Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


ACHILLES C. YEARY 
 
was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1839. His parents, Hiram and Elizabeth 
(McLaughlin) Yeary, were natives of that State. In 1840 they emigrated to 
Missouri and were among the early settlers of Jackson County. Mr. Yeary was 
reared upon his father's farm until twelve years of age, and then in 1851 
accompanied Mr. Henry
Hawkins on an overland trip to California. Upon his arrival in the State he 
lived with Mr. Hawkins in Mokelumne until the next year, and then, although but 
a lad of thirteen years of age, started in life by going to the mining 
districts, where he spent a year or so, and then, in 1854, came to Los Angeles 
County and purchased stock which he drove to the mining counties, after which he 
went to Santa Cruz County and there engaged in stock-dealing and stock-raising, 
gradually increasing his business until 1857, when he stocked the Paso Robles 
Ranch, owned by Blackburn Brothers. He engaged in that business until 1861, when 
the mining excitement arose over the reputed discoveries of rich gold mines on 
the Colorado River. He closed his business and went to La Paz, and thence to the 
mining districts, and for the next two years was engaged in prospecting and 
mining with varying success. He was the owner of the Lulu mine, and interested 
in others of less note. In 1863 he contracted the sale of his interests, and 
started for San Francisco to complete the bargain and receive his purchase 
money. He came overland to Wilmington, where he embarked on board the steamer 
Ada Hancock, April 23 of that year. This ill-fated steamer was destined never to 
complete her voyage, for shortly after leaving the wharf at San Pedro, the 
explosion of her boilers rendered her a total wreck, which soon sank, carrying 
down a sickening load of dead and wounded passengers and crew. Between sixty and 
seventy lives were lost by this accident. Among the killed and wounded were many 
well known and remembered by old residents of the county. Thomas Workman, Dr. 
Miles, and a son of General Albert Sydney Johnson were among those remembered by 
Mr. Yeary. Mrs. J. De Barth Sherb, also William and Joseph Banning, sons of 
General Banning, of Los Angeles County, were among those saved. Mr. Yeary's life 
was saved, but he was severely injured, having his left leg broken and terribly 
bruised by the force of the explosion, which hurled him through the air and 
landed him among the wreckage in the water more than 100 feet from the vessel. 
He made a vigorous fight for life, and managed by swimming and clinging to 
portions of the wreck to sustain himself until rescued and placed in the 
Military Hospital at Wilmington for treatment. It was not until nearly a year 
had expired that he was able to leave the hospital and proceed to San Francisco, 
where he was for months under medical treatment and unable to work. These 
misfortunes financially ruined him, and he returned to Los Angeles County and 
engaged in work for General Banning at Los Angeles and Wilmington. As he 
accumulated means he invested in property in Los Angeles, and, in 1874, opened a 
livery and sale stable on Aliso street, which he conducted until 1881. He then 
moved to Savannah, where he purchased the Savannah Hotel, which he has since 
conducted. He is also the owner of some fine business and residence property in 
the city of Los Angeles. Mr. Yeary, though deprived of many opportunities in 
securing an education in early life, has, by his well-poised intellect, industry 
and strong will, overcome obstacles in life that would thoroughly dishearten 
many a more favored man, and has secured a fair share of this world's goods. He 
is well and favorably known, and has a large circle of friends in the community 
where nearly twenty-five .years of his life have been spent. In political 
matters he is a Democrat. He is a consistent temperance man, both in precept and 
practice. In theological matters he is liberal, preferring that he be judged by 
his actions rather than by any creed. May 9, 1887, Mr. Yeary was united in 
marriage with Miss Fidelia Rayland, daughter of Abraham and Percilla (Elam) 
Rayland, residents of Los Angeles County. Malcolm L. is their only child.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 696
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler