Biographical Sketch of Albert J. YERKES; Philadelphia Co., PA

Contributed to the PAGenWeb Archives by Diana Smith 
[christillavalley@comcast.net] 

Copyright.  All Rights Reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm
*********************************************************

"Philadelphia, A History of the City and its People; A Record of 225 Years"
Publisher:  S. H. Clark; Philadelphia; 1912.     Vol. 4  , page 360
Author, Ellis Paxson Oberholtzer
 
ALBERT J. YERKES

     Albert J. Yerkes, a wealthy merchant whose name became a synonym for 
commercial integrity and enterprise, made his initial step in the business world 
as a salesman and from that point on, in the course of an orderly progression, 
reached a position of distinction in business circles in Philadelphia.  A native 
son of Pennsylvania, he was born in Marion township, Montgomery county, October 
1, 1841.  He was the youngest of the three sons, -- George, Theodore and Albert 
-- whose father, Lewis Yerkes, was for a long period engaged in the lime 
business in Montgomery county.  His education was acquired in the schools of 
Marion township and of his native county, and when a young man he started in 
business life as a representative of the firm of William D. Jones & Company, 
dry-goods merchants.  His faithfulness and ability are evidenced in the fact 
that he remained with the firm until they retired from business.  In 1878 the 
firm of C. B. Williams & Company was organized, at which time Albert J. Yerkes 
and his brother Theodore became members of the firm and thus active in the 
conduct of a dry-goods establishment which in the course of years became one of 
the most important mercantile concerns of this city.  A later change in the 
partnership led to the adoption of the style of Williams, Yerkes & Company, 
which was again changed a few years later, upon the death of Mr. Williams, to 
Yerkes Brothers & Company.  Under that caption the business was carried on until 
the death of Albert J. Yerkes, who devoted his entire life from 1878 to the 
upbuilding of a large and profitable enterprise.

     In Philadelphia Mr. Yerkes was married to Miss Sallie S. Thomas, a daughter 
of Charles J. and Ann (Maloney) Thomas, the latter a daughter of James Maloney, 
one of the early settlers and a representative farmer of Mount Moriah, 
Pennsylvania.  Unto Mr. and Mrs. Yerkes was born a daughter, Annie Thomas.

     Although reared in the faith of the Society of Friends, of which his mother 
was a member, Mr. Yerkes attended the Unitarian church.  In the interests of 
trade he became a member of the Merchant Salesman's Association.  His views upon 
governmental policy were indicated in his support of the republican party.  He 
died October 22, 1899, and his death was received with feelings of deep regret 
throughout the city wherever he was known.  His life record speaks in terms of 
successful commercialism and of continuous progress which is indicative of the 
fact that prosperity and an honored name may be won simultaneously.