Was born in Jackson County, Indiana, October 28, 1831. His parents, George and Elizabeth Youtsey, nee Easter, were born in Pennsylvania. They moved to Indiana in 1830 and there, when David was about three years of age, his mother died. In 1844 his father moved to Daviess County, Missouri, and is still living here in the seventy-seventh year of his age. David was reared on a farm and received his education at the common schools.
He remained to care for his father until March 2, 1856, when he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia M. Smith. She was born on July 14th, in Howard County, Missouri, and is a daughter of Dr. 0. W. Smith and Mildred Smith, nee Terrill, both natives of Kentucky, who settled in Howard County, Missouri, in 1832. They afterward moved to Daviess County in 1840, and settled near Gallatin. Here her mother died April 19, 1843, and her father December 25, 1855.
Dr. O. W. Smith was well and favorably known by the early settlers of Daviess County. As soon as David E. Youtsey and wife were married they moved to a forty-acre tract of land which now comprises a part of their beautiful farm. Their supply of money or goods was very limited and they had none of the household utensils or farming implements of modern times. But they had the will and determination to succeed, and they were happy in their humble home and did succeed. They have kept on increasing their possessions till they now own 185 acres of a finely improved farm, well stocked.
In 1859 Mr. Youtsey spent six months in the mines in Colorado, and at the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted and served six months in the Enrolled Militia, then as sergeant for three years as a member of the First Missouri State Militia Regiment, and was with his command in many battles, raids and skirmishes. On August 8th, 1862, while in a battle in Macon County, he was severely wounded, being shot through the neck, and for a long time his life was despaired of; but he finally recovered, though lie still suffers from his wound and carries the bullet in his right cheek. At the same time he was otherwise wounded, bat not seriously, and had his canteen and accoutrements almost torn from his person by the enemy’s bullets. After the close of the war he returned to his farm where he has ever since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Youtsey have six children, namely: Luella, born August 25, 1857, now a teacher in the public schools of the county; David W., born April 21, 1859; Lewis H., born October 30, 1860; Sanford M., born February 20, 1867; Eben B., born November 17, 1869; and Katie E., born March 28, 1871. Another member of the family is Orris Estis, a little orphan nephew, born October 8, 1878. This family are noted for their kindness and hospitality; they have reared five orphan children, and are always ready to aid the distressed. They have been devoted members of the Christian Church since their youth, and Mr. Youtsey has for many years been deacon of the Civil Bend Christian Chapel.