William A. Yeakle and Caroline Hocker [160-19]

[160-19] WILLIAM A. YEAKLE, } Oct. 20, 1824; d Aug. 10, 1888; s Samuel and Lydia (Anders) Yeakle [160-6a]; m Jan. 25, 1849, CAROLINE HOCKER, 6b Aug. 30, 1825; d May 16, 1857; dau John Hocker of Whitemarsh Twp., Pa.

Children (2):

William Anders Yeakle was born in Whitemarsh Twp., Montg. Co., Pa. Receiving only a common school education Mr. Yeakle improved his mind by private study. In 1850 he began farming on the old homestead and continued living on this farm during the remainder of his life. He was also elected a director in the school board of his township in 1850, which office he continued to fill for eighteen consecutive years, declining a re-election at the end of that period.

In 1870 he was nominated for the office of State Senator but withdrew. Three years later he was again nominated for the same office and was elected. After serving a term of three years Mr. Yeakle declined re-election to that position.

Having always manifested a deep interest in everything pertaining to agriculture, he was for many years a member of the Montg. Co. Agricultural Society, and in 1877 he was elected to represent the Montg. Co. Society on the State Board of Agriculture and served in this capacity for ten years.

Having enjoyed the high esteem and confidence of his constituents Mr. Yeakle frequently represented them in conventions and other gatherings, ofttimes acting as the presiding officer. As a legislator Mr. Yeakle represented the most elevated sentiment and feeling of his party; his vote always indieating the high moral principle which actuated his business and social life. [Bean— Hist. Meontg. Co.|

Although prevented from attending the regular services of the Schwenkfelder Church on aecount of his residence, Mr. Yeakle always took an active interest in Schwenkfelder activities and the preservation of Sehwenkfelder history. He was the moving spirit in the publication of the first edition of the Genealogy of the Schwenkfelders, acting as Chairman of the Committee and also as Editor of the work. Extreme modesty on the part of both Mr. Yeakle and Hon. Christopher Heydrick in connection with that first publication has prevented them from réceiving the praise and gratitude due them for their original laborious efforts. From Mr. Yeakle’s papers we learn that most of the correspondence regarding this project was carried on by him, and that the editorial and business details were also under his supervision.

In addition to the compilation of the Genealogical Record of the Schwenkfelders, Mr. Yeakle is also the author of the very creditable “History of Whitemarsh Township, Montg. Co., Pa.,’? which appeared in the “Norristown Herald” in sixteen numbers, ending April 17, 1883, and which is published in the proceedings of the Montg. Co. Historical Society.