Younkin: - Wm. Younkin, one of the four earliest settlers in Clay County, passed away at his home three miles northeast of Wakefield, on Friday, November 23. He came to Kansas with his brothers, Jeremiah and Silas, and John P. King in 1856 and settled near the mouth of Timber creek on the farm where he died.
Mr. Younkin was born in Somerset County, Pa., September 16, 1832, and came to Kansas in the early fifties, and experienced all the hardships of pioneer life. He was married to Ruth M. Howard in 1862 and five children were born, four of whom are living: Aaron Younkin, Elias Younkin , Mrs. Effie Hall and Mrs. H. Weise, all of whom reside near Wakefield. His son Albert preceded him in death about one year.
Ruth Younkin passed away in 1885 and in 1887 he married Elida Sheppeard. To this union one son, Jesse, was born, who now lives in Wakefield. Mrs. Elida Younkin died in 1902.
He has lived continuously on the former homestead since 1856, excepting seven years in which he resided in Wakefield. He was one of the first white men to permanently locate within the limits of Clay county.
He united with the Evangelical church and was a man much loved by all for his kindly deeds and help in time of need.
The funeral services were held at Timber Creek school house Sunday, November 25, following short services at the home, and he was laid to rest in Timber Creek cemetery.
(Clay Center, Ks Times Nov. 29, 1917)
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In 1856, four Pennsylvanians, the Younkin brothers and John P. King settled near the mouth of Timber creek. Of these parties two, John P. King and William Younkin, still live in the county. Moses Younkin, in the 80's, removed to what was then Washington territory, and was killed by an Indian.
Another brother now lives near Milford, in Geary county. Two sons of the Younkin brothers live near Timber creek.
(Clay County Illustrated 1901 p.4.)
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William Younkin was born in Pennsylvania in 1832. When he was twenty-two years of age he came to Kansas with his brothers, Moses and Jerry Younkin, and J.P. King. These gentlemen were the first settlers in Grant township. Willaim Younkin was a resident of that vicinity until four years ago, when he rented his farm and moved to Wakefield. He was married in 1863 to Ruth Howard, who died in 1880. Five children were born to them. In 1888 he was married to Elida Sheppeard. He owns a nice home.
(Clay County Illustrated 1901 p. 51.)
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