Jesse David Yocom Hon.
J.D. Yocom, city secretary of Denison, was born in Clay Co., Indiana,
October 25, 1842, and is a son of Levi and Lucy (Gordon) Yocom.
The father was born in Kentucky and died in Indiana in 1873, at the age
of 64 years. He was serving as Sheriff of Montgomery Co. at the
time of his death. His wife, also a native of Kentucky,
passed away in that state at the age of 70 years. The father was
a farmer and trader and went to Indiana in 1837 but returned to
Kentucky in 1857 and his remaining days were passed in Montgomery Co.,
that state.
Hon. J.D. Yocom pursued his education in the schools of Kentucky and of Indiana; attending for a time the Mount Sterling Seminary in the former state and afterward the Indiana College. For several years, from 1865 until 1873, Mr. Yocom engaged in teaching school in Kentucky and in Clay Co., Indiana. He was serving as Deputy Sheriff under his father at the time of the latter's death and was then appointed Sheriff and at the next election, he was chosen Sheriff of Montgomery Co., Kentucky, which position he held until January 1, 1877. In July 1877 he came to Texas and in 1878 came to Denison, where he acted as bookkeeper, and subsequently he embarked in the grocery business on his own account. He carried the business on successfully for several years or until 1898, when on account of ill health he sold out. In 1900 he was elected City Secretary and has held this position since. He had previously served in public office, acting in 1885 - 1886, 1889 and 1891 as councilman from the 3rd Ward, filling the office until April 1892, when he was elected Mayor. He was again elected Mayor in 1894 and his term expired in 1896. In politics he has always been a Democrat and has been a member of the Executive Committee for many years. His public duties have always been discharged in a faithful prompt and capable manner, so that over the record of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil. In January 1873 Mr. Yocom was united in marriage to Miss Emma B. Young, a native of Montgomery Co., and they had two children: Dell M., who was born in Kentucky and is now the wife of Vernon Gee, of Oklahoma Territory, by whom she has one child, Dorothy; and J.D. Yocom, Jr., who was born in Texas in 1883 and is a graduate of the A. and M. College. Mrs. Yocom departed this life in April 1897, passing away at North Adams, Massachusetts, when 47 years of age. On the 24th of June, 1902, at Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Yocom was married to A.A. Tucker, a native of Montgomoery, Kentucky. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity, holding membership in the lodge at Denison. His life has been active, his actions manly and sincere and in business, social and official relations he has always commanded the confidence and esteem of his fellowmen. His efforts in behalf of the city and its progress have been far reaching and beneficial and all who know him respect him for his genuine personal worth. Source: B.B. Paddock, 1906 Biography Index Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |