George Eugene Yoakam (1850-1913)

HUMPHREY, MASON, YOAKAM

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:52

December 19, 1850 --- July 8, 1913

The community of Eagle Grove was severely shocked last Tuesday, when it became known that Eugene Yoakam, a pioneer railroad conductor, and a citizen loved and respected by all, had passed away at four o'clock that morning.

Mr. Yoakam was fairly well until a week ago last Monday, when he began to take cold. He went on his run to Elmore as usual Tuesday, but illness overtook him, and he was forced to let Clarence Wilde, his brakeman, relieve him. His cold developed into pneumonia, and he was taken to the hospital Sunday noon. It was believed at first that he might recover, but he grew rapidly worse Monday and early Tuesday morning passed peacefully away, after having suffered severely for several days.

Funeral services will be held at the home this afternoon at four o'clock. At Mr. Yoakam's own request, Rev. L. M. Pierce of the Congregational church will speak from the text "Do unto others as ye would have others do unto you". The ceremonies will be in charge of the Masons.

Mr. Yoakam was one of the most obliging conductors in the Northwestern service. He was always genial, approachable, and good natured, and his jovial disposition made him a friend to everybody. His friends and admirers are counted by the score, and we join them in extending to the bereaved family the most sincere and heartfelt sympathy.

George Eugene Yoakam was born December 19th, 1850, on a farm near Iowa City, Johnson county, Iowa. He was the oldest son of George Perry Yoakam and Emily Humphrey Yoakam. Of tbe large family composed of three sisters and four brothers, he is survived by two of the sisters, four brothers, and his father, an aged veteran of the Mexican war.

His boyhood was spent on a farm near Montour, Iowa. Later, his father moved to Missouri, where he bought up a large amount of land. Mr. Yoakam lived here, doing his share of the heavy work connected with a stock farm, until about 16 years old, when he left home and came back to Iowa. At tbe age of 18 he went on the C. & N. W. R. R., and has worked for that company ever since, except for a short period when he farmed in Missouri.

He was married on Dec. 3, 1874, to 0live Louisa Mason. They lived on a farm near Toledo, Iowa, for some time. Mr. Yoakam then went back to railroading, and he moved his family to Eagle Grove the May after tbe road came through here. He has been in continuous service with the Northwestern since that time, and has been a passenger conductor since Sept. 1, 1894. He entered service as a brakeman at Belle Plaine, Iowa, Nov. 14, 1868, and entered service on the Northern Iowa Division as conductor Sept. 2, 1884, thus making a record of 45 years of service. He was 63 years, 7 months and 19 days when he died.

The family of the deceased consists of five sons and one daughter, living, and two daughters dead. The children living, in order of age, are; Dr. F. A. Yoakam, Hope, N. M; F. E. Yoakam, Las Vegas, N. M.; G. W. Yoakam, Eagle Grove; G. A. Yoakam, North English, Iowa; Audrie, and, Ray, at home. Maude, aged 4, and Gertrude, aged 18, who are buried in Rose Hill cemetery, died some years ago.

Mr. Yoakam was a man of religious temperament, and early in life he united with the Christian church. He had broad religious views, and sincerely believed in the Golden Rule and tbe saving power of Christ. Of late years he has belonged to no religious sect, but those who know him best feel that he is safe in the arms of his Lord. He had a broad knowledge of the Holy Book, gotten thru training in a Christian home, and was always fond of quoting scriptural passages

In addition to this, he was more or less of an artist, and delighted in nature. He painted with some skill. His greatest pleasure, however, was in his home and family, and the things connected with the home. He worked incessantly at flowers and garden, and took great pleasure in working about the house. Even as late as last Saturday he was out in the yard.

For years, Mr. Yoakam has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity and of tbe Order of Railway Conductors, and for the past two years was Chief Conductor. Recently he has been taking additional work in the Masonic Order, in which he took the greatest pleasure, and the precepts of which he earnestly tried to follow. He took great comfort in quoting a passage from the work of the Order.

He was often heard to say that "when his time came, he was ready", and his loved ones know that he has reached that Land of Happiness, where he waits for them to join him.

Times Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
10 July 1913

E. G. Yoakam lived in Tama for some 25 years, and the Tama Herald says: "He was one of the most efficient and popular conductors on the Northwestern and throughout his long residence in Tama conducted himself as befitted the life of a sterling citizen. He was a good neighbor, a kind and helpful husband and an indulgent father. The sympathy of many Tama friends goes to the bereaved family.”

Time Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
17 July 1913