DeWitt Clinton YOUNGBLOOD, one of the grand old men of the county, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Joe WYATT, at Mitchell, IL, at 5 o'clock a.m. Tuesday after a short period of illness.

He was born near Crab Orchard in Williamson County, IL 15 Feb 1849 and at the time of his death was 88y8m11d of age.

His grandfather, James YOUNGBLOOD settled in Williamson County over one hundred years ago when the land was a wilderness. His father was John YOUNGBLOOD who served in the Mexican War in 1848 & 1849 under General Zachery TAYLOR. In the early fifties the father of Mr. YOUNGBLOOD moved his family to Jefferson County, IL and settled near Old Winfield. His son, DeWitt, attended the rural schools where by application and hard study he acquired a good practical education. At the age of 21 he left home and faced the problems of life for himself.

In October 1871 he married Parlee HARMON who died January 20, 1894.

Soon after his marriage he settled on a farm near Ina, IL, where he has resided over 65 years. By careful management and thrift Mr. YOUNGBLOOD soon acquired a fine farm and was rated as one of the substantial farmers of this neighborhood.

In early life Mr. YOUNGBLOOD began to take an active interest in the civic affairs of his community and soon became one of the Democratic leaders of the county. He served a number of years as local committeeman of his party and during his political career was elected and filled every political office in his township with the exception of constable. In 1910 he was elected County Treasurer and served one term with honor and distinction.

Uncle Dee as he was know to hundreds of friends never made a public profession, but before his death he told his daughter that he was ready to go. He was a life long Bible student and always stood for the highest type of honesty and moral uprightness. He was a man who loved his fellow man and never turned a deaf ear to the cry of distress. He believed that honesty is the best policy and practiced that virtue in word and deed.

He is survived by four daughters as follows: Mrs. Will HOLMAN of Jonesboro, Ark., Mrs. Ed RANKIN, Rozelle, Mo., Mrs. Joe WYATT of Mitchell, Ill., Mrs. Rosa BURRUS, Nameoki, Ill. Also one brother, Ransom YOUNGBLOOD of Arkansas, and one sister, Mrs. Jane BUOY of Sewal, Iowa. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.

In the passing of Uncle Dee our community has lost one of its most honored and best loved citizens.

Funeral was held at the Ina C. P. Church at 2 p.m. Wednesday, conducted by W. R. BBURTON of Whittington. Burial followed at Kirk Cemetery.

Source: The Ina Observer, Ina, IL
Date: Thursday, October 28, 1937
Submitted by: Mary Zinzilieta