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Samuel and Catherine (Godlove) Younkin Courtesy Alice A. Younkin, Glendale, AZ

Samuel Younkin was born on Sept. or Nov. 2, 1798 in Harper's Ferry, Jefferson County, VA (in what today is West Virginia), the son of Rudolph "Ralph" and Elizabeth (Hockman) Younkin.

At the age of about seven months, on March 31, 1799, he was baptized in the Reformed Church of Loudoun County. His uncle and aunt, Johannes "John" and Catharina (Dorscheimer) Junghen were the baby's sponsors.

At the age of 17, in about 1816, he moved with his family into Ohio.

He and his brother John are considered among the earliest settlers near Porterville, Bearfield Township, Perry County, OH, with John coming there in about 1817. Samuel was an early teacher there as acknowledged in the book History of Fairfield and Perry Counties, Ohio, Their Past and Present. He also learned the trade of tailoring.

On Oct. 3, 1822, in Perry County, Samuel was joined in holy matrimony with Catherine Godlove (March 3, 1797/1803- ? ), daughter of John Godlove. Rev. Allen Goff performed the nuptials.

They were the parents of 11 known offspring -- Joseph Younkin, Mary A. Tener, Henry A. Younkin, Abner Younkin, Elizabeth Iden, Nancy Younkin, William Younkin, Margaret Younkin, John Franklin Younkin, Samuel Younkin and Dr. George Wesley Younkin.

The couple made a home in Bearfield Township, Perry County, where Samuel "cleared up two large farms," said an 1887 history book of Washington County. "He was an official of his township from the earliest recollection of [his son Henry] and taught school before, and for many years after his marriage was engaged in that profession. His wife was a great weaver, and to this day has one of the old style looms in her house, and her nimble fingers yet fashion the stripes in homewoven carpets, and the click-clack of the flying shuttle is heard inthe old farm house where they have lived so many years. Samuel, too, understood weaving well, and in the early days wove large quantities of woolen goods, but as a weaver his crowning glory consisted in the manufacture of those old coverlets which will last a lifetime."

The Younkins' 1822 marriage record, on file in Perry County, Ohio

They kept a family Bible printed in the German language, and inscribed in writing a record of births, marriages and deaths. The Bible was said to have been loaned to a friend who could only read in German, and that her house burned, consuming the Bible in the flames. The Younkins then acquired an English Bible and the family records were transferred therein. As the names and dates were being rewritten, Catherine thought them placed a year earlier than they actually occurred. In fact, an analysis of the material shows "Nov. 2" as the date of birth for Samuel and children Mary, Henry and Abner, which seems questionable, and may have been a guess on the family's part without the original record with which to compare.

History of Washington County, Iowa

Samuel was sued by the State of Ohio on behalf of Bearfield Township for the March Term 1844. John Godlove and Jeremiah Godlove provided bail. He was found guilty and ordered to pay $67.71 in damages. The payment was made on Dec. 15, 1845, by the hand of John Younkin.

In 1844, after 28 years in Ohio, when Samuel was age 46 and Catherine 47, they migrated to Iowa. They lived for awhile in Keokuk and later put down roots in Riverside, Washington County. He went on to acquire an 80-acre tract of land in Iowa Township and paid $400 to Nixon Scott for a claim which he later bought as well. Said the 1887 history, "A little round log cabin with a clapboard roof stood upon the eighty-acre tract, and into this the family moved." Son Henry, a boy of about 17, recalled that  "The eaves were not over five feet high, and we had to stoop to get in at the door."

A sod house addition was built at once, and in this the family passed a fairly comfortable winter. The second winter was passed in a nice double-log cabin, covered with a shingle root, and this was for many years known as "Younkin's Hotel;" the stage line from Iowa City to Fairfield passed this pioneer inn, and a post office w3as established there in 1856, with Samuel Younkin as Postmaster. The "Younkin Hotel" was a stage office, and frequently three or four stages would stop at one time. The hotel did quite a large transient trade for many years, and the post-office was continued until 1859. The old military road was a meandering one, and in fact passed many of the houses in the new country. Nathaniel McClure, a wealthy man who resided within what is now the limits of Riverside, concluded to open a hotel, and to make it profitable, petitioned the State Legislature to have the old military road resurveyed, and the bill was passed, which authorized the line from Keokuk to Dubuque to be opened and bridged at the expense of the State. This practically stopped traffic on the oldline, and the "Younkin Hotel" was discontinued. McClure's inn flourished a short time, until railroads put an end to stage travel. Samuel Younkin would not accept any official position after coming to Washington County, and his whole life has been devoted to agricultural pursuits, in which he and his children have been remarkably successful.

When Samuel was profiled in the 1880 book History of Washington County, Iowa, the narrative said that he "owns 305 acres of land, most of which he entered; his land is well improved, has a good house and barn besides a good bearing orchard." They were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Riverside community.

YFNB, April 1938

The family grieved when son Samuel Younkin died at the age of about nine or 10 in 1851. Heartache cascaded over the family when married daughters Elizabeth Iden (1862) and Margaret Tansey (1863) died untimely deaths.

In 1887, the couple received significant amounts of ink in a profile of their son Henry, the Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa. The biography said that they were the "oldest couple in Iowa Township. They have long since passed their golden wedding anniversary, but to-day at their advanced age, he in his eighty-ninth, and she in her eighty-fifty year, their health is remarkably good, and both do as much work upon the farm as almost any couple in the neighborhood. The longevity of the family is also remarkable, eighty odd years being the average; some of them have reached the advanced age of one hundred, and Samuel and his wife bid fair to reach that ripe old age. They are both of German origin, born in Virginia, and their marriage was celebrated in Perry County, Ohio...."

As he neard his 90s, Samuel continued to weave coverlets as gifts for his children and grandchildren and in total made about 53. He once showed one of these creations to a visitor, who responded that "to say that no present couild be more highly esteemed, would hardly express their sentiments."

Samuel was gathered in by the Angel of Death on July 15, 1895 at the age of about 91. Nearly a half century after his death, Samuel was profiled in the article "Younkins of the 4th Generation" in the April 30, 1938 edition of the Younkin Family News Bulletin.

Catherine survived as a widow for another year. She passed away in Riverside on July 15, 1896 at the age of 93.

~ Son Joseph Younkin ~

Son Joseph Younkin (1823-1891) was born on July 5, 1823 in Ohio. He migrated to Iowa as a bachelor in 1844.

Then on Nov. 14, 1849, the 26-year-old Joseph was united in holy matrimony with 24-year-old Eliza Jane Iden (Nov. 10, 1825-1908), a native of Virginia, and the daughter of Alfred and Mary Ann (Bell) Iden.

When Eliza Jane was six years old, she moved with her parents into Ohio and then in 1846, at the age of 20, migrated with them to Iowa, settling in Iowa Township, Washington County.

Upon arrival, said the Davenport Quad-City Times, Joseph "purchased land from the government at $1.25 an acre." In all, he acquired an 80-acre tract which stayed in the family until 1962.

The Younkins bore at least seven children -- Gelissa Mary Ann Allin, Laura Smith, Samuel E. Younkin, Elsie May Allin, Alfred H. Younkin, John H. Younkin and J. Morris Younkin.

Samuel E. and Gelissa Mary Ann Allin

The family made its longtime home near Davenport and belonged to the local Methodist Episcopal Church, with Eliza Jane's membership lasting for 65 years. When the No. 1 School District was formed in Iowa Township near Riverside, Joseph was elected secretary and served until retirement in 1888, at which time his son John succeeded him. "The district is usually known as the 'Y,' because it is located near the 'Y' formed by the Rock Island Lines," said the Times. "The first school building, a log structure, was erected a mile west of the present building, two miles east of Riverside."

On the fateful day of Feb. 12, 1891, while working on a roof, Joseph fell and was badly injured, dislocating the shoulder and breaking the blade. He suffered for five days before death mercifully carried him away on Feb. 17, 1891, at the age of 67 years. An obituary was printed in a Washington County newspaper.

Eliza Jane outlived her spouse by 16 years. At the age of 82, while at the home of her son A.H. in Riverside, she passed into eternity on July 26, 1908. An obituary was printed in the Iowa City Press-Citizen, which reported that "Her pastor, Rev. H.F. Pugh conducted the funeral services on Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 after which her body was placed beside her husband in our beautiful cemetery." Pallbearers were W.G. Cress, William Tener, B.J. Godlove, B.F. Flynn, A.D. Craig and George Craig.

