Jacob A. Yawger

JACOB A. YAWGER. Few men are more generally known either personally or by reputation throughout Rush County than Mr. Yawger. He came to the county in 1878, and at once became a potential factor, in its development. He is of Holland-Scotch parentage, and inherited those sturdy qualities of integrity and probity that made him a strong man, always having the courage and frankness of his convictions. As a student of history, and always familiar with the current events of the times, his knowledge gave him a power and influence in the county. In 1884 he was elected district clerk, and his official career was a stormy one, by virtue of a county seat contest between La Crosse and Rush Center. In this contest (he being for La Crosse) he often differed with the attorneys and his friends as well when they all advised a different procedure and he with his determination, tenacity and forensic mind, shaped the proceedings, and the District Court, as well as the Supreme Court, held in favor of his contentions.

Jacob A. Yawger was born in Bradford, New York, March 25, 1844. He received a liberal education in the schools of Bradford and Syracuse, New York. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Company B of the One Hundred and Forty-First New York Infantry, under Captain Compton. He with his company endured many hardships and severe battles.

In June, 1872, at Bradford, New York, he was married to Elizabeth J. Whitehead, who died at McCracken, Kansas, in 1895. To this union four children were born: Benjamin H., Perry S. (now deceased), Scott S. and Jessie, wife of Drew Robertson. His humanitarian spirit and his charity for all marks him as a character in helping the needy, his matured brain makes him a wise counselor and his financial success, a ready and willing helper.