McDonough ILGenWeb

YEAST, John Leonard (deceased), formerly a prominent and prosperous farmer in Sciota Township, McDonough County, Ill., was born in Grantsville, Md., April 4, 1836, a son of Adam and Susan (Morley) Yeast, both of whom were natives of that State. Mr. Yeast left his home in Maryland when he was about twenty-one years of age, and coming to Illinois, located in Fulton County, where he was engaged in farming for several years. Subsequently he followed his customary occupation at a point just south of Bushnell, McDonough County, for about four years. In 1868 he settled on a farm of 160 acres in Section 16, Sciota Township, on which he made the necessary improvements and there spent the remainder of his life. Ultimately, he became the owner of 560 acres of land, and was considered one of the most extensive and successful farmers in the county. He was engaged in general farming, but in later years devoted his attention principally to raising stock. He departed this life in 1900, having made an admirable record as a farmer and as a citizen, and leaving behind him a spotless reputation. He was a man of remarkable energy, strict integrity and conscientious fidelity to the dictates of duty.

Mr. Yeast was united in marriage, in Fayette County, Pa., with Nancy Griffin, a most estimable woman, who was born in that State, a daughter of William and Emeline Griffin, also natives of Pennsylvania. There her father died, her mother afterward removing to the West. Mr. and Mrs. Yeast became the parents of the following nine children, namely: William Leroy, who lives in McDonough County; Carrie and Emma, who are with their mother; John D., who occupies the home farm; Edgar, George and Andrew, who reside on the homestead; Harry, who lives in Good Hope, McDonough County; and Leonard, whose residence is in the same county, just south of Macomb. In 1903 the mother of this interesting family, together with her daughters, moved to Good Hope, where she built a comfortable and attractive residence.

In politics, Mr. Yeast was a supporter of the Democratic party, and was prominent and influential in its councils. He served as Road Commissioner, and in 1882 held the office of Supervisor of Sciota Township, in both of which positions he acquitted himself with efficiency and to the entire satisfaction of the people of his township. Religiously, Mr. Yeast adhered to the faith of the Methodist Church. He lived a useful life, enjoying the respect and confidence of all who came in contact with him, and his death was deeply lamented, not only by his family and intimate friends but throughout the entire community.

---

Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, pages 1052-1053, extracted 26 Oct 2020 by Norma Hass.