Sangamon County ILGenWeb © 2000
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PAST AND PRESENT OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD AND SANGAMON COUNTY ILLINOIS
By Joseph Wallace, M. A.
of the Springfield Bar
The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, IL
1904



JESSE F. YOCOM - This well known resident of Williamsville was born on a farm in Williams township, May 6, 1849, and since old enough to work has been identified with the agricultural interests of the county. His father, Stephen Yocom, is a native of Kentucky, born in 1817, and is a son of Jacob Yocom, who brought his family to Illinois in 1827 and the following year took up his abode in Sangamon county, becoming one of its honored pioneers. Here he entered land and opened up a farm. Stephen Yocum aided in the arduous task of improving the wild land and became the owner of a good farm in Williams township, where he still resides, being now eighty seven years of age. He married Martha A. Council, a daughter of William Council, who was also one of the early settlers of this county. Mrs. Yocom died November 16, 1901. She was the mother of twelve children, eight sons and four daughters: William J. is engaged in farming with his father; George W. is a resident of Jerseyville, Illinois; Mary is with her father.

During his boyhood Jesse F. Yocom attended the district schools to a limited extent, but is almost wholly self-educated. He remained with his father until he was married in Williams township in 1876 to Miss Rebecca C. Yocom, who was born and reared in this county and is a daughter of William Yocom, another early settler. Three children bless this union, namely: Ida, Delbert F. and Cora J., all at home.

After his marriage Mr. Yocom turned his attention to farming and stock-raising and continued to reside upon his farm until 1888, when he removed to Williamsville and purchased the house which he now occupies. He has purchased property from time to time and now owns several small farms, which he either operates or rents. The success that has come to him is due entirely to his own industry and good management, for on starting out in life for himself he was without capital.

Politically, Mr. Yocom is a stanch Republican and cast his first presidential vote for General Grant in 1872, but he has never cared for official honors. Both he and his son are members of the Masonic fraternity and the latter is also connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which lodge he has filled all the chairs and is now past grand. Mrs. Yocom and the children belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and the family is held in high regard by all who know them.



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