Storbo and Beverly Storbo. He died after suffering a heart attack on Sept. 30, 1967, in Enumclaw, with an obituary published in the Tacoma News Tribune and the Seattle Daily Times. Some genealogical notes about this family were put together by Velda Stitt.

• Grandson Daniel Younkin ( ? - ? ) was in Seattle in 1967. He married Sandra Sahlinger ( ? - ? ). Their three offspring were Mark Younkin, Ronald Younkin and Cheryl Younkin. The Younkins lived in Federal Way near Seattle in 2004.
• Grandson David Younkin ( ? - ? ) settled in Auburn, WA.
• Granddaughter Donna Younkin (1930-2004) was born on May 16, 1930 in Lewistown, MT. On Oct. 18, 1947, at age 17, she first married John Clay Kirkendall (Dec. 16, 1925-1991), a native of Glenrock, WY. John was an alumnus of Clover Park High School in Tacoma, WA and a veteran of World War II. He and his father were cement masons who together worked on the McNary Dam construction project. Donna and John became the parents of John Alan Kirkendall and Linda Bruns. Their marriage dissolved in divorce. Then, in 1962, at the age of 32, Donna tied the marital cord with 32-year-old Verne Akehurst ( ? -1986), also of Seattle. Their brood of offspring included Jim V. Akehurst, Dean Akehurst, Dodi Johnson, Leslie Hidenrick and Shirley Rhodes. They dwelled in Seattle in 1967 and Enumclaw, WA in 2004. Said a newspaper, Donna "worked at the Black Diamond Senior Center and was involved at the local schools, 4-H leader and local F.F.A. [Future Farmers of America]." Sadly, Verne passed away in 1986. Donna outlived him by 18 years. At the age of 74, she died in Auburn Regional Medical Center on Dec. 5, 2004. Her obituary was carried in the Olympia (WA) Olympian. Former husband John Kirkendall spent his final years in Kennewick, WA and died at home at the age of 65 on July 5, 1991, with an obituary appearing in the Pasco (WA) Tri-City Herald.

  Great-grandson John Alan Kirkendall settled in Enumclaw, WA.

  Great-granddaughter Linda Kirkendall married Steve Bruns. They have lived at Moses Lake, WA and are the parents of Verna Bruns, Kelly Bruns, Carolyn Bruns and Laura Bruns.

  Great-grandson Jim V. Akehurst wed Trudy and moved to Auburn, WA.

  Great-grandson Dean Akehurst made his home in 2004 in Enumclaw.

  Great-granddaughter Dodi Akehurst was joined in wedlock with Don Johnson. They put down roots in East Wenatchee, WA.

  Great-granddaughter Leslie Akehurst entered into marriage with (?) Hidenrick. Her dwelling-place in 2004 was in Buckley, WA. 

  Great-granddaughter Shirley Akehurst was united in matrimony with Robert Rhodes. They were in Graham, WA in 2004. 

• Granddaughter Joan Marie Younkin ( ? - ? ) was a contestant in the 1964 King County Dairy Princess competition. She made a home in 1967 in Seattle.

~ Daughter Celinda J. (Younkin) Young Wilson ~

Milford Cemetery - courtesy Connie Langvardt

Daughter Celinda J. Younkin (1869-1933) was born on June 11, 1869 in Kansas.

In 1897, she first was married to George W. Wilson (Sept. 9, 1868-1900). 

They bore one son, Howard Hale Wilson.

The Wilsons made their tenant-farm home on one of the Gill family tracts near Junction City.

Tragically, George died after just three years of marriage, at the age of 31, on July 6, 1900. No notice has been found in the local newspapers of the time. 

The widowed Celinda spent the next eight years in Milford. In 1905, she gave birth to a son, Walter Ray Wilson Sr.

Then on Feb. 26, 1908, she was united in the bonds of matrimony with Levi E. Young ( ? - ? ), also of Milford. Rev. F.L. Marcey officiated the nuptials, held in Celinda's residence, with a notice of the wedding printed in the Junction City Daily Sentinel. In a separate story, the Junction City Republic said "Both are very popular young people and will have the best wishes of their many friends."

