Michael  Yarling

          Among the sturdy German element that left the Fatherland and came to America during the pioneer period of our country and remained for the subsequent development of same, the Yarling family is deserving of special mention, for they have been among our best and most industrious citizens.  Peter Yarling, father of the gentleman whose name heads this review, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, July 3, 1810, the son of  John and Elizabeth (Redisch) Yarling.  Peter Yarling came to Baltimore, Maryland, October, 1829, and after moving to Frederick, Maryland, where he lived for less than a year, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he married  Mary Miller, and in about 1836 came to Shelby county, Indiana.  They were among the pioneers of that period when this county was undeveloped, and here they played well their parts in the clearing away of the heavy timber and draining the land, transforming the wild ground into fine farms.  John Yarling, grandfather of our subject, bought a farm in Union township.  Prior to this time John Yarling was a wagon-maker, but the entire family now became farmers.  Peter's children were reared on the land he settled in Marion township.  He died there on April 11, 1876.  His wife was born March 1, 1812, in Osnabruk, in the Province of Hanover, Germany, and she passed to her rest February 9, 1886, at the age of seventy-five years.
          Michael Yarling  was born in Marion township, Shelby county, Indiana, December 15, 1845, being the seventh child in a family of nine children, four of whom are deceased.  Philip, brother of the subject, died in 1852;  Mrs. Eliza Moore  died in August, 1869;  George died in March, 1879; he was the father of  Attorney William Yarling, whose sketch appears on t another page of this work;  Henry  died December 27, 1862, while a soldier in the union army.  The living children are  Mrs. Mary Phares, wife of  George (see sketch);  John W.  (whose sketch appears herein);  Jacob  and  Michael, also  Catherine, wife of  Samuel Herthel.
          Michael Yarling as[sic] married on March 23, 1872, to  Derexa Talbert, of Hanover township the daughter of  Anderson and  Mary Talbert.  After their marriage they located in Liberty township, where they own a farm which they have greatly improved and off which they have reaped a comfortable living ever since, and have prospered, being able to buy additional land from time to time.  He now owns the three farms, one hundred and sixty-five acres in Liberty township, one hundred and sixty-four acres in Hanover township, and one hundred and sixteen acres in Marion township, a part of the latter being in Union township, making a total of four hundred and forty-five acres, besides his property in Shelbyville.  In 1896 he built a fine home in this city on South Harrison street and moved into the city.  His success has been due to his excellent judgment in business affairs, his economic habits and his industry, also his honest dealing with his fellow men, which has won their confidence.  Once when Mr. Yarling was aked what he considered the essentials of success, he replied:  "First of all, strict integrity and straight dealing.  These are more valuable investments than many might  realize.  One should have common horse sense and use it, should not be afraid of hard work, should be economical, but not niggardly; and good health is a big item."  Evidently Mr. Yarling has carried out the above rules in his life work, according to those who know him best.
          In September, 1886, Mr. Yarling was appointed County Commissioner to serve the balance of an unexpired term.  At the expiration of that term, so faithfully had he performed his duties that he was twice re-elected on the Democratic ticket, and he held the office until the end of 1892, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, for he had given it his careful attention just the same as if it had been his own private business.
          Three interesting children have blessed the home of  Mr. and Mrs. Yarling,  namely:  Gertrude  is the wife of  Roscoe Westerfield,  of Hanover township;  Anna P., is the wife of  Dr. L. G. Bowers, of Dayton, Ohio;  Raymond T., lives on one of his father's farms.  The subject has been a member of the Masonic order since 1880.  No family Shelby county is better known or held in higher favor than the Yarlings.
Chadwick's History of Shelby County, Indiana by Edward H. Chadwick, B.S., assisted by well known local talent, B.F. Bowen & Co, Publishers: Indianapolis, IN, 1909, pages 353-355.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming  for Christal Callahan Culp

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