My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE P. YAGER, proprietor of The Fair, a general store of Cortland village, was born in Oneida County, N. Y., December 20, 1863. The family name is German in its origin. He is a son of Harvey Yager, who was born in Otsego County, N. Y. His grandfather, Wilhelmus Yager, who was born in Germany, received a common school education, and was reared to follow agricultural pursuits, which was his vocation throughout his life. Most of his business period was spent in Oneida County, N. Y., in the town of Verona. He was a fervent member of the Baptist Church. His political views were those advanced by the Whig party. He was the father of nine children, six boys and three girls.

His son, Harvey Yager, received a common school education, and engaged in farming, both in Otsego and Cortland Counties, during the early part of his life. In 1866 he took up the mercantile business, being located in Cortland village, where he followed that line of employment until 1870, when he again returned to his former pursuit in Cortlandville township. This he followed for a short time, then retired from active business, and is now living in Virgil, N. Y. He married Margaret Purvis, and they reared two children, Edwin M. and George P. His wife passed away in 1887. He is a Republican, always interested in the welfare of his party, but has never entered public life.

George P. Yager, subject of this sketch, received his primary education in the district schools of his native town, and completed his course in the Cortland State Normal School. He determined to enter upon a business career, and immediately upon leaving school he began to clerk in the dry goods store of Fish & Walrad, in Cortland. This firm sold out after he had been with them one year, and he then engaged with Tanner Bros., in whose employ he remained eight years. Then, possessing the necessary experience and considerable means, he determined to embark in business for himself. A co-partnership was formed with John G. Marshall, under the firm name of Yager & Marshall; they launched their business venture in Cortland, it being a general store called “The Fair.” It was not long before they became well established and secured a nice trade. Their business was so successful in Cortland that they established a branch store in Homer village. In 1897, the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Yager secured the entire interest in both the stores, and by efficient management is conducting a very profitable business.

Mr. Yager was married June 11, 1890, to Miss R. Mollie Williamson. Their happy home has been blessed by the birth of one child, George Leslie. Our subject is one of Cortland’s brightest and most energetic business men. He has been wonderfully successful in all his undertakings, and his ability has secured for him the commercial standing he possesses among his fellow-citizens. He always votes the Republican ticket. He is a member of the M. E. Church, and takes an active part in church affairs, being steward and also secretary of the Sabbath School, which offices he has held for many years.