In the spring of 1833, Major Stephen Yocum came with his family to this township, settling on section 19. He was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, on the 17th day of February, 1800. His parents were George and Rebecca (Powell) Yocum, natives of Virginia, who emigrated to Kentucky before the beginning of the present century, where they engaged in farming, and also, for a number of years, in the milling business. Their family consisted of 11 children, four boys and seven girls. As might be inferred, Mr. Yocum was raised on a farm, and in the occupation of tilling the soil, he labored until called to his rest. Mr. Yocum remained with his parents until after he reached his majority, when he went forth into the wide world, with nothing but a brave heart and willing hands, to labor for himself. For two years he remained in Kentucky, making his home with a married sister, when, thinking to better his condition of life, he turned his steps toward the newly opened Prairie state, and settled in Marion county, where, on the 29th of September, 1829, he was married to Mary Dorris, daughter of John Dorris, who emigrated from Smith county, Tennessee, to Marion county, Illinois, in 1827. About four years after their marriage, the worthy couple came to make their home in McDonough county, arriving here in the spring of 1833, settling on the north side of Camp creek, where, in the edge of the timber, he erected his cabin, and commenced to improve the land he had entered. They were the first couple to settle upon the north side of the creek, and to encroach upon the broad, fertile prairie, which is now dotted over with fine farm houses and barns, being, without doubt, the wealthiest portion of the county. Mr. Yocum settled upon section 19, and there lived and labored the rest of his life, rearing a large and respected family, and improving one of the best farms in the county. While living in the southern part of the state, Mr. Yocum was elected lieutenant of the state militia, and afterwards promoted to the captaincy. When the war against the celebrated Indian chief, Black Hawk, broke out, he was by the governor, commissioned as major, and as such, served faithfully during the war. By this title bestowed upon him he was ever afterward known. M. Yocum was always kind to his children, and liberally provided for each. There were in all 11 children, nine girls and two boys, one of the latter dying in infancy, the other reaching his majority, and enlisting in the service of his county as a member of company C, 84th regiment, Illinois volunteers. He was made regimental color bearer, and at the battle of Stone river, December 31, 1862, he laid down his life in defense of his county. Unfortunately, that part of the field was taken by the enemy soon after he fell, and whether they buried him, or his body was interred by others, was never known, as his body was never recovered. This was a sad loss to his loving parents, who doted on him as an only son, and would have sacrificed anything to give him a christian burial. A beautiful monument has been erected to his memory in the cemetery at Pennington's Point. Major Yocum departed this life on the 22d day of October, 1874. His funeral was preached by the Rev. W. S. Campbell, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, and his remains were consigned to the tomb at Pennington's Point, this county. His loss was deeply felt by a large circle of friends all over the county, as well as elsewhere.

Stephen Powell Yocum
born 17 Feb 1800,
died 23 Oct 1874
He was the son of George W. Yocum and Rebecca Powell.
he married 1st Delilah Scott, had two daughters by her and then divorced her for adultery. Stephen then married Mary Doris Sep 1829 in Marion Co., Illinois.