John G. Yetter Dies Thursday

(Mount Morris Index, January 8, 1925)

Another kindly face will be missed upon the streets of our village by the death of John Yetter, for the past 13 years a resident of Mount Morris, where he has been making his home with his daugther, Mrs. R. W. Hough.

Mr. Yetter had been ill only a few days before his death and had he been a younger man would in all probability have recovered. Due to his advanced age, however, his constitution was unable to survive the test to which it was placed and he passed quietly away on New Year's morning. Although he had been a resident of our village a comparatively short time, Mr. Yetter, was endeared to all those with whom he came in contact by his interest in the doings of his fellow men and his friendly manners.

A daily visitor up town when the weather permitted, his ever ready smile and pleasant greeting obtained for him a host of friends both young and old.

Of a strong Christian character he was ever ready to discuss the problems of right and wrong and many are his friends who have had a more cheerful outlook upon life after a talk with him. Perhaps the best way to express our feelings toward him is, we have lost a friend.

John Yetter, son of John George Yetter, was born December 18, 1835, in Vollmersweiler, Germany. He came to the United States in 1854 and settled at Hennepin, Illinois. Here he was united with Magdalena Schoenholz, November 23, 1857. In 1859, Mr. & Mrs. Yetter removed to a farm in Willow Creek township, Lee County, south of Steward, which has since been known as the Yetter farm.

In 1896 they retired from active life and built a new home in Steward.

This happy union was severed on September 29, 1899, by the death of his companion who was tenderly laid to rest by her six sons.

In January, 1912, he went to Mount Morris to live with his youngest daughter, Mrs. Hough, with whom he resided until the hand of the Grim Reaper appeared on New Year's morning, 1925, Mr. Yetter being eighty-nine years and two weeks old.

To Mr. & Mrs. Yetter were born nine children, all of whom survive. Besides these there remain twenty-two grandchildren, one sister, and many other relatives and friends to mourn his loss.

In 1870 Mr. & Mrs. Yetter gave their hearts to God and united with the Twin Grove Evangelical Church. They remained active and influential members of this church until their removal to Steward, when they united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. In this church affiliation he was very active, serving as steward, trustee and local preacher. He was a member of the board of trustees of the First M. E. Church of Mount Morris and a teacher in the Sunday School at the time of his death.

In political life he was always zealous for the interests of his community. He held many public offices and his counsel was sought be the leaders of his party. He left an enviable record as chairman of the Lee county board of supervisors.

The last services for the deceased were held on Saturday. A brief service was conducted in the Mount Morris M. E. Church.

The body was tenderly laid to rest in the Steward cemetery by the loving hands of his six sons who were thus permitted to perform the same loving service for their father that they had performed twenty-five years before for their mother.