History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

108 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
for the uplift and betterment of humanity along moral, intellectual
and material lines. He is one of the most highly respected citizens
of Paw Paw and the esteem and regard which he so freely enjoys
are readily given in response to his professional attainments, his
disinterested public spirit and those qualities of his character
which have made possible his success.
WALLACE C. YENEKICH.
Wallace C. Yenerich holds a position of distinctive precedence
in financial circles (jf Lee county as president of the Farmers State
Bank of Asliton, an institution which he aided in organizing and
which his executive power and ability as a financier has placed
among the leading banks in this part of the state. He was born
in Buffalo, New York, February 14, 1855, his parents being George
H. and Elizabeth Yenerich, natives of (jrermany.
Wallace C. Yenerich acquired his education in the public
schools of Wyoming township, this county, and at Northwestern
College at Naperville, Illinois. After completing his studies he
turned his attention to farming in Wyoming township and later
moved to Ashton township, where he followed agricultural pur-
suits until the fall of 1905. At that time, in partnership with his
eldest son, E. J. Yenerich, he opened a bank at Whitten, Iowa,
and he has since been president of this institution. In April, 1907,
with others Mr. Yenerich organized the Farmers State Bank of
Ashton, Illinois, and was elected president, an office which he has
held continuously since that time. In a responsible and difficult
position he has proved capable, farsiglited and reliable, promoting
the interests of the bank in a progressive and practical manner
and winning recognition for himself as a successful financier. He
controls valuable property interests, owning nearly one thousand
acres of land, most of which lies in Lee county. He has stock in
several banks in Minnesota and was at one time the owner of the
majority of the stock in the Farmers State Bank of Ashton. He
now holds a majority of the stock in the Whitten Bank at Whitten,
Iowa.
In Reynolds township, this county, on the 4th of December,
1879, Mr. Yenerich was united in marriage to Miss Catherina Kers-
ten, a daiighter of John and Christina Kersten, the former a large
land holder in that locality. Mr. and Mrs. Yenerich have become