A printed eulogy said that "For nearly sixty-five years she has endeavored to live and walk in the way of the better life. Her life has been fruitful of good results. She was a loving and dutiful companion, a kind and indulgent mother and a good neighbor and citizen. She has answered the summons of Hkim who said, 'Be though faithul unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life'."

Daughter Gelissa Mary Ann Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married Samuel Ernest Allin ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Ray Lester Allin and May Brownfield. She dwelled in Pasadena, CA in 1908-1936.

San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, opened Nov. 12, 1936, for which Allen Brownfield was a supervising structural engineer. Considered a triumph of modern engineering, the double-deck bridge is 4.46 miles in length. and carries Interstate 80 with daily traffic of about 260,000 vehicles.

Daughter Laura Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). In Johnson County, IA, on Christmas Day 1885, she was joined in marital union with Harry Lyle Smith (April 27, 1864-1945) of Riverside. They produced two children, a son who died in infancy and a daughter who married Thomas Darnell. The Smiths resided in Iowa City and Des Moines, IA and in 1913 moved to Texas, where they made a home in Plainview for many years. Harry in his prime was considered by Littlefield community as "one of its most prominent citizens." Said a newspaper, "He came to Littlefield to sell land, and was connected in the sale of farms and real estate with the late Senator A.P. Duggan for a number of years. He also farmed on Oklahoma Avenue a number of years, which farm he owned at his death." The family were members of the First Methodist Church, and Harry belonged to the Masons. They left the farm and moved into Littlefield, TX in about 1943. After a long heart illness, Harry died at the age of 81 on Jan. 12, 1945. Rev. C. Frank York of the family church preached the funeral sermon. His remains were shipped to Riverside, IA, where the Masons held additional rites. Laura then sold their property and moved into the home of her married daughter in South Bend, IN.

YFNB, April 1938

Son Samuel Edward Younkin (1853- ? ) was born on March 29, 1853 near Riverside, Washington County, IA. On Dec. 14, 1886, at the age of about 33, he wedded his childhood friend, 23-year-old Alice McKnight (1863-1950), daughter of James and Margaret Elisabeth (Posten) McKnight. The nuptials were held in the home of his sister Mrs. J.H. Parnham. Alice was a native of Fayette City, Fayette County, PA, who, after the accidental death of her father, had migrated with her mother to Riverside at the age of 11, in about 1874. Alice's mother earned a living as a seamstress while Alice was hired out as a type of nanny for the family of W.H. Cress. Samuel and Alice did not reproduce but, said the Cedar Rapids Gazette, "Mrs. Younkin is thoroughly familiar with rearing a family as the Cress' had nine children and Mrs. Younkin as a girl assisted Mrs. Cress in their care." The newlyweds first tried their luck in California. They spent two years on the west coast but eventually returned to Iowa and put down permanent roots. Samuel initially obtained work building bridges for Washington County, IA. Then in 1894, he joined the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad and was employed there for 32 years as Rock Island Bridge foreman. Reported the Gazette, "Mr. Younkin had a part in the construction of the Rock Island bridge over the Cedar river and also the bridge over the Cedar at Linn which the bridge builders had to be constantly repaired and Mr. Younkin recalled one job on which the bridge builders had to work with the mercury skidding to 36 below! Steel structures have done away with much of the old-time repair work," he said. After retirement, in about 1901, the couple moved from Riverside to Cedar Rapids, IA, with an address of 1224 Sixth Avenue Southeast. They enjoyed spending their winters in California and by the mid-1930s had been on the west coast eight times. "As there were no streamline trains, it required five days and nights to make the trip," said the Gazette. "Both Mr. and Mrs. Younkin are active for their years and are thoroughly modern in their tastes and ideas." Samuel belonged to the Knights of Pythias and was involved in the lodge even in his later years. Alice was an active volunteer with St. Paul's Methodist Church and a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Pythian Sisters and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen. When Samuel and Alice celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in December 1936, in their home, a story was printed in the Davenport Quad-City Times. He was pictured and profiled on the front page of the Younkin Family News Bulletin edition of Aug. 5, 1938. He passed away at the age of 89 on Feb. 12, 1943. His remains were interred in Riverside Cemetery. The widowed Mary Alice survived her husband by seven-plus years. She was carried away by the Angel of Death at the age of 86 on June 15, 1950.

News feature about Samuel E. and Alice Younkin's 50th wedding anniversary

Daughter Elsie May Younkin (1855-1940) -- also spelled "Elcy" -- was born on May 28, 1855 in Riverside. On Aug. 31, 1870, she was united in matrimony with Jabez Wesley "Jabe" Allin (1855-1932). The couple produced six known children -- William Joseph Allin, Jessie May Bacon Pedley, John Herbert Allin, Florence Letitia Parker, Velma Allin and George Donald Allin. he couple in March 1884 relocated to Southern California and were considered pioneers of the city of Pasadena. They belonged to the Lincoln Avenue Methodist Church and lived at 609 North Orange Grove Avenue. Sadly, their daughter Velma died in infancy in Pasadena in 1889. Their nephew T.D. Allin was a well known authority on the early history of Pasadena. Elsie May died in Pasadena on Jan. 31, 1940. Her obituary was printed in the Sept. 25, 1940 edition of the Younkin Family News Bulletin.

• Grandson William Joseph Allin (1880-1941) was born on July 1, 1880 in Riverside. He married Adella Mary Williams on July 23, 1903 in nuptials held in Highland Park, CA. He resided in Porterville, Tulare County, CA and died there on Aug. 20, 1941.

• Jessie May Allin (1882-1971) was born on April 16, 1882. She was twice married. Her first spouse was Claude B. Bacon, and they made a home in Pasadena. She later wedded George Pedley. She passed into eternity on June 12, 1971.

• John Herbert Allin (1884- ? ) was born on Oct. 4, 1884. He wedded Jennie Johnston ( ? - ? ). was employed as Pasadena Deputy City Engineer in 1940.

• Florence Letitia Allin (1887-1913) was born on Sept. 30, 1887 in Pasadena. In June 1912, she was joined in marriage with Walter D. Parker.

• George Donald Allin (1893-1950) was born on July 3, 1893. On June 23, 1933, he was united in wedlock with Ruth Branson. They dwelled in Pasadena. George was swept away by the Angel of Death on Oct. 25, 1950.

Son Alfred H. Younkin (1857- ? ) was born in about 1857. He was joined in wedlock with Louisa Godlove ( ? - ? ). They bore these children -- Joseph Omar Younkin and Velma J. Whitlock. Alfred made his home in Riverside, IA for many years. He died in Riverside in 1957 at the age of about 100, with interment in Riverside Cemetery.

• Grandson Joseph Omar Younkin

• Granddaughter Velma J. Younkin (1897- ? ) was born on July 27, 1897. On Feb. 24, 1925, she was married to Cloyd Ernest Whitlock (Dec. 19, 1897- ? ), son of Charles Wesley and Nancy A. (Green) Whitlock of Riverside. Cloyd was employed over the years as a trucker and mechanic, making a home in Riverside. Their five children were were Donna Grace Whiting, Daris Whitlock, Doran Whitlock, Velma Whitlock and Cloyd Whitlock.

John H. Younkin's obituary

Son John H. Younkin (1859-1940) was born on July 30, 1859 on his father's farm east of Riverside, and spent his entire life on that farm. At the age of 41, on Dec. 5, 1900, John was united in marriage with Anna E. Ford (1882- ? ). The bride was 23 years younger than the groom. Their family of children were Everett L. Younkin, Verne Younkin, Allan L. Younkin, Harold Younkin and Glenn Archie Younkin. When John was 29 years of age, in about 1888, his father retired as secretary of the local school board for the No. 1 School District in Iowa Township near Riverside, and John became his successor. Remarkably, he held that position for half a century, retiring in July 1938. An article about John's school board retirement in the Davenport Quad-City Times said that for 90 years, "the secretary of the district has been a member of the Younkin family.... It is doubtful if this record of a father and son holding the same school office over a period of nearly a century is equalled anywhere in the United States." He was pictured in another related story in the Times on July 31, 1928, which noted that "Mr. Younkin's oldest record book is the attendance book of 1875 when T.J. Palmer was instructor of the rural school. Two of the students were 21 years old and W.T. Coe, now an attorney in Minneapolis, was the youngest scholar, being five years old." John died at the age of 80 on April 1, 1940. Anna remained on the farm until 1962, when she sold the tract to Charles Strabala. She served as secretary of the Iowa state branch of the Younkin Family Association circa 1938. In a letter to Younkin National Home-coming Reunion secretary Charles Arthur Younkin, dated Riverside, Aug. 9, 1938, she wrote: We were very sorry that the Mrs. Mamie Prather didn't get to our reunion. We were expecting her. The papers were delivered to different members of the family and some of them seem to wait it but will let you know. We had 117 members with us and a very nice time. We wish some of this crowd could attend your reunion the 21st, but think it will be impossible. I am sending the heads of families as you desired." The letter was published in the Dec. 20, 1938 edition of the Younkin Family News Bulletin. On Aug. 4, 1940, Anna helped organize the 13th Annual Iowa Reunion of the Younkin and Godlove families, held at City Park, with an attendance of 110 relatives and friends. Maggie Cress of Cedar Rapids was elected president; Wil Sims of Riverside vice president; Anna as secretary; Mary Sallady of Washington treasurer. Plans swere made to hold the 14th reunion at Lone Tree Park on Aug. 10, 1941. In another letter dated Oct. 31, 1940, she wrote: "Everything is fine in your little paper and every item should be read and taken to heart. The Younkin Family sure are a long life people. Uncle George Younkin of Mason City is OK as far as we know. Was sorry not to see in print an account of our reunion of Aug. 4th. I suppose during your sickness it was mislaid. Better luck next time. I gave a birthday party for my boy Glenn who was 27 years old Oct. 22nd. Corn husking is the chief occupation at present, and Iowa came in 2nd for the National corn husking contest at Davenport. Iowa is where the tall corn grows."

Invitation to the 1941 Iowa Reunion of the Younkin/Godlove families

Daughter (?) Younkin ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). She married J.H. Parnham ( ? - ? ). Nothing more is known.

Son J. "Morris" Younkin (1863- ? ) was born in Aug. 1863. He wedded Maud (1873- ? ). They initially made a home near Riverside. By 1940, he was in Eugene, OR.

~ Daughter Mary A. (Younkin) Tener ~

Daughter Mary A. Younkin (1825-1916) was born on Nov. 2, 1825 near Zanesville, Muskingum County, OH. She was about 19 years old when she and her family settled in Iowa, coming "in a covered wagon, before Iowa was a state," said a newspaper. On St. Patrick's Day 1846, the 20-year-old Mary was joined in matrimony with Frederick "Fred" Tener (March 10, 1814-1897), also known as "Ferdinand," a resident of Washington County but a native of Carroll County, MD. The couple bore four known children -- William Tener, Kate Tener, Huldah Jane "Jennie" Kaye and John W. Tener as well as Mrs. Tim Sim and Mrs. Charles Wood. Sadly, at the age of 83, Fred died in Riverside on June 18, 1897. Mary lived for another 18 years and succumbed to la grippe at the age of 91 on Jan. 14, 1916. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in the Catholic Church Cemetery in Riverside.

Son William M. Tener (1853-1949) was born in 1853. After the death of their father, William and his brother John purchased the family's 300-acre farm, one mile east of Riverside, for $100 per acre. He made a longtime home in Riverside and in 1921 was elected president of the Riverside Bank. He died in 1949 at the age of about 95 or 96 and rests in Riverside Cemetery.

Daughter Catherine "Kate" Tener (1849-1936) was born on May 1, 1849 in Iowa. She was joined in marriage with widower Carlton Pierce Schell (April 14, 1852-1929). Carlton had been married once before, to Sarah M. Hay (1856-1880), and brought two sons to the second union, Alvin Ailer Schell and Clarence Edward Schell. They relocated to Kansas and in the 1920s and '30s made a home in Iola, Allen County. Carlton died in Iola at age 77 on Nov. 5, 1929. At the age of 86, she died on Jan. 26, 1936. She rests in the mausoleum of Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Douglas County, KS.

Daughter Huldah Jane "Jennie" Tener (1860- ? ) was born in 1860. In 1888, she married George D. Kaye (1861-1939). Their children were Mrs. Earl Farmer, George T. Kaye and Helen Rowher. They lived in Boulder, CO. Jennie wrote several letters to the editor of the Younkin Family News Bulletin which were printed in the 1940 and 1941 editions. One of the letters noted that she was "anxiously awaiting my copy of the F.N.B. I feel I could hardly spare the price of the complete set of back numbers. In these days of uncertainty I find it necessary to watch. By my son from Alliance Nebr., came to visit me and when he got into the meaning of it all, and became very much interested, so handed me a dollar bill to send for the complete set of back numbers, and I am delighted to think they will soon come to me. When he met Dr. Noble Younkin at Indianapolis this summer and was invited to go to the reunion, it did not come to him that he belonged to the clan, and was very much chagrined when he found out, or rather it came to him, that he did, for he found the doctor to be a fine fellow. All my friends to whom I have mentioned the facts of the family organization think it a most wonderful idea carried to the extend you have it." Also in 1940, she received a brief visit from another distant cousin, Grover Cleveland Younkin of Wichita, of the family of Thaddeus Younkin. She died at about age 92 on July 12, 1953. Interment was in Green Mountain Cemetery in Boulder.

Son John Wesley Tener (1863-1943) was born in 1863. In 1904, when he was age 41, he was united in marriage with Bertha Mabel Carr (1879-1955). The couple resided in Riverside and bore fouir known children -- Helen Irene Tener, Marie Eleanor Havel, John Edward Tener and Wilma Jane Slawson. John was cut away by the Grim Reaper in 1943, with burial in Riverside Cemetery. Bertha made survived another dozen years. She passed away in 1955.

Daughter Elizabeth Tener (1847-1929) was born on Jan. 28, 1847. In nuptials held near Riverside, on Aug. 10, 1869, Elizabeth wedded Thomas L. "Tim" Sims (April 13, 1845-1933), son of Charles W. and Frances (Young) Sims. As a young man, living in Yatton, IA during the Civil War, Thomas enlisted in the Union Army on Aug. 16, 1862. He was assigned to the 24th Iowa Infantry, Company D. While in battle at Champion Hill, MS on May 16, 1863, he received a wound in action. After nearly three years of military service, Thomas was discharged in Savannah, GA on July 17, 1865. After returning home to Riverside, Timothy joined the Masons. If he received a military pension as compensation for his Civil War wound, the record has not yet been found. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with an informal lunch at their home on Aug. 10, 1949. They received $25 in gold in gifts. A news story about the event reported that "The bride of a half-century ago was daintily constumed; her eyes shone with happiness; and her hair, which Nature is making soft and white, was especially becoming in its coiffure." At the age of 81, Elizabeth passed away on Jan. 7, 1929. Thomas lived for another three years and succumbed at the age of 87 on April 4, 1933.

Daughter Margaret Caroline "Maggie" Tener (1851-1928) was born on July 27, 1851. She was united in wedlock with Charles D. Wood (Sept. 11, 1866-1928). She was 15 years older than the groom. The couple dwelled in Riverside, where he belonged to the Masons and she to the Order of Eastern Star. On the fateful day of Aug. 24, 1928, the couple both died, she at age 77 and he at 61. They are interred in Riverside Cemetery in Washington County, IA.

~ Son Henry A. Younkin ~

Henry A. Younkin's profile, Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County

Son Henry A. Younkin (1827-1920) was born on Nov. 2, 1827 in Ohio.

At the age of 17, in 1844, he migrated west with his parents and siblings to Washington County, IA. When he reached the age of 21, in 1849, Henry left his parents' home and ventured out on his own. He spent a winter in Arkansas and Mississippi, and the next winter in Wisconsin, lumbering pine along the Chippewa River. He later returned to Iowa where he spent the rest of his years.

Henry waited until he was age 33 to marry. On Dec. 6, 1860, he was united in wedlock with Mary Ann Iden (Jan. 1, 1831-1912), daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Harring) Iden and a native of Deavertown, Morgan County, OH. She was a cousin of Eliza J. Iden who married Henry's brother Joseph.

