John Geho Yeakel
Obituary
The Ogle County Press, Polo, IL
Saturday, February 9, 1901, Page 1

A Good Man Gone to his Reward

About three o'clock last Sunday morning Feb. 3d, death came and released the spirit from the worn and tired body of John Yeakel, Sr., and he found rest. For more than six months past, he suffered from cancer, and medical skill and tenderest care could only offer temporary relief. Slowly but steadily he grew weaker, but his trust in his Savior was steadfast; he was loth to leave his loved ones but was ready to go.

The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the United Evangelical Church which was filled to its utmost capacity. Rev. G. F. Rassweller, the pastor, assisted by Revs. W. A. Unangst of this city, J. W. Michael of Brookville, and J. G. Finkboner of Dixon, conducted the services. The text was from Phillippians 1:21 "For to me to live in Christ, and to die is gain." All his children except Mrs. Emma Wolfe, of McCool Junction, Neb., were permitted to be present. Friends from Brookville, Hazelhurst, Haldane, Dixon and Forreston gathered with the Polo friends to attest their respect and love for this aged Christian.

John Yeakel, Sr., was born at Milford Township, Lehigh Co., Pa, Nov. 21, 1823 and quietly fell to sleep in Jesus, at 2:30, Sunday morning, Feb. 3, 1901, aged 77 years, 2 months and 12 days. He was the fifth of ten children born to Daniel and Susanna Yeakel. Four sisters and one brother are still living. October 9, 1849, he was joined in marriage to Lydia Kriebel, a union signally blessed of God. The next spring they moved to Herfordville, Pa., where they lived on the farm for 21 years. Here eight children were born to them, Samuel, Jefferson, Susanna, Edwin, Sarah, Jane, Emma, William, Ella, and later, after their removal to Polo, John was born. Of these, Sarah Jane died in infancy, and Ella who went too suddenly, preceded him to hold the gates ajar.

In 1855 under the labors of Rev. Edwin Long, he was converted and united with the Evangelical Association, in which he filled many important offices, being trustee, class leader and president of the missionary society of the circuit, by which large quarterly rallies of the entire circuit were held.
In April 1871, with his family, he came to Polo, five years later he moved to his farm west of Polo, were he resided for eight years, finally returning to Polo to live in the new house he had built, in the spring of 1884. On the 9th of October, 1899, this aged patriarch, his wife and seven children, his twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild, were permitted to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of his marriage. It was a happy occasion long to be remembered by his descendants.

Mr. Yeakel was a modest, peace loving, Christian gentleman, respected and loved by all who knew him. The world is better for his having been in it. He was a strong pillar to his church. His money and his prayers were given for its upbuilding and its support, and memory of his deeds should prove and inspiration to all associated with him.

Contributed by Peg Allen Arnold

The Ogle County Press, Polo, Illinois
Saturday, October 14, 1899
p.1 Col. 3 (with portraits)

OUR CITY OF GOLDEN WEDDINGS
BRIDES AND GROOMS OF FIFTY YEARS AGO, ALSO THOSE OF TO-DAY

Polo has been known as the embowered city city -- the home of literary societies -- as a no-license town -- as the home of three-score and ten widows -- as the town which sends more of her boys and girls to college than any town twice her size -- as the town with the finest public school building in Illinois -- as the home of lovely maidens and brave young men -- but no one ever before thought of her as the golden wedding town, but where in this great land can be found a town of 2100 people containing nine couples who have passed fifty years of matrimonial bliss? Other towns may show one or two, but where is that town that can show nine? This week, therefore, we devote some space and this edition to honoring the men and women who have honored the marriage state. All honor to these patriarchs of the home. The home is the foundation of the state and nation.
In scanning our columns this week it will be seen that marriage is still popular in Polo as we record some four or five marriages that are the genuine original article through fifty years away from a golden anniversary.
(Two oval portraits)
MR. AND MRS. JOHN YEAKEL
There is no friend like the old friend, who has shared our morning days,
No greeting like his welcome, no homage like his praise;
Fame is the senseless sunflower, with gaudy crown of gold,
But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold.
There are no times like the old times--they shall never be forgot;
There is no place like the old place -- keep green the dear old spot;
There are no friends like our old friends -- may Heaven prolong their lives;
There are no loves like our old loves -- God bless our loving wives. -- Holmes
Children's Children Unite to Celebrate the Golden Day
John Yeakel
and
Miss Lydia Kriebel,
Married
October 9, 1849.
In Montgomery Co. Pennsylvania
The crowning event of the beautiful 9th of October was the celebration of the Golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. John Yeakel, at their beautiful home in this city. It was a day long to be remembered, not only by the family but by all who gathered at the home of our friends. Everything seemed bent on making the occasion a success. Even the beautiful autumn leaves vied with the sunbeams in furnishing gold for the golden event. All the children were present except one daughter, Mrs. Wolfe, of Nebraska, from whose home came a surprise in the form of a greeting from a little grand-daughter, only eight days old.

After the many guests had serried the doxology was sung and Rev. Unangst led in prayer. After an instrumental solo by Miss Eva Yeakel, little of greeting were read from the brother and sister of Father Yeakel. Gertrude Stouer (sic), a granddaughter, then recited a poem appropriate to the Occasion, after which Dr. W. K. Yeakel read greetings from nieces and nephews. Mrs. Rasswieler then sang a German solo, and was followed by appropriate greetings on behalf of the grand-children by Warren Yeakel. A letter of congratulations, on behalf of the church, from Rev. D. Kramer, recounted the mutual blessings of their church fellowship. The West was also heard from as Rev. Wolfe sent a missive on behalf of the step-sons and daughters. Rev. E. K. Yeakel followed with a racy expression of the sentiments of the children of Father and Mother Yeakel.

But in one sense the best of all was the presentation of appropriate mementos of the occasion, a handsome gold trimmed clock from the children, a gold lined fruit dish, a tray and a jardiniere by the collective company of guests, as well as individual gifts. The heartfelt responses and expression of gratitude and thankfulness for the blessings of life, as wall as delight in the occasion, touched the hearts of all present. After a trio sang "The Golden Wedding Day (sic), the company adjourned to the lawn to have their pictures taken.

A rich repast of good things was served, and the day was fittingly closed by a serenade given by the members of the Sunday School of the church in which Mr. and Mrs. Yeakel have so long and faithfully labored.
This bright spot in the history of our friends will always be looked back to with pleasure by all who were present. The beaming faces and happy hearts of this aged couple speak to us of what we may make of life if we put our trust in the God which has ben their God, and who has so richly blessed them with long life and happiness. In all respects it was a happy occasion and a pleasing success, and one which will be long remembered by both hosts and guests.

Contributed by Peg Allen Arnold

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