222                 HISTORY OF CLAY COUNTY

the state, being the fourth in order of birth in a family of ten children,
whose father, Isom Yocom, came to Clay county from Kentucky in 1832
—the year in which the Black Hawk war occurred. Every evidence of
pioneer life here existed. The forest trees stood in their primeval
strength and the prairies were covered with their native grasses. Only
here and there had a little cabin been built, showing that the seeds of
civilization were being planted in this part of the state. The grandfather
bore an active and helpful part in the general agricultural development
of the community and was identified with various events which left their
impress upon the pioneer history. His son, William F. Yocom, was here
reared amid the wild scenes and environments of frontier life. He began
teaching school when eighteen years of age and followed that profession
for fifteen years or more. His early educational privileges were limited
to the opportunities offered by the common schools, but being ambitious
and persevering he gained by hard study and close application an educa-
tion much in advance of the majority of the people of the day. Deter-
mining to devote his energies to lines of life demanding intellectuality
and close application he took up the study of law and in 1874 was admit-
ted to the bar. He then practiced at Staunton until 1890, when he came
to Brazil and was appointed Deputy County Auditor, and served until
his death, July 15, 1892. He served as deputy sheriff of the county from
1875 until 1877, under J. B. Yocom, his uncle, and while he was filling
that position the county records were removed from Bowling Green,
Kentucky, Mr. Yocom assisting in this task. He was a member of
Staunton lodge, A. F. and A. M., and acted as its master. His political
allegiance was given to the Democracy and in citizenship be was pro-
gressive and helpful. He married Miss Mary J. Reeder, who was born
on the present site of Center Point, Clay county, Indiana, March 19,
1853. The wedding was celebrated March 19, 1874—the twenty-first
anniversary of the bride’s birth. Mrs. Yocom is still living and by her
marriage she became the mother of eight children, seven of whom sur-
vive: Bert, Harvey C., Ross D., Bessie 0., William F., Jr., Eugene F.
and Nellie M.
    Bert Yocom pursued his education in the graded schools of Staunton
and at the age of sixteen years began teaching school. After following
that profession for two years he entered the employ of the Baldwin Music
Company, with which he continued for six years. He next engaged with
the Brazil Steam Laundry and after two years spent in that way in 1901
he became connected with the Prudential Insurance Company as an agent.
On the 9th of April, 1902, he became local superintendent of the Brazil
office and has since acted in this capacity, being one of the best known
insurance men of his district.
    On the 16th of September, 1906, Mr. Yocom was married to Miss
Catherine Stewart, who was born near Morgan’s Crossing, June 9, 1882,
a daughter of James and Anna (Wimsey) Stewart. Her father was a
native of Newburg, Kentucky, and her mother of Brazil, Indiana. Both
are still living and Mr. Stewart is a coal miner. His political endorse-
ment at the polls is given to the Democracy. Unto him and his wife
were born seven children, namely: Mrs. Yocom, Della, Peter, Frank,
Margaret, Paul and Helen.
    Unto Mr. and Mrs. Yocom has been born one son, William Francis.
Mr. Yocom is a member of the Brazil Concert Band, with which be has
been identified for thirteen years. He has always been a lover of music