Mary Ann was only two months old when her mother died, and she was raised by her Harring grandparents near Fosterville, Perry County. She then came to Iowa in 1856 to reside with an uncle, Alfred Iden.

The two children born to this marriage were Wilbur Younkin and Emma C. Younkin. The first house in which the Younkins lived was still standing as of 1887, but had been moved to make way for a more modern farm home. They remained on that farm for 52 years, located two miles east of Riverside, Washington County.

Henry was active in the community and served as assessor of Iowa Township and as a trustee for three years. He also spent 14 years as treasurer of the local school district, and he and Mary Ann were said to be "earnest advocates of everything pertaining to the advancement of educational interests. In 1887, Henry was profiled in the book Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa.

Birthday postcard sent to Henry A. Younkin by cousin Mary L. Iden, Nov. 1909

Mary Ann died on June 12, 1912 at the age of 81. Rev. H.F. Pugh, of the local Methodist Episcopal Church, officiated at the funeral service.

Eight years later, Henry was carried away by the Angel of Death at the age of 92 on Sept. 16, 1920.

Daughter Emma C. Younkin (1862-1937) was born in 1862 in the old farm house on her parents' farm two miles east of Riverside, Washington County, IA. She attended several semesters of the Iowa City Academy, receiving what then was known as "a liberal education." On Nov. 28, 1894, she wedded Dayhart S. Hardy (July 1870-1959). They made a home with Emma's parents and bore a son, Walter L. Hardy. She died in Riverside in 1937.

Abner and 1st wife Martha Jane Younkin

~ Son Abner Younkin ~

Son Abner Younkin (1829-1896) was born on Nov. 2, 1829 in Perry County, OH.

At the age of about 17, in 1844, he may have stayed behind in Ohio when his family migrated to Iowa.

Abner was twice married. His first bride was Martha Jane Young (1835-1876), whom he wed in 1855 in Perry County.

They were the parents of Cyrus Lorenzo Dow Younkin, Francis Asbury "Frank" Younkin, Ida J. Younkin, Uretta A. Younkin, Samuel Younkin, Effa "Effie" Stella Vail Tallon Bettis, Abner "Evans" Younkin Sr. and Katrine Minnie Younkin.

Sadly, daughter Uretta died at the age of about one in 1864 and was placed into repose in Riverside Cemetery.

Heartache cascaded through the family when Martha Jane died of tuberculosis ("consumption") at the age of 41 on March 29, 1876.

After two years of grieving, Abner wed his second bride, Rebecca Fesler (Aug. 12, 1844-1923), daughter of Samuel and Fanny Fesler of Liberty Township, Johnson County. Their wedding was held in 1878.

The couple produced two children of their own -- Fannie Younkin and Mary Ruth Younkin.

Abner resided in Riverside and was taxed on his ownership of 110 acres in 1894. He also was a member of the Iowa Township board of supervisors in 1876.

Top headline obituary, Washington (IA) Evening Journal, 1896

Stricken with kidney disease, he passed away in Riverside on May 21, 1896 at the age of 66. He rests for all time in Riverside Cemetery.

Rebecca spent her final years in Iowa City at 213 South Capitol Street and was considered "one of the beloved pioneers of Southeastern Iowa," said the Iowa City Press-Citizen. She "was a devoted mother, and her greatest enjoyment was to live and do for her children. She had made her home with her daughter, Miss Mary Younkin, for the last 12 years, and in that home and elsewhere grief has come to those who esteemed and loved her." She died on Oct. 8, 1923. In an obituary, the Press-Citizen remarked that "She has been ill for the last two months, and in a critical condition during the last fortnight." Burial was in Riverside Cemetery following funeral services held at the local Methodist Church. The epitaph on their red barre granite grave marker reads: "God giveth, God taken away, our Mother." Their daughter married H.J. Vail of Pasadena, CA.

Cyrus' postcard to Uncle Henry A. Younkin, 1910

Son Rev. Cyrus Lorenzo Dow Younkin (1855-1925) was born in 1855. He was named for a famed traveling American preacher, Lorenzo Dow (1777-1834), who was never ordained but is said to have made sermons to more people than anyone in his time. He was united in holy wedlock with Anna May Mitchell (1862-1920), a native of Dixfield, Maine and the daughter of William Wallace and Sarah Mason (Eustis) Mitchell. They are believed to have been the parents of three offspring -- Edith Frances Younkin, Conrad Younkin and Kenneth "Mitchell" Younkin. Sadly, the youngest died an untimely death on Christmas Eve 1896. Cyrus received his ordination in 1879. He studied at Boston University and received a bachelor's degree in 1882 and a master of arts degree in 1885. Early in his career, he was assigned to Wollaston Methodist Church near Boston. In the mid-1880s, he was pastor of the Bromfield Church of Boston. Then in February 1885, he accepted a transfer to the Halifax Congregational Church "to supply the pulpit and the church continues to struggle with the support of the ministry," said The History of the Halifax Congregational Church of Halifax, Massachusetts. When the congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary in 1891, he presented "a very interesting historical address," said the Halifax History. He left Halifax on May 1, 1885 and is believed to have moved to Park Street Congregational Church in Boston. Circa 1892, he made his home in Boston at 201 North Street. He then became superintendent of the North End Mission, a Boston home for children, and in 1889 is known to have petitioned to be named guardian of young John E. Reardon. In October 1899, said the Boston Globe, a reunion was held in the Mission's meeting room, with Anna May's uncle W.W. Mitchell returning after a long time away. Anna May was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (No. 38098) based on the service of two men, Corporal Chamberlain Eustis and Sergeant Samuel Trask of Massachusetts. Cyrus in April 1910 traveled to Texas to visit his brother Abner Evans Younkin and then a postcard photo of Abner and his son Abner Jr. to their uncle Henry A. Younkin in Riverside, IA. The note read: "Dear Uncle: We leave Laredo tonight. Have enjoyed our visit with brother Evans. Our next stop will be at the Grand Canyon of Arizona. Will reach there Sunday. Thence we go to Los Angeles and Passadena. Health good. Love to you and all. C.L.D. Younkin." Anna May died in 1920 and was buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Maine. Cyrus outlived her by five years and circa 1922 was pastor of Byfield Church, with a membership of 70. He joined his wife in death in 1925.

• Granddaughter Edith Frances Younkin (1889- ? ) was born in March 1889 in Boston.

Above left: Francis Asbury Younkin with his daughter Floy, photographed at Wheelers Gallery, What Cheer, IA. Above right: one of Floy's prized bulls,

Son Francis Asbury "Frank" Younkin (1857-1940) was born on Dec. 8, 1857 in Riverside, Washington County, IA. He married Helen Seaton (1857-1888) on Nov. 28, 1883 in What Cheer, Keokuk County, IA. They moved to Cameron, a Missouri community encompassing the three counties of Clinton, DeKalb and Caldwell. In the five short years they were married, the couple bore two children, Floy Parker and Francis Asbury Younkin Jr. Sadly, Helen died in Feb. 1888 at the age of just 30 in 1888, and their infant son also died that year. After a grieving period of five years, Frank married a second time on June 1, 1893 in New Sharon, Mahaska County. His second bride was Cora (Martin) Cowles (Dec. 14, 1866-1940), daughter of William and Emily (Nash) Martin of Lacey, IA. Cora had been married previously and brought a son to the second union, three-year-old Leonard Cowles. The produced a son of their own, Raymond Albert Younkin. Frank and Cora dwelled for years in New Sharon. Frank died there on May 14, 1940. Burial was in Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, IA. Cora only survived him by less than six months and joined him in death on Dec. 4, 1940.

• Granddaughter Floy Younkin (1884-1967) was born on Oct. 22, 1884 in Cameron, MO. She was united in holy matrimony with Omar Parker ( ? - ? ). Photographs suggest that Floy became a nurse. She was in Pasadena, CA in 1948. She passed away in Sept. 1967.
  
  
• Grandson Raymond Albert Younkin (1900-1986) was born on Aug. 24, 1900 in New Sharon, Mahaska County. On May 1, 1921, when he was age 20, Raymond wedded Alice Anna Potheven (Oct. 22, 1900- ? ). The produced three children -- Harriet Corinne Lowell, Francis Albert Younkin and Carol Ann Younkin. Raymond died at the age of about 86 on April 14, 1986. Alice survived and moved to Glendale, AZ. She was in contact with Donna (Younkin) Logan, founder of the Younkin Reunion East of the 1990s, and a photograph of Raymond's family was published in Vol. #3 of the modern Younkin Family News Bulletin.

