"Portrait & Biographical Record of the Willamette Valley Oregon." Chapman Publishing Company, 1903. Charles W. YANNKE Upon the ranch where he now lives, not far from Salem, in Marion county, Ore., Charles W. YANNKE was born April 2, 1872. His father, Frederick William YANNKE, was a native of Germany, born June 2, 1826, and while still in the Fatherland he served in the German army for three years. About 1847 he bade adieu to his native country and sailed for America, the journey being made in a sailing vessel and occupying about four months. He established his home in Belleville, St. Clair county, Ill., where his parents settled two years before. With his father and his family Frederick YANNKE came across the plains in 1852, making the journey in the primitive manner of the times with an ox-team. They had no trouble with the Indians, but six months had elapsed before their eyes were gladdened by the sight of the green fields of Oregon. The first winter they spent at the mouth of the Columbia river and in the succeeding spring Frederick W. YANNKE came to Salem. He was in limited financial circumstances, and in order to earn a living he drove an ox-team and hauled logs for a sawmill, following that pursuit for some time. In the summer months, however, he was employed on ranches and also worked in the fields during the harvest season, swinging a cradle. He was married February 29, 1871, to Elizabeth FROLICH, who was also a native of Germany, and this worthy couple became the parents of six children: Charles W.; Emma, who became the wife of Frank FEELY and died at the age of twenty-four years; Mary, who died at the age of six years; Frederick, whose death occurred when he was two months old; Louise, who died at the age of four years; and Frank J., who is employed by the Oregon Shoe Company, of Salem. In the spring of 1862 Frederick YANNKE purchased the farm of two hundred and fifty acres upon which his son Charles made his home until recently. In the fall of that year he removed his family to that place and hereon spent his remaining dys. He made all of the fine improvements upon the farm, cleared the land, placed the fields under a high state of cultivation and erected excellent modern buildings. He devoted his energies to general farming and stock-raising with good success throughout the remainder of his life, and September 29, 1895 his life's labors were ended in death. He was a zealous member of the Catholic Church and a man who deserved great credit for what he had accomplished, for he entered upon his business career empty handed. When he purchased his property near Salem it was all unimproved land, with the exception of about thirty acres; and its development was entirely due to his own energy and perseverance. His widow still survives him and is now living in Salem at the age of sixty-three years. Charles W. YANNKE, whose name introduces this review, was born and reared upon the home farm and in the public schools of Salem he pursued his education. In early boyhood he assisted his father as much as his age and strength permitted, and when he had completed his school life he became his father's assistant and partner, their work being carried on together until the death of F.W. YANNKE, when the son assumed the entire charge of the home place. He to-day carries on general farming and stock-raising with good success. He has fine horses upon his place and is engaged in the raising of cereals best adapted to the soil and climate. To some extent he is also engaged in the dairy business. The old home is pleasantly located two miles from Salem, near the penitentiary. On July 1, 1903, in partnership with Albert A. DISQUE he purchased the well-known Club Stables in Salem, and in the fall of that year removed his family to the city. September 29, 1897, Mr. YANNKE was married to Miss Helena NEIBERT, and they have an interesting little daughter, Genevieve Louise. The family are identified with the Catholic Church. In his political affiliation Mr. YANNKE is a Democrat. For one term he served as road supervisor in his district. Submitted by: Holly Vonderohe (Pollywogh@aol.com)