James Yeazel (1817-1888)
James Yeazel was born in Clarke County, Ohio, on March 2, 1817. He spent his youth farming in Ohio with his father. He came to Champaign County in 1830 with his brothers Adam and Abraham. They settled in the Salt Fork area and began to cultivate the land. On September 7, 1837, he married Mary M. Spencer. The two had 12 children. After Mary died in 1867, Yeazel married Elizabeth Babb and had four children.
He grew stock, becoming one of the most successful farmers in the county. He totaled 640 acres of good farmland. He was also involved in the community. He was elected to the South Homer Township Board of Supervisors in 1864. He was Township Supervisor and held other offices throughout this time.
