CHARLES AUGUST YOERK

Sacramento County

Biographies

CHARLES AUGUST YOERK

CHARLES AUGUST YOERK.--The life history of this late pioneer is of especial interest, in that it tells the early struggles of one who landed in a strange country with very little funds, after a setback or two, gradually climbed the ladder of success. Charles August Yoerk, the pioneer butcher of Sacramento, was born in the province of Wurttemberg, Germany, and in his native country learned the trade in which he was later so successful in an entirely different environment. In 1855, at the age of twenty-four, he came to the United States, and for two years engaged in the butcher business in Philadelphia.

In 1857 Mr. Yoerk came to California by way of Panama, and after his arrival in Sacramento, went to the mines to try his fortune, as did so many of the pioneers, and with a like result, for he came back to Sacramento "broke." Nothing daunted, he formed a partnership and opened up a butcher shop with Mr. Schwartz, at Seventh and L Streets, under the firm name of Yoerk & Schwartz. After five years together, Mr. Yoerk sold out his interest and returned to Philadelphia, in 1862, and on June 22, of that year, married Margaret Lenz, also a native of Wurtemberg. After two years spent in Philadelphia, during which time their first child, Carrie, was born, the family came to Sacramento and Mr. Yoerk, in partnership with Louis Mohr, opened a butcher shop at Eleventh and J Streets, under the firm name of Mohr & Yoerk; later the store was removed to Eleventh and K Streets and there continued a successful business.

Six children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Yoerk, all except the eldest being natives of California: Carrie; Fred, with Hall, Luhrs & Company, Sacramento; Mrs. Rose Geiser of Berkeley; George P. is the manager of Hall, Luhrs & Company; Mrs. Lulu Newhouse, of Berkeley; and there are eight grand-children. All of the sons and daughters are interested in the firm of Mohr & Yoerk. Mr. Yoerk was called from his earthly career in August, 1912, and his loss was keenly felt by a host of friends, as well as the members of his devoted family. Fraternally, Mr. Yoerk was a Mason and a member of the Turnverein. He was a member of the German Lutheran Church, and was liberal in his contributions, and he also always stood ready to help other denominations, for he believed the orthodox church was the foundation for obtaining the highest standard of morals and civic righteousness. He was also a liberal in support of any worthy cause during the long years of his residence in Sacramento. Since her husband's death, Mrs. Yoerk continues to reside at the family home at 1413 H Street, surrounded by her devoted children, who look after her interests, thus relieving her from any unnecessary worry or care.

Mr. and Mrs. Yoerk were of the old school, generous and kind-hearted, ready at all times to help the needy and afflicted, but all of their benefactions were done in an unostentatious manner. They were greatly endeared to the people of Sacramento, who remember their modest, kindly charities, and unpretentious hospitality and goodness, and keep them in loving remembrance. Mrs. Yoerk, though in her eighty-sixth year, is well and hearty for one of her age, and is a pleasure to know and converse with this interesting pioneer woman of Sacramento.

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.

Source: Reed, G. Walter, History of Sacramento County, California With Biographical Sketches, Page 305. Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, CA. 1923.