Born in Union Springs, Cayuga County, New York. Moved with his family to Rochester, New York, in 1885. Married Addie DeSaeble. They had one son. Auditor with the Rochester and Pittsburgh Coal Company. He was a member of the Masons.

He was a charter member of the Rochester Numismatic Association. He was club secretary 1910 to 1918 and elected president in 1918. The RNA honored Yawger with a medal in 1918. Dies were by J. A. Koeb.

Yawger was life member number 2 of the ANA. He served as Librarian of the ANA 1913 to 1921, general secretary 1919 to 1921, and chairman of the board of governors 1921 to 1926. He served as 15th ANA President August 26, 1926, to August 25, 1927. He declined reelection because of failing health and died within a year. He died in Baltimore, Maryland.

His collection was sold at auction by Paul Lange DBA The Hobby Shop November 24, 1928, and January 12, 1929. photo: NUM 33 Oct 1920 page 450

bio: NUM 79 Mar 1966 pages 307-308

obit: NUM 41 Sep 1928 pages 524-527, photo page 525