US Congressman. Educated in Salem County, New Jersey schools and Salem Academy, he served as a scout for the United States military during the War of 1812, and afterwards studied law, but did not practice. He became a merchant in Salem and served in several local offices, including County Collector and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was also Chairman of the Salem County Whig Party and served in the New Jersey Assembly in 1835. In 1836 he was elected as an At-Large Delegate from New Jersey to the United States House of Representatives, served one term from 1837 to 1839. In March, 1839 he presented credentials indicating he had been reelected in 1838, but the results were contested and the House declined to seat him. In 1840 he was elected again to the House and served another term from 1841 to 1843. During this term Yorke was Chairman of the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Navy. After leaving Congress he participated in numerous business ventures, including serving as a director and officer of the West Jersey Railroad, of which he was President from 1866 to 1875, President of the Cape May and Millville Railroad, and a director of the Swedesborough Railroad, Salem Railroad, Camden and Philadelphia Ferry Company, and West Jersey Marl and Transportation Company.
US Congressman. Educated in Salem County, New Jersey schools and Salem Academy, he served as a scout for the United States military during the War of 1812, and afterwards studied law, but did not practice. He became a merchant in Salem and served in several local offices, including County Collector and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was also Chairman of the Salem County Whig Party and served in the New Jersey Assembly in 1835. In 1836 he was elected as an At-Large Delegate from New Jersey to the United States House of Representatives, served one term from 1837 to 1839. In March, 1839 he presented credentials indicating he had been reelected in 1838, but the results were contested and the House declined to seat him. In 1840 he was elected again to the House and served another term from 1841 to 1843. During this term Yorke was Chairman of the Committee on Expenditures in the Department of the Navy. After leaving Congress he participated in numerous business ventures, including serving as a director and officer of the West Jersey Railroad, of which he was President from 1866 to 1875, President of the Cape May and Millville Railroad, and a director of the Swedesborough Railroad, Salem Railroad, Camden and Philadelphia Ferry Company, and West Jersey Marl and Transportation Company.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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