• Step-grandson Leonard Cowles (1890- ? ) was born in Sept. 1890. He married Edna Duffus ( ? - ? ). Nothing more is known.

Above left: Floy (Younkin) Parker. Above right: Raymond and Carol (Petheven) Younkin with their children Harriet, Carol and Francis. Below, Floy Parker.

Daughter Ida J. Younkin (1861- ? ) was born in July 1861 in Iowa Township, Washington County, IA. In about 1880, when she was age 19, she married George H. Barbour (Aug. 1853- ? ), an Ohio native. They were the parents of five daughters -- Laura June Barbour, Ida Florence Barbour, twins Edith Barbour and Edna Barbour, and Nellie Gladys Barbour. In 1900, census records show that the couple dwelled in Prairie Township, Mahaska County, IA, where George worked as a lumber and grain dealer. Sadness blanketed the family when Ida died sometime during the decade between 1900 and 1910. Then in about 1910, George wedded his second bride, Mary J. (1860- ? ), a native of Pennsylvania. George earned a living in 1910 with interests in lumber and banking in New Sharon, Mahaska County.

• Granddaughter Laura June Barbour (1881- ? ) was born in June 1881. At the age of 28, on June 22, 1909, she was united in matrimony with Francis A. Mather ( ? - ? ), son of Peter S. and Annie E. (Thompson) Mather. They dwelled in 1948 in Van Nuys, CA.

• Ida Florence Barbour (1883- ? ) was born in Nov. 1883. At the age of 27, she lived at home and worked as a bookkeeper for a real estate firm in New Sharon.

• Edith Edna Barbour (1885- ? ) was born in Oct. 1885, a twin with her sister Edna. As with her twin sister, Edith was employed as a teacher in the city schools of New Sharon in 1908-1910. When she was age 25, on Oct. 5, 1910, she wedded Harry A. Wilson ( ? - ? ), son of A.C. and Libbie (Darrah) Wilson. Evidence suggests that it was a double wedding with her twin Edna and Carl L. Ranger.

• Edna Edith Barbour (1885- ? ) was born in Oct. 1885, a twin with her sister Edith. As with her twin sister, Edna was employed as a teacher in the city schools of New Sharon in 1910. On Oct. 5, 1910, in Mahaska County, she was joined in wedlock with Carl L. Ranger ( ? - ? ), son of Clark W. and Viola S. (Lee) Ranger. Clues hint that it was a double wedding with her twin Edith and Harry A. Wilson. She was in Los Angeles in 1948.

• Nellie Gladys Barbour (1893- ? ) was born in March 1893.

Great-granddaughter

Son Samuel Younkin (1866- ? ) was born in April 1866 in Iowa Township, Washington County, IA. At the age of 31 in about 1897, he was joined in wedlock with 25-year-old Abigail "Abby" (?) (April 1870- ? ), daughter of Harriet Gunn and a native of Michigan. They bore two children -- Harriet Lucille Younkin and Ruth Colynn. Sadly, daughter Harriet was deceased by 1910. The family was in Iowa when their eldest daughter was born in 1898 and in Washington County, IA in 1900 as shown by the census, with Samuel earning a living as a lumberman. Evidence suggests that they were in Canada circa 1901 when their daughter Ruth was birthed. They relocated to the Pacific Northwest and were in Spokane, Spokane County, WA in 1910-1930 when the federal census enumerations were made. In Spokane, Samuel was employed as a florist, with Abby and Ruth assisting him in the business in 1930. Abby died during the early 1930s, and by 1935 Samuel had married a second time to Leona (1876- ? ), a native of Oregon. Samuel and Leona remained in Spokane in 1940. Their paper trail ends here.

• Granddaughter Ruth Younkin married (?) colynn ( ? - ? ). In 1948, they lived in South Laguna, CA.

Effie and Hervey Vail

Daughter Effa Stella "Effie" Younkin (1869- ? ) was born on May 10, 1869 in Iowa. In about 1898, when she would have been age 29, she was wedded to 52-year-old Hervey J. Vail (1846- ? ), who was 24 years older than she. The couple did not reproduce. In the years prior to marriage, Hervey had moved to Pasadena, Los Angeles County, CA, where he established the Pasadena Weekly Star newspaper and was its owner/publisher for about nine years. as such, he was considered a "pioneer newspaper editor of this city" said the Los Angeles Times. He sold the Star and returned to New Sharon, IA, where he married our Effie. He brought a son to the marriage, William L. Vail. When the United States Census was taken in 1910, the couple lived in New Sharon, Mahaska County, IA, with Hervey working as postmaster and Effie as a postal clerk. That year, city schools teacher Della K. Moberly and New Sharon Star editor Ray B. Duboe boarded in their home. Their dwelling-place was on High Street. Then in 1911, the Vails relocated to Pasadena, making a home at 962 East Villa Street. The 1920 federal census enumeration shows Hervey's occupation as journalist-newspaper. He died at the age of 77 on Nov. 30, 1922. His passing created headline news in the L.A. Times. At the time of Hervey's death, his son was in Mexico City. Later, on June 30, 1928, the 58-year-old Effie married her second spouse, 67-year-old widower George M. Tallon (Feb. 18, 1866-1939), a native of Union Mills Mahaska County, IA. News of their marriage was published in a listing in the L.A. Times. George brought children to the second union, among them son Fred DeVern Tallon. The Tallons established a home in Pasadena. Sadly, their marriage was short-lived, as George died in Pasadena in February 1939, with a short obituary appearing in the Davenport Quad-City Times and Iowa City Press Citizen. Word of his death was transmitted to Effie's half-sister Fannie Meeks in Davenport, IA. The funeral was held in Pasadena, with burial in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale. Effie wed a third time, on June 26, 1940 to Wilbur Oren Bettis (May 27, 1877-1958), the son of John C. and Electa A. (Dike) Bettis of Vermont. She was age 71 at the time. Wilbur worked as a night watchman at Pasadena Junior College, and they lived at 1475 Locust Street. In April-May 1948, Effie's half-sister Fannie Meeks spent six weeks' visit in their home, the first time the sisters had seen each other for 38 years. A dinner was held in honor of the guests, and visitors included Glenn Meeks, John L. Younkin and wife of Culver City, Dudley Ranger and wife of Los Angeles, Ruth Younkin Colynn and husband of South Laguna, June and Francis Mather of Van Nuys, Edna Ranger of Los Angeles and Floy Younkin Parker of Pasadena. The Bettis marriage union lasted for 15 years until Effie's death on June 15, 1955. Wilbur outlived her by three years. On New Year's Day 1958, as a resident in Elwood Rest Home, Wilbur suffered a heart attack and died in Pasadena. His remains were placed into repose with Effie's in Mountain View Cemetery and Mausoleum in Altadena, CA. Effie's niece, Floy (Younkin) Parker, was the informant Wilbur's death certificate.

Above left: brothers Samuel and Frank Younkin. Above right: Dr. Abner "Evans" Younkin Sr. with his son Abner Jr. in Laredo, Texas, 1910.

Five generations of Younkin women -- Rebecca (Fesler) Younkin with her offspring. But who?

Son Dr. Abner "Evans" Younkin Sr. (1870-1946) was born the day after Christmas 1870 in Riverside, Washington County, IA. Abner was joined in wedlock with Nell Mudd (April 5, 1880-1962), daughter of William Ambrose and Naomi (Sparks) Mudd. Their two known offspring were Abner Evans Younkin Jr. and John Younkin. Abner Sr. received a doctorate in dentistry and initially established a practice in Corpus Christi, TX. They eventually moved to Laredo, Webb County, TX and were there circa 1910-1946. He received a visit from his brother Cyrus in April 1910, who in turn sent a postcard photo of Abner and his son Abner Jr. to their uncle Henry A. Younkin in Riverside, IA. The note read: "Dear Uncle: We leave Laredo tonight. Have enjoyed our visit with brother Evans. Our next stop will be at the Grand Canyon of Arizona." The Waco (TX) News-Tribune once reported that Abner "for a number of years [was] a foremost Bermuda onion grower on his two irrigated farms near here..." Abner suffered a heart attack and died in Laredo on Dec. 23, 1946, just three days shy of his 76th birthday. His remains rest in Laredo City Cemetery. Nell outlived her husband by 16 years and remained in Laredo. There, she succumbed on Dec. 19, 1962, at the age of 82. Their son Abner Jr. (1908-1972) died on May 1, 1972 and is interred in Laredo.

