Recognizing the Service of John G. Youker

Floor Speech

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Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to posthumously honor John G. Youker for his service to the United States in the War of 1812. Known to all as ``George,'' Mr. Youker was born to Revolutionary War Patriot John Youker, Sr. and Elizabeth Schall on February 3, 1789, in Montgomery County, New York within the Mohawk Valley Region.

Mr. Youker served as a Private in the NY Militia under Captain Frederick German's Company and Lt. Colonel Commandant Calvin Rich's 11th Regiment. From August 22, 1812 to February 22, 1813 he was stationed at Sackets Harbor, which became the center of American military activity during the war. The First Battle of Sackets Harbor began July 19, 1812. It was a major ship building location for the war and a highly important location to defend. Mr. Youker was discharged 3 months before the second battle of Sackets Harbor.

After his service, Mr. Youker and his wife, Catharine Burkdorf Youker, lived in Montgomery County, New York with their children. They later settled in Harrison, Pennsylvania in the mid-1840s before following their children to the Grand Traverse Area in the 1860's. Mr. Youker passed away in Blair Township in May of 1870 and was buried at Mt. Hope Cemetery, in what is now Green Lake Township, Grand Traverse County Michigan.

In 1870, Veteran stones were not provided and military status was rarely made apparent on a person's headstone, and I would personally like to thank the Northern Michigan Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for honoring John George Youker in a formal ceremony on August 3rd of this year. The work that they do truly honors our heritage and those that have valiantly served before us.

Mr. Speaker, today I offer the posthumous recognition and gratitude that John G. Youker deserves, and I honor him for his service to the United States in the War of 1812.

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