Ann M. Yeazel
SOURCE: "Portrait and Biographical Album of Champaign County, Illinois," Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1887
SURNAMES: SPANGLER, UMBENHOWAR, YEAZEL
Mrs. ANN M. YEAZEL, widow of the late Abraham YEAZEL, who was a prosperous and highly respected farmer of Homer Township, was the daughter of John and Mary (SPANGLER) UMBENHOWER, natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married. Her father was born in 1785, and died in Champaign County, Ill., in 1830. He was a worthy citizen, and a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His wife, Mary, was born in 1787, survived her husband twenty-seven years and departed this life in Sidney Township in 1857. The thirteen children of this household were James, Anthony, Ann M., John, Samuel, Mary, Elizabeth, William, Isaiah, Jacob, George, Thomas and Nellie. Their daughter, Ann M. of our sketch, was born Oct. 12, 1813, and was but two years of age when her parents removed to Berkeley County, W. Va., where she received her education.
When a young lady of nineteen years old Miss Umbenhower went to Ohio, and there became acquainted with her future husband, Abraham YEAZEL. This friendship ripened into a mutual affection, and they united their lives and fortunes on the 30th of October, 1834, with the assistance of Rev. Hinkle, of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the wedding taking place near Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Yeazel was a native of Clarke County, Ohio, born six miles east of Springfield, May 15, 1813. He commenced the struggle of life without means, but was possessed of much natural ability, being enterprising and industrious, and in due time after coming to Illinois had accumulated a sum sufficient to purchase eighty acres of land. When this was paid for he had fifty cents left. The land was only partially improved, and the task before him would have discouraged a man with less resolution and energy. He kept steadily onward, however, living economically and disbursing his funds in the wisest manner, and at the time of his death, besides giving to each of his adopted children a small farm, had 200 acres reserved for his own use.
Mr. and Mrs. Yeazel became the parents of one child only, William J., who only lived a few weeks. He was born Aug. 13, 1835, and died on the 4th of October following. Early in life they united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, but in 1876 became members of the Christian Church, with which Mr. Y. was connected at the time of his death. This sad event occurred on the 4th of March, 1887, upon the homestead which he had labored so many years to build up and in which efforts he succeeded so admirably.
Mr. Yeazel is remembered by all as an honest man and a good citizen, and one who contributed his full share toward the building up of his township, having come here in the early days (May, 1835), while a large portion of the prairie was waiting to be cultivated by the enterprising emigrant. He represented Homer Township on the Board of Supervisors for several years and was otherwise connected with local affairs. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Yeazel has managed the farm with rare good judgment and ability, her aim and object being to sustain the reputation which it gained by the efforts of her deceased husband.
Mr. and Mrs. Yeazel lived together, sharing each other’s joys and sorrows, for over half a century, laboring with one object in view, the establishment of a home, but at the same time helping others. Their portraits, which are placed on a contiguous page, will be recognized and appreciated by all who enjoyed their friendship or acquaintance.