William Overall Yager facts for kids

William Overall Yager (born April 3, 1833 – died 1904) was an important person in American history. He was a military leader during the American Civil War. After the war, he became a politician and public servant in Page County, Virginia. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia. He also worked as a school superintendent and county treasurer.

Early Life and Education

William Yager was born and grew up in Page County, Virginia. His parents were Nicholas Wesley Yager and Christina Williams Overall Yager.

In 1848, he started studying at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). He graduated four years later, ranking fifth in his class. Some of his classmates later became famous, including Thomas T. Munford and George Smith Patton Sr. Even Thomas Jonathan Jackson, a famous general, signed his diploma.

Moving to Kansas and Texas

After graduating from VMI, Yager worked as a banker for a short time in Virginia. Soon after, he traveled to Kansas with his VMI classmate, Hiram Jackson Strickler. They bought and sold land together, mostly in Shawnee County.

Later, Yager moved to Seguin, Guadalupe County, in Texas. There, he met Mary Elizabeth Rhodes. They got married in 1863. Mary's family also had roots in Page County, Virginia, just like William's. William and Mary later had one son and four daughters.

Service During the Civil War

William Yager joined the Confederate army in April 1861. He started as a first lieutenant. He served with the First Regiment, Texas Mounted Rifles. This unit was also known as McCulloch's Regiment.

In late 1861, Yager was recommended to lead a cavalry battalion. In April 1862, he was allowed to form his own cavalry unit. This unit was called the Third Texas Cavalry Battalion. It was also known as Yager's Third Battalion Texas Mounted Volunteers.

On May 2, 1863, Yager's battalion joined with another unit. They formed the First Texas Cavalry Regiment. Yager was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He was the second-in-command under Colonel Augustus Carl Buchel.

After Colonel Buchel was badly hurt in the Battle of Pleasant Hill in April 1864, Yager became the new colonel. He took command of the regiment. He led this regiment until the end of the war.

Life After the War

After the Civil War ended, William Yager stayed in Texas until the 1870s. Then, he moved back to his home in Page County, Virginia, with his family.

In the years that followed, he became active in politics and public service. He represented Page County in the Virginia House of Delegates from 1874 to 1875. He then served in the Virginia Senate from 1879 to 1880.

After his time in the Senate, Yager continued to serve his county. He became the Superintendent of Schools in 1880. Later, he served as the Treasurer of Page County from 1884 to 1896.

William Yager passed away in Page County on January 20, 1904. He was buried in the Yager family crypt in Luray, Virginia.