Description
John W. Yoakum Early Pioneer Dies Suddenly – Native of Old Mexico Succumbed at Residence, 705 Shawnee – Prominent G. A. R. Member – Came Here Before Civil War – Settled in Kentucky After First Coming to United States – Served in Army – Exact Age Was Not Known - - John William Yoakum, native of Old Mexico and one of Leavenworth's earliest settlers, died yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o’clock at his home, 705 Shawnee street. Death occurred suddenly. His health had been failing for some time but his condition was not deemed serious. Yesterday afternoon he was taken suddenly ill and died within a few hours.
The body was removed to the Davis Undertaking company where it will be held until funeral arrangements are made. They will be announced after the arrival of his children.
John William Yoakum was born in Old Mexico. His exact age is not known, but he is thought to have been in the neighborhood of 80 (born ~1838) at the time of his death. While still a child he came to the United States and settled in Kentucky. Later he moved to Missouri.
Mr. Yoakum came to Kansas in the early 60's (1860s) and made his home in Leavenworth. At the time of his arrival, the city was still a typical frontier town in its earliest stages. He lived here until the Civil War broke out.
In 1861 Mr. Yoakum enlisted at Fort Leavenworth, with the Union army. His time of active service covered a period of three years and six months.
PROMINENT GRAND ARMY MAN.
In 1864 when hostilities ended and peace was declared, he came back to Leavenworth. He had lived here ever since that time. Of late years Mr. Yoakum was prominent because of his activity as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a member of Shaw Post, in which he served for many years as commander. He held every office in the local post while a member of the organization.
Five daughters survive him; his wife. Maria C. Yoakum, died shortly over a year ago. The survivors include Mrs. Mary Henderson of Springdale, Kan.; Mrs. George Williams, of Leavenworth; Mrs. Emma Goodwin of San Diego, Calif.; Mrs. Bertha Covington of Omaha, Neb.; and Miss Angie Yoakum, also of Leavenworth. There are also a large number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.
(Researcher’s note: On February 12, 1855, David Hunt had acquired title to John by “...purchase from W. F. Yocum on the 12th day of February 1855."
John Yokum enlisted at Fort Scott, Kansas on August 2, 1862, and was mustered as a Private into the 79th USCT Infantry, Company D.
On November 13, 1866, Benjamin R. Morton, Administrator of the Estate of David Hunt, deceased, of Platte County, Missouri, signed claim for compensation #164 for enlisted slave John Yokum and swore an oath of allegiance before Platte County Circuit Court Clerk George W. Belt.)Date(s) of Creation
8/4/1918
