Biographical Sketch of Ferdinand T. Yahr

Transcribed by Sandra Boudrou for the Marquette Co WI Pages

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 832 - 833 - 834

Ferdinand T. Yahr. It is with great pleasure that we record this sketch, as our subject is not only one of the most prominent business men of the community but is also one of the early settlers of Green Lake County. His residence is in Princeton, where for many years he has been numbered among the leading citizens. On the 17th of December, 1834, in Germany, he was born to Ernst and Caroline (Baker) Yahr, who were also natives of the same country. By occupation, his father was a manufacturer of prints, and followed that business in the fatherland until 1849, when with his family he came to America, locating in Watertown, Wis., where he purchased a farm. After residing there for some fifteen years, he sold his land and removed to Hustisford, where the remainder of his life was passed. Again purchasing a farm of 160 acres, he engaged in its cultivation until called to his final rest in 1885. He was buried in the cemetery near that place. His wife had died many years previously, having been called home in 1845, before the emigration of the family to America. That worthy couple were parents of six children, but two of whom are now living: Ernst, who resides in Watertown, Wis., and Ferdinand, the subject of this sketch. Ernst Yahr Sr., was twice married, Henrietta Diesel becoming his wife in 1849. The family born of that union numbered eight children.

We now come to the personal history of Ferdinand Yahr. Until fifteen years of age he resided under the parental roof and in the common schools received his education, but at that age he left home to earn his own livelihood. He may truly be called a self-made man. Embarking upon his business career as a salesman, he continued to serve in that capacity for three years, during which time his wages amounted to $150. It will be remembered that the family had ere this become residents of Wisconsin, and in 1853, our subject went to Berlin, this State, where for eighteen months he was employed in a distillery. He next served as an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade for one year and later secured a position as cook on a tug boat used in conveying logs to different places on the upper Fox River. During the summer of 1857, he was thus employed but when autumn came he again went to Berlin, where for one year he worked at the trade of blacksmithing, after which he removed to Waupun, in 1858, following the same occupation at that place for two years. Once more he again returned to Berlin, but after engaging in blacksmithing at that place for nine months he came to Princeton, where he still makes his home, being numbered among the honored residents of that city. During the time spent in Waupun, by industry and economy Mr. Yahr had accumulated $700, but this sum he had left with various farmers of that community. On his marriage he determined to collect it, but on doing so found that it was all State money, and from the entire amount only realized $280. Joining his funds with those of his wife, $350, he deposited the money in the bank at Berlin, but not long afterward that institution failed and he lost all. Again he was forced to begin life anew. His reverses were hard to bear but he determined to retrieve his lost possessions and with undaunted energy pressed forward. He secured employment at the blacksmith's trade with August Thiel of Princeton with whom he remained for two years, receiving at first but ten shillings per day, but in a short time his wages were advanced to $2 per day. At the end of that time, in the summer of 1863, he embarked in business for himself, forming a partnership with G. Schaal. They had been in business but about seven weeks when on the 29th of November they received official notice that they were both drafted into the United States service. This unexpected turn in events placed them in an embarrassing situation. They had no other alternative but to join the Union Army or pay to the Government a commutation fee of $300 each. They then decided to sell out their entire stock, pay the Government fee of $300 each and with the balance pay their creditors in full. This being done Mr. Yahr was left fully worse off in a financial sense than he had been at any time previously. Though to him these were trying and discouraging times, they proved to be the proverbial "darkest hour just before day," for about this time his fortunes took a change for the better. He struggled on in business in a small way for about eight months when he returned to his old employer, continuing with him until 1866, when he formed a partnership with August Swanke.

The sun of prosperity was now beginning to shine upon Mr. Yahr. The firm of Yahr & Swanke engaged in the manufacture of wagons for one year, after which the connection was discontinued for one year and our subject returned to his old trade and employer, receiving $1,000 per year as a compensation for his labors. At the expiration of a twelvemonth, however, he abandoned that occupation, embarking in other lines of business. He opened an agricultural store and in connection with that business, engaged in buying wheat for other parties during three years. In 1871 the Sheboygan & Fond du Lac Railroad was completed to Princeton, and opened for traffic. Mr. Yahr was one of the prime movers in this enterprise, and its assured success was due in a great measure to his influence and energy. At this time he engaged in buying and shipping grain on his own account. His financial resources were now greatly increased and he also engaged as a lumber dealer. In 1874, he purchased the hardware store of H. H. Hopkins and the following year erected a brick building, 30x70 feet, and two stories in height, to which he removed his stock. In 1875, he also turned his attention to the banking business in which he is still interested. The bank was originally established with four stockholders, under the firm name of Yahr, Thompson & Co. In 1877 Mr. Yahr commenced buying out his partners in this enterprise, and in 1882 he became sole proprietor of the banking business and has since conducted it with marked success. In the same year, 1882, he bought his partner's interest in the hardware business, and still does a large and profitable trade. The banking institution is one of the leading moneyed concerns of the county, and is one in which the people place the utmost reliance. The owner is a careful and sagacious business man of much ability and in his relations both in public and private life has won the respect and high regard of all with whom he has come in contact.

On the 29th of April, 1861, Mr. Yahr was united in marriage with Amelia C. Schaal and unto them were born ten children, seven of whom are yet living: William, the eldest, is engaged in merchandising in Huron, Dak.; Eugene F. occupies the position of cashier in his father's bank; Ferdinand Ernst is now pursuing his studies in Watertown College; Carrie E., Amelia V., Mabel and Alma are still with their parents. The beautiful home of the Yahr family, situated on the bank of the Fox River, is one of the most pleasant in the county. It was erected in 1883, at a cost of $16,000 and is palatial to its appointments and surroundings. The well kept lawns and the tastefully furnished mansion all indicate the refinement and culture of the owners, who rank among Green Lake County's honored citizens.

Mr. Yahr has been prominently identified with the development and progress of this community, and for a number of years served as a member of the County Board. In his social relations he is a Mason and stands high in the order, being a member of the 32nd degree. In political sentiment, he was formerly a Republican, but during the campaign of 1876, he severed his connection with that party, casting his ballot for Samuel J. Tilden, since which time he has affiliated with the Democracy. He keeps himself well posted on all the leading questions of the day, is broad and progressive in his views and believes in a liberal trade policy having for its object the "greatest good to the greatest number."

Back to the Marquette Pages Menu