The marriage was troubled, and Levi sued for divorce in district court in September 1916. His petition was granted two months later, and Celinda took back the "Wilson" surname. 

Celinda passed away on March 5, 1933 at the age of 63. She was laid to rest beside her first husband.

Son Howard Hale Wilson (1900-1945) was born on Jan. 21, 1900. News of his birth was announced in the Junction City Union. He and his first wife were the parents of George Wilson. Later, he entered into marriage with Mary Louise Poe ( ? - ? ) of Rushville, IN. Howard and his brother both made a living in the radio advertising business, with Howard running the Howard H. Wilson Company. One of his clients was WIBA-AM Radio in Wisconsin. He was especially well known in Mary Louise's hometown of Rushville, IN. They also owned several farms in Wisconsin and had a summer home in the north woods near Masison. In his final years he was plagued with heart problems and diabetes. While at their summer home in Wisconsin, his health plummeted and he was admitted to Chicago's Presbyterian Hospital. Sadly, he died there on July 24, 1945. His remains were transported to Indianapolis and thence to Rushville for burial at East Hill Cemetery. Rev. Dr. J.T. Scull presided over the rites.

• Grandson George Wilson served with the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, with deployment to the Pacific Theatre. 

Son Walter Ray Wilson Sr. (1905-1948) was born on Nov. 8, 1905 in Milford. On Nov. 4, 1933, he married Evelyn Latimer (Aug. 10, 1906-1959), a native of Appleton, WI and daughter of Mrs. August Johnson. They became the parents of Walter Ray Wilson Jr. The year of their marriage, the Wilsons relocated to Del Rio, TX, where he found employment in radio advertising. He went on to found the firm Wilson and Howard, Radio Advertising Agency. Their residence was at 1310 North Main Street, Del Rio, and the couple owned six sections of ranch land in Kinney County. Sadness blanketed the family when Walter suffered a heart attack at home on April 11, 1948 and lingered for only 75 minutes before death. Burial was in the local Westlawn Cemetery. An obituary was printed in the Del Rio News Herald. Rev. Sam Morris, a well-known radio evangelists, traveled from San Antonio to officiate the funeral rites. The News Herald obituary named his uncles Jim Younkin and Dan Younkin, nephew George Wilson, cousins Claude Wilson and Earl Younkin, and sister-in-law Louise Wilson. Evelyn continued on for another 11 years. During that time, she owned her own business and served as president of the City Federation of Women's Clubs. Said the News Herald, "She was noted for her many small philanthropies, and she traditionally sent holiday meals to firemen and policemen on duty." She became critically ill n the late spring of 1959 and entered Santa Rosa Hospital in San Antonio. Death overtook her at age 52 on June 3, 1959. The funeral was conducted in St. James Episcopal Church, by the hand of Rev. O.W. Nickle.

• Grandson Walter Ray Wilson Jr. ( ? - ? ) was a 1959 graduate of Del Rio High School. His mother died just a week after the graduation.

~ Daughter Loretta Younkin ~

Daughter Loretta Younkin (1870- ? ) was born in April 1870 in Kansas. 

She does not appear with her family in the 1880 U.S. census at which time she otherwise would have been 10 years of age.

Nothing more about her is known, and she may well have died young.

~ Son James Edward Younkin ~

Highland Cemetery - courtesy Connie Langvardt

Son James Edward Younkin (1874-1956) was born on Sept. 9, 1874 in Milford Township, Davis County, KS. 

On Oct. 4, 1896, when he was age 22 and she 21, James was united in matrimony with Rosa Lee Ferguson (1875-1967). She was the daughter of Lorinda Ferguson and stepdaughter of John Rubart. The Junction City Tribune said they were "quietly married in the presence of relatives and immediate friends... The young couple received many beautiful and useful presents. we wish them much joy and a long life of prosperity." 

