Woodford A. Yerxa

Mayor from 1883-1885

Woodford Allen Yerxa, was born in St. John's, New Brunswick, Canada, in March 1856. He came to Minnesota in 1870, and in 1871 to Dakota Territory.

In February 1974 he located in Fargo where he was first employed by Hubbard & Tyler. In 1876 he opened his own general merchandise business with his brother T. E., and later partnered with P. Goodman.

W. A. Yerxa served as Fargo's first treasurer, and as Fargo's mayor, being elected in 1883. Around 1890, Mr. Yerxa moved to Minneapolis, where he opened a grocery business with his brother F. R. Yerxa. He retired to Colusa, California where he died on February 10, 1935. Mr. Yerxa's wife Eva Gould, died relatively young, while the family was living in Minneapolis. They had three children.