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William Sherwood Yohn

1858 - 1924

 

William Yohn Is Called

Passed Away Saturday - Funeral Held at 1:30 At the Home Today

William Yohn, called William Sherwood Yohn, a citizen of Clear Lake for the past 14 years, passed away at his home at 11:00 o'clock Saturday, March 29, 1924.

His health for the last five years has been failing steadily, originating from a broken limb which he sustained while at work on some wood and this lead from one minor trouble to another. He was taken to the Park hospital at Mason City some two months ago and an X-ray examination found two growths on his internal organs which were gradually sapping his little bit of vitality left and with a great deal of suffering and intense pain he at last gave up his valiant fight for life. So great was his suffering that he had said "It was more than I could bear and I am ready at any time to meet my Maker, face to face."

Our family circle is broken. Never again will we all come together in our usual jovial gatherings and come away with satisfaction saying "We were all together once again, every brother and sister, father and mother." They will never be complete without the departed one who meant so much to us.

He was a kind, good father with great affection in his heart for his children and much respect and well being for his fellow men. Not outspoken but showing his love in many other ways, we never doubted but that he would have a kind word for us and some good bit of advice and we shall surely miss him.

William Yohn was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, 66 years ago, being one of ten children. His mother died when he was a baby and was left in the care of his older sister. His father was called away to war and the family was broken up.

At the age of 17 he came alone to Illinois and hired out on a farm as a laborer. Three years later he came to Sheffield, Iowa, working on a farm there. It was here he met Winnie Nelson, who became his wife. In the spring of 1880 they moved to Hancock county, Iowa, and settled on a farm where they lived up to the time of their moving to Clear Lake in 1910.

Mr. and Mrs. Yohn were the parents of eight children. Seven with the wife survive him. His children are: Elmer and Howard, of Garner; Mrs. Luella Kimball, of Ventura; Mrs. Mae Neal, living at home; Mrs. Ruah Cash, of Clear Lake; and Edith and Oscar Yohn still at home

Besides the wife and seven children there are nine grandchildren, also one brother and one sister mourn his departure.

Mr. Yohn was a hard working man and provided well for his family. He possessed a cheerful disposition and was ready to pass a humorous word with all and a cordial greeting on to every one. He was a member of the Modern Woodman lodge.

Funeral services were held at the home Tuesday noon with his three sons, Elmer, Howard and Oscar and Howard Cash, Roy Kimball and Ralph Irving acting as pall bearers. Rev. Jorv of the Methodist church spoke the few last words of comfort and praise to the grief stricken family and friends.

The body was taken overland to Garner and laid to eternal rest in the family lot beside that of an infant daughter who preceded him to the better land some twenty years ago.

The heartfelt sympathy of the friends and neighbors has been extended to this sorrowing family.

source: Mirror, Clear Lake, Iowa, 3 Apr 1924, page 5, column 1

 

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