Biography of John Yarde, Sr., pages 699 / 700.  History of De Kalb County, 
Indiana.  Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

John Yarde, Sr., was born in Devonshire, England, March 12, 1812. His 
parents died when he was a child, and he was reared by his mother’s sister 
and given a collegiate education.  When seventeen years of age he began 
teaching school, and, with the exception of a year and a half in the grocery 
business, followed that vocation thirty-five years.  He married Mary Symonds, 
a native of Devonshire, and to them were born twelve children, eleven 
daughters and one son; but four are living---Mary J., Emma, Lucy and John 
Jr.  In August, 1852, Mr. Yarde came with his family to the United States. 
He lived in Summit County, Ohio, about one month, and then came to De Kalb 
County, Ind., and bought fifty acres of unimproved land, and after paying 
for his land had $75 left.  Having the use of only one hand, the burden of 
the work of clearing and improving the land fell to his son, then only 
sixteen years of age. This farm has since been the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Yarde, and they are among the most highly esteemed citizens of the 
township.  They are members of the Protestant Episcopal church.  
Politically Mr. Yarde is a Republican.

Submitted by:
Arlene Goodwin 
Auburn, Indiana
Agoodwin@ctlnet.com