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Ira Yeoman, son of James Yeoman, whose history appears elsewhere, was born in the state of New York, May 5, 1808, and remained there until the spring of 1815; then came down the Alleghany River, on a raft. The river was high, and, at Pittsburg, they landed on a large elm tree. They took the raft on the Ohio, and landed at Columbia, near Cincinnati. In the fall they removed to this township, and settled above Rock Mills. He spent his youth at home, and after his father's death, took charge of the family. His education, to use his own words, "was in the clearing," for in those days, there were few opportunities to attend school. He was married April 8, 1830 to Oce, daughter of Robert McElwain, who bore him one child, Robert, who lives on the farm adjoining. He and wife are exemplary Christians, and members of the Old School Baptist Church.

In 1859, he started a store at Rock Mills, and remained three years, and then resumed farming. In March, 1874, he removed to Rattlesnake Creek, remained two years, and then came to his present farm, which is located on the old Miami trace, one mile from Good Hope, and contains one hundred and ninety-four acres, well improved. He farms to grain and stock.

Mr. Yeoman held the office of township treasurer, fifteen years, township clerk, two years, and county commissioner three years, a suffucient guarantee as to his integrity. He is a Republican, though a Democrat prior to the candidacy of Fremont.