Daughter Katrine Minnie Younkin (1873- ? ) was born in 1873 in Iowa Township, Washington County. She was united in matrimony with John Willson ( ? - ? ). They produced these known sons -- Scott Willson and Lawrence Willson. She is believed to have passed into eternity in Pasadena, CA.

Daughter Fannie Younkin (1881- ? ) was born in Aug. 1881 in Washington County, IA. In 1901, she wedded James L. Meeks ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of 10 and made a home in Riverside in 1907-1923. The children from this marriage were Mabel McLeod, Grace Yeggy, Ferne Perkins, Dorothy Harrison, Donald Meeks, Ivan Meeks, Elmer Meeks, Glenn Meeks and two others. Active socially, Fannie was elected Noble Grand and Treasurer over the years with the Rebekahs Lodge. In April-May 1948, she and her sister Mary traveled to California to see their elder half-sister Effie Bettis for the first time in 38 years. Son Glenn, who also was in California during that time, joined the visiting party at the Bettis residence. Upon their return home, they took a train to Denver, where they spent a few days and thence to Riverside, IA. Fannie spent her final years in Iowa City and died at the age of 90 and passed away in mid-Nov. 1971. She was survived by 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Daughter Mary Ruth Younkin (1884-1975) was born on July 22, 1884. Circa 1923, unmarried, she resided with her widowed mother and was employed in the Extension Division of the University of Iowa. Then in 1948, she was in Mobile, AL, where she worked in a railroad office. Mary and her sister Fannie traveled to Pasadena, CA in April 1948 to see their elder half-sister Effie Bettis for the first time in 38 years. Fate intervened, however, when Mary was forced to abort the trip after only five days when an emergency called her back to work in Alabama. Mary lived in Iowa City in 1971. She died on July 8, 1975.

~ Daughter Elizabeth (Younkin) Iden ~

Daughter Elizabeth Younkin (1830-1862) was born on June 22, 1830 in Ohio.

At the age of 14, she and her family became pioneer settlers of Iowa.

In nuptials held in or near Riverside, Washington County, IA, she was married on Dec. 3, 1857 to Thomas H. Iden (April 1829- ? ), son of Alfred and Mary Ann (Bell) Iden.

In their short five years of marriage, the couple bore four sons -- Charles H. Iden, Chris Iden, William W. Iden and George W. Iden.

Sadly, she died at the age of about 32 on Nov. 14, 1862, possibly due to the after-effects of childbirth with her son George.

Thomas married a second time to Ohio native Harriet "Hattie" Holmes (1837- ? ) and produced offspring of their own, Kate Iden, Frank iden and John Iden.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1870, Thomas and Hattie lived on a farm in Iowa Township, Washington County. Then during the 1870s, they pulled up stakes and moved to Kansas, making a home in Houston Township, Smith County, as shown in the 1880 census. Living under their roof in 1880 was Thomas' 18-year-old sister-in-law Martha Holmes. Evidence suggests that Harriet died between 1880 and 1900.

When the U.S. Census again was taken in 1900 of Harvey Township, Smith County, Thomas was shown as widowed, with 38-year-old sister-in-law Martha Holmes still in the residence, along with 14-year-old servant James Chapman.

Son Charles H. "Charley" Iden (1858- ? ) was born in 1858 near Riverside in Washington County, IA. At the age of 21, he lived with his father and stepmother on a farm in Houston Township, Smith County, KS.

Son Chris Iden (1859- ? ) was born in 1859 near Riverside in Washington County, IA.

Son William W. Iden (1860- ? ) was born on Jan. 3, 1860 near Riverside in Washington County, IA. Unmarried at age 19 in 1880, he dwelled with his father and stepmother and provided labor for their fam in Houston Township, Smith County, KS.

Son George W. Iden (1862- ? ) was born on Nov. 11, 1862 near Riverside in Washington County, IA. As a boy, he moved with his family to a new home in Houston Township, Smith County, KS. He is believed to be the same "George W. Iden" named in a Nov. 1898 article in the Smith County (KS) Journal, saying he was "one of the hard working and prosperous farmers of Houston township [and] was in town last Saturday and found time to make this office a pleasant call. He saysthey are short on corn down his way this season, but did fairly well with wheat. He has 60 acres of wheat that is up and looking fine for next year's crop."

~ Daughter Nancy Younkin ~

Daughter Nancy Younkin (1832-1920) was born on June 15, 1832 in Ohio, as written in the family Bible.

She came to Iowa at about age 12 and never married.

For many years, she lived with her bachelor brother, Civil War veteran John Franklin Younkin, and served as his cook and housekeeper.

In 1917, she and her brother John both signed an affidavit in support of a pension application by Rachel (Craig) Tansey, the widow of their former brother in law, Civil War veteran William Parker Tansey.

She died in 1920.

~ Son William R. Younkin ~

Son William R. Younkin (1834-1876) was born on Nov. 22 or 23, 1834 in Ohio.

At the age of about 10, he joined his family in a cross-country migration to Iowa. In nuptials held in Washington County, IA, he was united in matrimony with Mary Adaline Bray (April 6 or 8, 1846-1905).

The couple bore four children -- Franklin Savanah Younkin, M. Ella J. Younkin, William Henry Younkin and Leon George Younkin.

William earned a living as a harness-maker and was proprietor of shops in Ainsworth, Yalton and Riverside.

But sadly, at the age of only 42, he died in Riverside on Jan. 12, 1876.

Widowed at the age of 30, Mary Adaline survived for nearly another three decades and married again to Samuel Wood ( ? - ? ). She was a member of the Lone Tree Methodist Episcopal Church. She joined him in death in Lone Tree, IA, in the home of her son William, on April 3, 1905 at the age of 58.

Frank and Henrietta (Scott) Younkin and family of deaf-mute offspring

Son Franklin Savanah "Frank" Younkin (1867-1955) was born on Jan. 16, 1867 in Iowa. His wife was Henrietta "Etta" Scott (July 26, 1869- ? ), a native of Riverside, Washington County, IA and the daughter of Thomas Carson and Catharine Jane (Marling) Scott. Their three known children were Georgia Etta Barritt, Lyle William Younkin and Homer Cal Younkin. They made a home in Lorimor, Union County, IA. Heartache enveloped the young family when Henrietta at age 34 passed away two days before Christmas 1903. Frank remained in Lorimor for the rest of his life. He may have married again to Effie A. (?) (June 22, 1868-1939). Effie died two days before Christmas 1939 at the age of 71. In Aug. 1940, Frank attended the 13th annual Younkin-Godlove Reunion held at Iowa City. He is believed to have died in Lorimer at the age of 88 in Aug. 1955. A short obituary was printed in the Iowa City Press Citizen, which said he was survived by his granddaughter Mrs. Kenneth Temple and his sister Mellie Lingo. Frank and Henrietta rest in Hamblin Cemetery in Macksburg, Madison County, IA.

• Grandson Georgia Etta Younkin (1890-1973) was born on May 24, 1890 in Washington County, IA. She was stricken with scarlet fever as a child and and was rendered deaf and unable to speak. She studied at the School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs. As an adult, on Feb. 4, 1914, she was joined in marriage with a fellow deaf-mute, widower William Oliver Barritt (1873-1923), a resident of Council Bluffs, IA and the son of Oliver Lindsay and Emma Carolina (Staffansson) Barritt. Their wedding was conducted with a primitive type of sign language which allowed the minister to ask both groom and bride for their consent to marry. William had been married once before to Jennie M. (1875-1904). Georgia and William bore a daughter of their own, Bessie Mae Temple. Sadly, William was carried away by the Angel of Death in 1923 after only a few years of marriage. Georgia lived a long life in Council Bluffs. As a resident of Woodlawn Convalescent Home in Waterloo, IA, she passed into eternity on July 15, 1973 at the age of 83. A short death notice appeared in the Waterloo Courier. She rests in Calvary Cemetery in Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA. Their daughter Bessie was joined in marriage with Corp. Kenneth F. Temple of Portsmouth, VA in Sept. 1937.

