The history of the Yost family dates back prior to the revolutionary period and continues down to the present day. The first of the family of whom there is record is Peter Yost, who was a tanner and an early settler on lands secured from Sir William Johnson in (then) Albany, now Fulton county, New York. He married and had issue. Peter Yost (2) came to Fulton county in 1781. He was one of the early millers of the county, and owned a grist mill. He was also a large land owner of the county and a man of influence. He was a member of St. Patrick's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of which Sir William Johnson was the first worshipful master, in 1766. In 1820 Peter Yost's son Nicholas held the same high office in the same lodge. Peter Yost (2) was born in 1740 and died in 1811. He married and had four sons: John T., Nicholas, Jacob (see forward), and William.
(III) Jacob, son of Peter Yost (2), was born in 1775 and died in 1857. He inherited lands from his father and was a prosperous farmer and tavern keeper. He was considered one of the solid, substantial men of his day. He married Catherine Buzzard, born in 1777, died April 14, 1855. Children:
- John B., born April 22, 1800, of whom further;
- Peter, born 1803, died March 1, 1850;
- Laney;
- Margaret;
- Jane;
- Hannah;
- Eliza, born 1821, died April 13, 1850.
(IV) John B., son of Jacob and Catherine (Buzzard) Yost, was born April 22, 1800, died August 2, 1872. He attended the common schools, and was reared to the occupation of a farmer, the business which he followed all his active years. He became a large land owner and a man of prominence. He was a lifelong Democrat and a member of the Episcopal church. He married Mary Ann Snyder, born 1805, died October 9, 1863. Children:
- Catherine.
- Charles.
- Peter.
- Henry S., born June 14, 1830, died September 24, 1899.
- Edward; was foully murdered March 6, 1875; he was found dead in his room in the bank building of David Hays in Johnstown, with two bullet wounds through his head. His gold watch and diamond pin were gone, together with a large sum of money. A former partner, Frederick Smith, was charged with the murder, tried, and acquitted. Notwithstanding rewards aggregating $6,000 were offered, the murder of Edward Yost remains an unsolved mystery.
- John Jay, of whom further.
- Mary, married David Hayes; three children.
- Cornelia, married Charles Stuart.
- Abram, married Elizabeth Whitrow.
- Rhoda, born June 30, 1849, died November 12, 1851.
(V) John Jay, son of John B. and Elizabeth (Snyder) Yost, was born in Johnstown, Fulton county, New York, 1839. He was educated in the public schools and Johnstown Academy. For two years after leaving school he was in the employ of Barney Groff. He then went to St. Louis, Missouri, where he was a wholesale glove dealer, later until 1902 a dealer in deer skins. He was very successful in his business affairs, and in 1902 retired. He resided in Johnstown, New York. He was a member of St. Patrick's Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Johnstown, and the Fulton County Historical Society, and was a communicant of the Episcopal church. He adhered to Democratic principles, the political faith of his ancestors. He died October 31, 1910, after a lingering illness.