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Below is a family biography included in the book,  Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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WILLIAM R. YEAGER, a popular citizen of Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County, was Postmaster of Bingen during President Harrison’s administration, and was the first Republican Commissioner of this county, to which office he was elected in 1875, and after serving for one term refused the renomination. During this period the county debts were paid, and the manner in which the affairs and duties pertaining to the position were fulfilled reflects great credit upon Mr. Yeager. After a long and varied political and financial career he is now living practically retired from business, in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former industry.

The Yeager family’s ancestors came from Rheinpfalz, Germany, and settled in York County, Pa. Our subject’s grandfather, Conrad Yeager, was a native of Pennsylvania, where he passed the greater part of his life, being a well-to-do tobacco manufacturer. At one time he pursued theological studies under the instruction of the Lutheran minister of his native place, and afterward was stationed at the Straw Church, N. J., then in Williams Township and Hecktown. For a short time after his marriage he taught school, and his last years were passed at Shannonville. His pastorate of Shannon Church, near Hanover, was particularly successful, and he was considered one of the best preachers of his time. He was in politics a Federalist, and in his last years was a Whig. He married Barbara Smith, by whom he had nine sons and two daughters.

George Yeager, our subject’s father, was born in Warren County, N. J., February 3, 1793, and from boyhood devoted himself to agricultural duties. He became a resident of Williams Township, Northampton County. He took an active interest in the political affairs of the Whig party, was an officer in the Lutheran denomination, and was one of the first advocates of the free-school system, and by his unselfish, upright and honorable career won the friendship of all who knew him. He died March 3, 1877, in Catasauqua and lies buried in Shoenersville. His wife bore the maiden name of Susan Rhone, her father being Daniel Rhone, who lived near Catasauqua. Mr. and Mrs. Yeager became the parents of seven children: Mary A., William R., Catherine, Caroline, Eliza, Susannah and Horatio Daniel. With the exception of Catherine, who died at the age of twenty-eight years, they are all yet living.

The birth of our subject occurred in Hanover, Lehigh County, this state, April 6, 1822. He was reared on his father’s farm, of which he became the owner by purchase in 1858. His education was such as was afforded by the public schools in the vicinity of the homestead, to which was added a course of six months’ instruction in the Philadelphia schools. In 1860 he embarked in the milling business, and two years later engaged in the lime trade. At the same time he conducted a store, carrying a full line of general merchandise. In 1869 he became a member of the North Pennsylvania Iron Company, and was elected Vice-President of the concern. The company was largely engaged in the manufacture of pig iron, most of which was shipped to Philadelphia. In the financial panic of 1872-73 Mr. Yeager suffered greatly, and the furnace was finally sold to the Bethlehem Iron Company. Since that time he has given his attention to carrying on his lime business and has succeeded very well in this enterprise.

In December, 1878, our subject married Henrietta Yeager, daughter of Joseph Yeager, of Bingen. A daughter, Jennie, was born to them, and soon after this event the mother was called to her final rest, her remains being buried in the cemetery at Friedensville, Pa. In 1881 Mr. Yeager married Martha Weaver, nee Bachenstoe. She died March 23, 1893, and was buried in Friedensville.

During the war Mr. Yeager was a strong Union man and assisted in the mobilization of troops for the service. He is a member of the Lutheran Church at Friedensville, in which he has served as Elder. Fraternally he is a member of Coopersburg Lodge No. 369, F. & A. M.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the book, Portrait and biographical record of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties, Pennsylvania published in 1894 by Chapman Publishing Company. 

View additional Northampton County, Pennsylvania family biographies here: Northampton County, Pennsylvania Biographies

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