SAMUEL G. YOUNKIN

YOUNKIN, MEEK, CURTIS, WOODFORD, WOLLFITT, IRVINE, RANKIN, ADAMS, REED, BERTZ

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 4/19/2021 at 16:12:49

SAMUEL G. YOUNKIN, an honored pioneer of the Hawkeye State, is a prominent and successful farmer and stock- breeder, and occupies a fine homestead on section 4, Montrose Township. He came to the State of Iowa when it was in its infancy, and has marked its development and progress with gratified interest. He has also aided materially in the opening up of this section, having been one of its most energetic and enterprising settlers. His own early example of industry and economy not only stimulated his neighbors to their best exertions, but he has given cheerfully and liberally of his time and means for the encouragement of every good work and purpose whose object has been to advance the interests of his county and township. He has met with difficulties and discouragements like most other men, but has suffered nothing to move him from his purpose of becoming a man among men and a useful and worthy citizen. That he has succeeded in this is clearly indicated by the esteem in which he is held among his fellow-citizens.

The birthplace of our subject was Muskingum County, Ohio, where he first opened his eyes to the light Sept. 11, 1839. His parents were Joseph and Susan (Meek) Younkin, natives of Virginia and Ohio respectively. He remained at home during his childhood and youth, assisting in the duties around the homestead, and receiving a fair education in the common schools.

Our subject was united in marriage with Miss Lucretia Curtis, Nov. 29, 1866. His bride was a native of Genesee County, Mich., and was born July 12, 1840. Her parents, Daniel and Emily (Woodford) Curtis, were natives of Vermont and New York respectively. Daniel Curtis was born in 1804, removed to Iowa in early manhood, and died in this State in 1859. His wife, Mrs. Emily Curtis, was born in 1806, came to Iowa with her husband, and departed this life also in November, 1859, within a few days of her husband's decease. The parental household consisted of the following children: George D., who married Miss Mary Wollfitt; Charles H., who chose for his life partner, Miss Mary Irvine;, she died, and he subsequently married Miss Mary Rankin;, Charlotte W. became the wife of Lewis Adams, who is deceased, and she contracted a second marriage with James Reed, and both are now deceased; the next child was Lucretia, now Mrs. Younkin.

Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Younkin have been born four children, as follows: Henry A., born Sept 8, 1871, died March 16, 1872; Cora B. was born Oct. 5, 1876; Samuel C., Sept. 11, 1878, and Willia, March 28, 1880. The family homestead is one of the attractive spots of Lee County. Mr. Younkin is quite extensively engaged in the breeding of high-grade stock, consisting of Short-horn cattle and Berkshire hogs. He occupies a fine farm dwelling, has a good barn, and everything necessary for the convenient storing of grain, and the shelter of stock. The family are held in high respect in their community. In politics Mr. Younkin is strongly Republican, and has been honored with the various township offices. Mrs. Younkin is an earnest and active member of the Presbyterian Church. Her brother, Edward R. Curtis, married Miss Nancy Reed, and Reuben M., now deceased, was married to Miss Mary Bertz. He died Sept. 16, 1880, in Lee County.

Source:
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF LEE COUNTY, IOWA
CHICAGO: CHAPMAN BROTHERS, 1887
 
Transcription typed/proofed as article was originally published in 1887