McDonough ILGenWeb

YEAST, Edgar L. (deceased).— Among the agriculturists of McDonough County, Ill., a worthy representative of the younger element was the well-known gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch. Mr. Yeast was a native of McDonough County, having been born in Mound Township, November 30, 1867, a son of John Leonard and Nancy Yeast, who were natives of Pennsylvania. The occupation of the father was that of a farmer, and he was thus engaged in Mound and Sciota Townships for many years, and in this pursuit his labors were rewarded by well-merited success.

The early education of Edgar L. Yeast was obtained in the district schools of Sciota Township, McDonough County, and he remained at home, assisting in the working of the paternal farm until he reached the age of twenty-one years. At that period he applied himself to farming on his own responsibility, in Section 12, Sciota Township, where he was successfully engaged until his death July 31, 1906. Mr. Yeast was the owner of 160 acres of land, on which all the improvements were made by himself. He carried on general farming, and devoted considerable attention to the raising and feeding of cattle, making the breeding of Short-horns a specialty.

On March 2, 1893, Mr. Yeast was united in marriage, in Henderson County, Ill., with Cassie Sanderson, who was born in that county, and there in early youth received the benefit of public school advantages. Mrs. Yeast is a daughter of James and M. E. Sanderson, her father being among the early settlers of Biggsville, Henderson County, Ill., where he has been a prosperous farmer. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Yeast resulted in four children, as follows: Nannie, Marie, James and Enid. In politics, the subject of this sketch was a supporter of the Democratic party, although he was not actively interested in political campaigns. He was careful, systematic and diligent in his farming operations, and as a citizen sustained, all measures tending to promote the welfare of his township. His death was a cause of deep sorrow to his near relatives and a large circle of friends, as well as an acknowledged loss to the community.

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