• Homer Carl "Cal" Younkin (1896-1939) was born on June 11, 1896 in Oakland, IA. As a boy, he was stricken with scarlet fever as a child and and was rendered deaf and unable to speak. He never married. Circa 1930, clues hint that he worked in Madison, WI. At the age of 47, he may have lived in the Salvation Army facility of Davenport, IA in 1938, with a complaint made that he was there despite status as a non-resident of the town. He earned a living as a laborer with the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. Stricken with degeneration of his spinal cord, leading to paralysis, he was admitted to Broadlawns General Hospital in Des Moines. He died there on Jan. 5, 1939 at the age of 42. His remains were buried in Hamblin Cemetery in Macksburg, Madison County, and his father had the sad task of signing the death certificate.

• Lyle William Younkin (1894-1969) was born on Sept. 10, 1894 in Iowa. Stricken with scarlet fever as a young boy, he became deaf and not able to speak. He grew up in Lorimor. In 1901, at the age of seven, he was admitted to the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs. Said the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican, in a June 1914 article, "His industrial work has been in the printing and book binding department, and the subject chosen for his essay is appropriately 'Printing'." When the 1920 census was taken, Lyle boarded in the home of Mary Rowe in Muskogee, Muskogee County, OK. He earned a living that year as a "carpenter-general work." At the age of 28, in about 1922, he was joined in wedlock with 22-year-old Anna B. ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Des Moines, with him working as a carpenter and her as a seamstress for an overalls factory. The couple relocated to Dallas during the 1930s where he continued his carpentry work, focusing on building construction. Death took him away in Dallas, TX on Sept. 26, 1969.

Daughter M. Ella J. "Mellie" Younkin (1869- ? ) was born in 1869 in Iowa. At the age of 29, on Aug. 30, 1898, she married Dr. John H. Lingo (Nov. 11, 1867-1939), a veterinarian of Lone Tree and the son of Milton and Sarah (Marling) Lingo of Washington County, IA. The couple made a home in Lone Tree and were the parents of one daughter, who sadly died in infancy. They also adopted a daughter, Zelda Lintner. Early in his working career, John was employed in a Lone Tree hardware store. Then in 1912, he graduated from the Chicago Veterinary College and built a popular practice in Johnson, Louisa, Muscatine and Washington Counties. He also was a member of the local lodge of the Masons. Sadly, he died on Aug. 26, 1939, with funeral rites provided his Masonic friends. Pallbearers included Otto Joens, Walter Lennabaugh, Walter E. Shoquist, William Pearson, Cloyce J. Loehr and Harry W. Sievers. Among the hymns sung at the funeral were "In the Sweet By and Bye" and "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder." Mellie underwent surgery for a serious issue in May 1941 in Iowa City's Mercy Hospital but was released and returned home. Circa 1944, she moved to a new home in Washington, IA. She died in her residence on Oct. 23, 1955 from the effects of a heart problem. An obituary was published in the Muscatine (IA) Journal, with burial in the Riverside Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Zelda Lintner

History of Johnson County, Iowa

William's residence, Lone Tree, Iowa

Son William Henry Younkin (1872-1942) was born on Feb. 2, 1872 in Riverside, Washington County, IA and grew up learning the farming trade. He left home to go out on his own at the age of 15 with his education "gained mainly in the 'college of hard knocks,' where he developed into a man of strong purpose and high ambition," said the book Leading Events in Johnson County, Iowa. As an adult, was praised as an "enterprising business man ... and is a fine example of a self-made man.... He early learned the lessons of life and believes he has gained most of his friends by dealing fairly in business and by extending a ready sympathy and friendship." On Sept. 10, 1895, when he was 23 years of age, William wedded Mary E. Underwood (1875-1946), daughter of Addis Emmet and Catherine C. (Jayne) Underwood. The wedding was held in Johnson County, IA. They were the parents of Howard William Younkin and Helen M. Lindsay. At some point in young adulthood he clerked in a local hardware store. Circa 1897, their son was born in Broome County, NY, the home region of the Underwood family. The couple eventually returned to Iowa and settled in Lone Tree, Johnson County, IA. Starting in about 1894, and for 25 years, William was employed as editor of the local ewspaper. He and Hattie Underwood ran the paper as the Lone Tree Branch, which grew from a six-column folio to seven columns, with the name changed to the Reporter. Hattie sold her interest to William in 1898 but continued to sell advertising. Said the History of Johnson County, Iowa, "In 1898 the paper was again enlarged to a five column quarto and later, in 1900, to a six column quarto, in which form it is still issued. During the seventeen years W.H. Younkin has edited and published the paper he has never missed an issue and has given each issue his personal attention. By his close association to business, he has built up one of the best paying newpaper propositions in the county and has prospered as few have in his chosen occupation. The Reporter is now and has been for many years one of the official papers of the county." He owned a farm in Fremont Township and several tracts of land in Lone Tree. Said Leading Events, "He has helped build up various successful local enterprises and is one of the most successful editors in his part of the state." A Democrat, he held office as councilman of the town of Lone Tree and on the board of education for the Independent District of Lone Tree. He belonged to the Lone Tree Methodist Church, the Abner Lodge of the Masons, the International Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Rose Temple of Pythian Sisters. Circa 1901, he was a director of the Farmers and Merchants Savings Bank of Lone Tree, a financial institution founded with $20,000 in capital. He also was an original stockholder of the Lone Tree Telephone Company and the Lone Tree Live Stock Sale Pavilion Company. He also earned income selling insurance. Later in life, he is believed to have relocated to Arkansas and made a home in Hot Springs. He died in Hot Springs at the age of 69 on March 7, 1942. An obituary was published in the Muscatine Journal and News-Tribune. Mary followed him to the grave in 1946 at the age of 71. They are interred in Lone Tree Cemetery

Son Leon George Younkin (1875- ? ) was born in 1875 in Iowa. He was joined in holy wedlock with Pearl Hayes (1883- ? ), a native of Iowa. They produced three offspring -- Millard M. Younkin, Myra C. Kuhn and Ronald Younkin. He is listed in the Iowa City Director of 1899-1900 as working in a restaurant. In August 1937, living in Fairfield, IA, Leon is known to have attended the funeral of his bachelor uncle, Civil War veteran John Franklin Younkin. His home in 1942 was in Burlington, IA.

~ Daughter Margaret (Younkin) Tansey ~

Daughter Margaret Younkin (1837-1863) was born on Nov. 27, 1837 in Ohio, as inscribed in the family Bible.

Margaret came to Iowa as a girl of about seven.

In nuptials held in Washington County, IA on March 6 or 19, 1862, the 24-year-old Margaret married her childhood friend, 22-year-old William Parker Tansey (Oct. 30, 1839-1917), also spelled "Temsey." Born in Des Moines County, IA, he was the son of Alvolton and Catherine (Holland) Tansey who both were natives of Indiana. He stood 5 feet, 4½ inches tall, weighed 130 lbs. and had a light complexion, light hair and blue eyes.

Later in the year of their marriage, William went to Muscatine to enlist in the Union Army during the Civil War. He was placed within the 24th Iowa Infantry, Company D. Tragically, the marriage was not to be blessed with longevity.

Heartbreak enveloped William when his bride back in Washington County died just 11 months later, on Feb. 1, 1863, at the age of 25. Adding to his grief and feeling of helplessness, he was away in the Army at the time.

During the Battle of Cedar Creek, VA on Oct. 19, 1864, he was shot in the left foot, the ball entering under the ankle bone, severing a tendon, fracturing the bone and exiting on the other side, above the ankle. He was sent to Philadelphia for medical care at the General Hospital. He remained there for a few months and then on Dec. 10, 1864 was transferred to the army's general hospital at Camp McClellan in Davenport, IA. Military physicians determined that he was totally unable to continue military service. He received an honorable discharge on Jan. 31, 1865 and returned home. That spring, in 1865, Dr. William Ott examined the wound, noting that it was still a running sore, and advised him to keep it wrapped in bandages and protected.

