Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1915
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 868
JAMES A. YOST

One of the veterans of the Civil War now residing in Harrison County, Iowa, is James A. YOST, who has been identified with the histo5ry of this county since 1872. He served for more than three years in the Civil War and fought in many of the hardest and bloodiest battles of that struggle. Since locating in Harrison County, he has engaged in general farming and stock raising and at the same time engaged in the practice of veterinary science. He has built up a large practice throughout his section of the county, although he devotes the greater portion of his time to his other interests.

James A. YOST, son of John and Charlotte (Wright) YOST, was born March 21, 1844, in Perry County, Ohio. His parents were both born and reared in Ohio and lived there all of their days. They reared a family of four children, James A., being the youngest of the family.

James A. YOST was educated in his home county and remained with his parents until he was 17 years old. In September 1861, he enlisted in Company D, 31st Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until September 18, 1864, at which time he was honorably discharged at the expiration of his enlistment at Atlanta, Georgia. He was with Sherman on his memorable campaign through Georgia, and among other battles, fought at Chickamauga, Resaca, Altoona, Kenesaw Mountain, Stone River, Mills Springs, Corinth and in many minor skirmishes. He was wounded at Chickamauga, September 8, 1863, being shot through the hip. He was in the hospital for about a month before he was discharged and able to rejoin his regiment. He was offered the Lieutenancy of a colored company but refused to accept that honor.

After the close of the War, Mr. YOST returned to his home in Ohio and lived there until 1867. In that year he went to California, where he worked until April 1872. He then came to Iowa and first located at Little Sioux township in Harrison County, where he bought land and settled down to the life of a farmer. He later sold his farm in Little Sioux township and in 1907 bought 287 acres of land in Raglan Township, where he has since made his home. Several years ago, he made a specialty of raising of Poland-China hogs, but has now practically retired from farm work and turned the management of the place over to his son. For many years, he has practiced as a veterinary surgeon, having obtained a state certificate to engage in this profession.

Mr. YOST was married January 25, 1874, to Josephine Coffman, who was born January 12, 1853, in Appanoose County, Iowa, and is a daughter of John T. and Melinda (Croft) Coffman, natives of Tennessee and Virginia, respectively. Her father was born in Green County, Tennessee, and both of her parents came to Iowa as children, locating in the state about 1840.

Mr. And Mrs. YOST are the parents of five children, four of whom are living: Mattie, Albert, John P. and Roy. Mattie is the wife of Augustus G. Watts of Raglan Township and has two children, James H. and Lowell. Albert W., a farmer of Raglan Township, married Fern Ashley, and has two children, Helen and Norma. John P., who is living on his father's farm, married Anna Haller and has two daughters, Josephine and Ruth. Roy is unmarried and still living with his parents.

Mr. YOST is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he and his wife both belong to the Daughters of Rebekah. He is a Republican but has never held office other than that of justice of the peace. Mr. YOST is a man of genial disposition and those who know him speak in high praise of his many good qualities of head and heart.

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