William G. Yetter & Lydia Rock

Lydia Rock

William G. Yetter, my wife's 4th great grandfather, and father of Mary Ervin, was born in Lancaster county Pennsylvania.  I was fortunate to find an excerpt from a family members Obituary which gives details of William's life.....

[William G. Yetter], also a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, was of German parentage and was reared to manhood in his native state.  He became a mechanic, learning and following the locksmith's trade, his attention being devoted thereto during the period of his residence in Pennsylvania.  He was married in that state to Miss Lydia Rock, and thinking to enjoy better business opportunities in the new but growing west, came to Illinois in 1837, his destination being Hancock county.  He settled in Carthage township, then moved to Fountain Green township, but after two years returned to Carthage township.  Here William Yetter turned his attention to the occupation of farming, in which he continued throughout the remainder of his active business life.  In his political views he was a democrat and held various township offices, including that of county treasurer and assessor, the duties of the two offices being combined at that time.  On the expiration of his term he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, in which capacity he served continuously until his death, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial.  He was a member of the Methodist church, to which his wife also belonged, and he took and active and earnest and helpful part in the church work for many years, serving as superintendent of the Sunday school, and doing all in his power to promote the cause of Christianity here.  He was a member of the Masonic fraternity and was the first representative of the order to pass away in Hancock county, his remains being laid to rest with Masonic honors.  He died in 1853, at the age of fifty-three years and was buried in Franklin cemetery in Carthage township.  His widow long survived him and died in 1892, at the very venerable age of ninety-two years.  She was also a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and lived there until after her marriage, or until the removal of the family to Illinois.  She was likewise a devoted member of the Methodist church and at her death was laid to rest by the side of her husband in Franklin cemetery.  In the family of this worthy couple were eight children, four of whom are now living.

Lydia was born in Lancaster County as well.  Here is her obituary from The Republican dated
September 23, 1891 ....

Lydia Rock was born in Lancaster county, Pa., Oct. 10, 1800.  About the year 1820 she became the wife of Willam G. Yetter, with whom she removed to Illinois in 1837.  She was left a widow in 1853, and did not remarry.  She died at the residence of one of her sons near Carthage, Sept. 16, 1891, at the ripe age of 90 years, 11 months and 6 days.  She was the mother of nine children, six of whom still live, the youngest being 51 years old.  She was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church when she was quite young, and remained an earnest and faithful member of that communion to the day of her departure to the church triumphant.  Among her latest testimonies to her pastor were these: "I am not afraid to die."  "I am only waiting till Jesus comes and takes me home."  The funeral services were conducted byRev. J. A. Northrup, assisted by Rev. W. G. Hearne, at Franklin school house, after which the remains were laid to rest in the neighboring cemetery.