Above: fighting at Cedar Creek, VA, where William Tansey was shot. Below: surgeon's sketches of his wounded ankle and extensive psoriasis. National Archives

William wed again on March 22, 1866 to Rachel Craig (Aug. 28, 1847-1936), daughter of Robert and Sarah (Godlove) Craig and an Iowa native. Rev. A.A. Watson of the local Methodist Episcopal Church in Riverside officiated at the ceremony, conducted year Yatton, Washington County.

The couple produced a family of eight children, born between 1866 and 1892 -- Hulda M. Tansey, Minnie M. Tansey, William M. Tansey, Tracy E. Tansey, Sadie C. Tansey, Lulu C. Tansey, Etna F. Tansey and Emiline Mary Tansey.

Over the years, William and his second family kept up a friendship with his first wife's siblings.

William's wartime wound healed but caused a shortening of the tendon, forcing him to walk and apply his weight on the ball of the foot. Just four-and-a-half years after the war ended, on Christmas Eve 1869, William filed for a military pension as compensation for wartime injuries, and it was approved at a rate of $30 per month. [Invalid App. #151.094 - Cert. #105.338]. The couple were farmers in Riverside for many years, but it was difficult for him to perform farm labor and ploughing.

In 1901, the Tanseys relocated to Oklahoma, making a residence in Pawnee, Pawnee County.

William contracted pneumonia at the age of 77 and died on Jan. 30, 1917. Among the mourners attending the funeral were Wes Roe and Charles W. Speers. He left behind cash in the amount of $1,300 and a house and two town lots where they lived.

Rachel then began receiving the monthly pension checks. [Widow App. #1093.769 - Cert. #826.440] To prove her age, Rachel relied on inscriptions in the family Bible kept by her parents, giving her name and birthdate. She also filed paperwork to be reimbursed for $127.60 for her husband's funeral expenses. Rachel outlived her spouse by 19 years and moved to Blackburn, Pawnee County. She received $40 each month circa 1928 as pension payments.

Suffering from chronic kidney problems and senility, she died at the age of 88 on April 5, 1936. Interment was in Pawnee. Her obituary was published in the Davenport (IA) Quad-City Times. Mrs. Oscar Moore of Skedee, OK signed the death certificate.

~ Son John Franklin Younkin ~

Son John Franklin Younkin (1840-1937) was born on Nov. 29, 1839/1840 in Ohio. He was but a boy of four when he and his family relocated from Ohio to Iowa.

He stood 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with dark hair, dark complexion and hazel-colored eyes. A

fter the outbreak of the Civil War, John joined the Union Army as a member of the 24th Iowa Infantry, Company D. A feature story about him in a local newspaper said that he was "one of three volunteers of the original 110 members of Company D of the 24th Iowa Infantry who marched through six hard battles and a hundred skirmishes in the south without a scratch from sword or bullet." Among the known battles in which he took part were Magnolia Hill and Champion Hill, MS and Black River. The Iowa City Press-Citizen once reported that after Black River,

Company D traveled to New Orleans following the siege of Vicksburg and later to Virginia where it joined the forces of Sherman. With that army he fought in the battles of Berryville, Winchester, Cedar Creek and Bull Head Mountain. They then crossed to Goldsburg where they joined Sherman's army. They were preparing for battle in Carolina with Sherman's forces when word reached them that the war had ended. Following this the army was sent to Georgia and later to Pennsylvania and then to Davenport for demobilization.

Riverside, Iowa news story, 1930s -- playing cards with local high school girls and lighting up a 10-cent cigar

Another newspaper noted that once the war ended, "In '65, with the other Boys in Blue, this eligible young bachelor marched home. First it seemed a glamorous picture of heroic romance. But John Younkin soon thought otherwise. 'The fact is, that there were so many girls around that I got sick of them,' Mr. Younkin said. That is the only explanation he cares to give for his celibacy." As an adult, he lived east of Riverside with his unmarried sister Nancy, who cooked and kept house for him.

Then in about 1907, they relocated into Iowa City. John secured a military pension as compensation for his wartime service and received monthly government checks for the rest of his life. [Invalid App. #461.553 - Cert. #250.053]

John was mentioned in a Davenport Quad-City Times article of Dec. 20, 1936 about his nephew Samuel's 50th wedding anniversary, which noted that John was "the only local Civil war veteran." After his sister's death in 1920, said the newspaper, "he lives entirely alone in the 10-room house that stands beneath four giant oak trees on a hill in Riverside. He splits wood and carries in each day three heavy buckets of coal." To pass the time, he smoked 10-cent cigars and played cards with local teenage girls. His brother George, a local physician, served as his "constant" medical advisor and at one point instructed a dentist to pull all of John's teeth, at which point his health improved. John was said to be the oldest automobile owner in the county but gave up driving in 1931.

A 1936 article in a local newspaper was headlined "A Hero, with 'Plenty of Girls,' Yet Never Wed in His 96 Years," authored by staff writer George Shane.

He died in Mercy Hospital in Iowa City on Aug. 14, 1937 at the age of 96. Rev. C.E. Fitzsimmons, John's former pastor, officiated at the funeral service, with assistance from Rev. Judson T. Perkins. Mrs. L.R. Bates and Mrs. R.I. Marner sang hymns, accompanied by pianist Mrs. Harold Cress. Pallbearers included American Legion members Henry Manasmith, Clarence Rummelhart, Norval Flynn, Hubert E. Doud, Andrew Birrer and Cloyd Whitlock. Interment was in Riverside Cemetery, with taps played at graveside. His obituary was republished in the inaugural edition of the Younkin Family News Bulletin at Christmas 1937.

~ Son Dr. George Wesley Younkin ~

Left: George pictured in the YFNB, April 1938 -- right: Riverside news story

Son Dr. George Wesley Younkin (1946-1943) was born on Sept. 5, 1846 in Washington County when Iowa was still a territory of the United States. He was the only child in the large family to be born in Iowa.

On Dec. 6, 1876, he married Sarah Alice Anderson (Dec. 1856/1858- ? ).

They were the parents of five -- Gordon H. Younkin, Mabel M. Younkin, G. Dwight Younkin, Ernestine Younkin and Alsie Younkin.

As a young man, George desired to become a Methodist missionary and studied for the ministry. As a pastor, in the Methodist-Episcopal Church, he was pastor of a congregation in Wapello, IA and in 1887 in Kellogg, IA. Later, in 1876, he graduated from Iowa State University with a medical degree. He thus was an ordained Methodist minister and physician and worked in both fields for many years. The family made a home in Riverside, IA.

A teetotaler, he "never drunk an ounce of liquor in his life," his brother John once said. In the community, he was a member of the Middle Link Lodge of the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF). The federeal census enumeration of 1880 shows that nephew Frank A. Younkin and brother-in-law Joseph T. Anderson in the household. When his brother John was profiled in a 1936 story in the Des Moines Register, George was said to be an "Iowa country doctor and one of the state's veteran physicians. For approximately 50 years he has practiced medicine in eastern and southern Iowa." The towns in which he practiced were Richmond, Lone Tree, Wapello and Riverside. He maintained an office in the second floor of a building on Riverside's Main Street, with his living space on the same floor.

He was pictured in the April 30, 1938 edition of the Younkin Family News Bulletin. Later that year, in August 1938, he was named in an Iowa City Press-Citizen article about the annual Younkin-Godlove Reunion, saying he was too infirm to attend. He once told an inquiring newspaper reporter that "Really, you want to know why we live so long, sir,?... It is because the name is Younkin, sir!"

He was admitted to the IOOF Hospital in Mason City where he died at the age of 96 on May 16, 1943. Rev. G.H. Bamford, pastor of the Grace Evangelical Church, officiated at the funeral held in the IOOF Home chapel.

Son Gordon H. Younkin (1877- ? ) was born in Nov. 1877 in Iowa. He made a home circa 1940 in Billings, MT.

Daughter Mabel M. Younkin (1881- ? ) was born in May 1881 in Iowa. She lived in Denver, CO in 1943.

Son G. Dwight Younkin (1883- ? ) was born in Oct. 1883 in Iowa. He dwelled in Denver in 1943.

Daughter Ernestine Younkin (1894- ? ) was born in Jan. 1894 in Iowa.

Daughter Alsie Younkin ( ? - ? ) -- also spelled Alice at times -- resided in 1943 in Denver.