Youngkin, Henry Clay (1827–1909)

Henry Clay, or H.C, Youngkin was a member of the Twelfth Texas Legislature, representing district number 25 which included Colorado and Lavaca counties. He was born May 1, 1827, in Lancaster, Ohio, and was the son of Abraham Youngkin Jr. and Sarah (Montgomery) Youngkin. He married Elizabeth Shafer on April 12, 1849, and they had two sons: John Abraham Youngkin and Josiah Shafer Youngkin. H.C. Youngkin made his home in Hallettsville, Texas, the county seat of Lavaca County and made his living as a farmer. He and his wife also operated a pharmacy. Youngkin served as county clerk for Lavaca County for one term from 1869 to 1870 before becoming a state legislator. As a member in the twelfth state legislature from 1870 to 1871, he served on the following standing committees: Education, Printing and Contingent Expenses (Chairman), and Public Buildings and Grounds. Later on in life, he and his wife moved to Yoakum, Texas, to be with their two sons and grandchildren. He died in Yoakum on October 20, 1909, and was buried in Oak Grove Cemetery in Lavaca County.