Their two offspring were Francis "Earl" Younkin and Maria Burbank. 

They first made their home in Milford. James' name was in the news in July 1906 when, said the Junction City Republic, he "threshed thirty-five acres of wheat last week which is reported to have yielded nearly forty bushels to the acre."

James appears to have owned a 40-acre tract in Milford which circa 1914-1916 he rented to Henry Bartell and Ray Vick. When the two would not vacate the property, James dued for ejectment in district court as early as February 1914, with the matter still pending two years later.

In late 1922, he co-founded the Milford Farmers Union and was named to the board of directors, which included president A.G. Martin; A.W. Irion, secretary; and members Theo Steinbruck, JH. Budden and M.D. Babb, with George B. Stiers named as general manager. The organization was capitalized with $20,000, and the Republic commented that "With such an officiary this new company ought to succeed." 

James in 1924 is known to have taken a railroad car load of cattle to Kansas City to sell. At the divorce of their daughter Maria in the late 1930s, they took her and two young granddaughters into their home until such time as the daughter remarried.

In time they migrated to Junction City, Geary County, KS. 

James passed away in Junction City at the age of 81 on April 21, 1956. 

Rosa Lee survived him by 11 years and died on June 11, 1967 at age 91. They sleep at each other's side in Highland Cemetery.

Son Francis "Earl" Younkin (1901-1974) was born on July 15, 1901 in Geary County. In late November 1923, at the Presbyterian Church in Hutchinson, KS, the 22-year-old Earl tied the marital cord with Josephine Ann Collins (July 27, 1903-1995) of the Wreford community of Junction City. She was a 1922 graduate of Junction City High School. Together, they bore two children -- David J. Younkin and Norma Jean Milligan. Josephine was politically active over the years, as a Kansas state representative for the Geary and Riley County areas, as a Junction City Community and Geary County commissioner and as treasurer of Geary County. Sadly, Earl died in 1974. At the age of 91, Josephine died at Valley View Professional Care Center in Junction City on March 13, 1995. An obituary appeared in the Manhattan Mercury which said she "was a lifelong resident of the Geary County area." Services were held in the First Presbyterian Church of Junction City, followed by burial under the sod of Highland Cemetery.

• Grandson David J. Younkin lived in White Plains, NY as of 1995.
• Granddaughter Norma Jean Younkin wed (?) Milligan. They settled in Topeka. In more recent years, she graciously provided research details about this family to researcher Donna (Younkin) Logan.

Daughter Maria Younkin (1907-1993) was born on June 28, 1907 near Milford, Geary County. She was thrice-wed. Her first spouse, in 1925, was Bruce Manning Burbank ( ? - ? ). Two known daughters in this family were Marilyn Marie Heldstab and Donna Wall. Their marriage dissolved in divorce by 1940, and Maria and the girls moved into her parents' farm residence in Milford. Her second husband, in August 1940, was Fred William Taylor Jr. ( ? -1963). They produced a daughter of their own, Yvonne Jordan. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1950, the Taylors shared a home with his parents in Smoky Hill, Geary County, with Fred Jr. working as a sprayer. After a four-year period of grieving, she married once more on Oct. 13, 1967 to B.M. "Bernie" Wolf ( ? - ? ). The Wolfs' marriage lasted for five years until his passing on Oct. 8, 1972. At the age of 85, she died in Junction City on Jan. 28, 1993. Burial was in the local Highland Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Marilyn Marie Burbank (1932-2016) was born in 1932. She married (?) Heldstab. 
• Granddaughter Donna A. Burbank (1935- ? ) was born in about 1935 in Kansas. She tied the knot with Frank Wall. As of 2016, Donna was widowed and living in Birmingham, AL.
• Granddaughter Yvonne Taylor (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949. She wed David Jordan ( ? - ? ) and established a home in Charleston, SC.

~ Son Earl Younkin ~

Son Earl Younkin (1880?- ? ) was born in about 1880, perhaps earlier. 

Nothing more about him is known. He may have died young.