BIOS: David YOUNKIN, Milford, Somerset County, PA

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BIOGRAPHICAL REVIEW, Vol. XXXII, Containing Life Sketches of Leading 
Citizens of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania. Boston, 
Biographical Review Publishing Company: 1899, pp 337-338.

  David Younkin,* one of Milford's industrious farmers, was born in 
Turkey Foot township, June 14, 1814, son of Henry and Elizabeth 
(Weiner) Younkin.  Both his father and mother were of German descent.  
His earliest paternal ancestor in America settled in Berks County, 
Pennsylvania.  Henry Younkin's father, Jacob Younkin, accompanied by 
his brothers John and Frederick, moved from Berks County to Turkey Foot 
township, and all settled there as pioneers.  Jacob married Hannah 
Nichols, and reared a large family.
  Henry Younkin was a lifelong resident of Turkey Foot township, where 
he acquired both wealth and prominence as an agriculturist, and was a 
highly respected citizen.  His wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of John 
Weiner.  Her maternal grandfather, Casper Harbaugh, served in the 
French and Indian War, being under Washington's command at the time of 
Braddock's defeat.  Henry and Elizabeth Younkin were the parents of 
nine children, eight of whom grew to maturity.  Of these, two are now 
living: David, the subject of this sketch; and Rachel, who resides in 
Randolph County, Illinois.
  David Younkin was educated in the public schools of Turkey Foot and 
Milford townships.  When quite young he left home to live with a Mr. 
Will, and at the age of twenty he went to Louisiana, where he remained 
for some time.  Upon his return he entered his father's employ as a 
farm assistant, but later went to Lavansville, Somerset township, where 
he worked for a year; and for the next seven years he resided in 
Milford.  Purchasing a farm in Lexington, Pa., he made various 
improvements thereon, including the erection of new buildings, and 
tilled the soil with prosperous results for sixteen years, at the 
expiration of which he sold the property.  Returning to Milford, he 
bought at sheriff's sale a two-hundred-acre farm, upon which he built a 
new and spacious barn.  In 1876 he sold one hundred and thirteen acres 
to his son Fremont, since which time he has tilled about eighty-two 
acres and carries on general farming.
  In 1837 Mr. Younkin was joined in marriage with Maria Culver, 
daughter of Elijah and Nancy (Scott) Culver, the latter a daughter of 
Mathias Scott, who built a forge in Milford, probably the first one in 
the place.  Mrs. Younkin has had nine children, eight of whom are 
living, namely: Lucina, who is unmarried, and lives at the parental 
home; Ann Elizabeth, who is the wife of Joseph Elder, and lives at 
Buffalo Mills; Augusta, wife of Alfred Evans, a Justice of the Peace 
and prominent resident of Rockwood; Elias P., who resides in 
Meyersdale; Louisa, who married William McNeal, and resides in Iowa; 
Josephine, who married Mr. Curotta, and lives in Montreal, P.Q.; 
Fremont, a prosperous farmer of Milford; and Benton, a resident of this 
township.
  In politics Mr. Younkin is a Democrat, but has never aspired to 
public office.  He united with the Christian church in 1833 and is 
still a member.