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SPECULATIONS ON EARLIEST AMISH TIES TO EUROPEAN JODERS
--by Rachel Kreider
Click here to view a this information in Chart form.
Anyone interested in Yoder history is naturally curious about what connections can be made between the American lines and the Joders of Europe from whence they came. The various clans reflected in the YNL have had uneven successes. Some have made documented linkages; others do not even wish to speculate at this point, especially not in print. Some are making good progress; others can't even find any helpful leads to get started. It seems premature to discuss the tie to more evidence. We are not ready to be definite. However, we have never been closer to the information we are seeking and the subject has been brought up so frequently that a request has been made for us to outline the guesses to date in the hope of stimulating profitable discussion and continuous careful research.
A good starting point would be the letter from Amish bishop Samuel Joder of Hesse, who wrote on February 10, 1806, to his "vetter" (cousin) Christian Yoder of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It was discovered by Leroy Beachy of Holmes County, Ohio, and reprinted in the YNL of April, 1987, with permission, from Beachy's column Unser Leit in the Sugarcreek Budget (1984). Records from the line of Michael Yoder, Samuel's son who came to America, show that Samuel was the son of Jacob, son of Hans. Karl Joder's research shows that this Samuel was the son of Caspar and Verena (Stauffer) Joder, son of Jost and Anna (Trachsel) Joder, as shown on the bottom line of the chart on page 7.
The Amish and Mennonites come from the Anabaptist wing of the Reformation. In his letter of January 15, 1975, to "cousin Karl" Joder of Oggersheim, Professor Don Yoder, who has done considerable research in Steffisburg, said that most of the Anabaptist Joders seen to have come from two families--that of Jost, born 1607 and his brother Nicholas, 1609, who on the same day (October 14, 1642) married cousins of the same name (Anna Trachael). Through the generosity of Karl Joder, charts and data about these families were sent to various interested people in the United States and the outline was printed in the YNL, No. 2, p. 7. Beginning with Caspar Joder and Margreth Hennig, the data was also included in the Gingerich-Kreider book of basic Amish genealogies (p. 572). The coding there can make it easier to follow in a discussion of family lines. Casper senior is Y. his son Jost is Y6 Jost's youngest son Caspar who married Verena (Franet) Stauffer is Y6b and Caspar's son Hans is Y6b4, the grandfather of Samuel.
Excerpts from Samuel's letter as quoted from Beachey's column read:
"Grace, Peace, aid Mercy in Christ Jesus, His beloved Son, who has called us to His heavenly Kingdom. I wish to my beloved cousin, Christian Yoder, and to his beloved children and brothers and sisters a friendly greeting...
"Further, my honoured cousin, that which you wrote to me on November 10, 1804, we received on July 8, 1805, and I and my children greatly rejoiced that we received news from our beloved cousins. At the most I rejoiced that my letter found alive my dear two old cousins who showed their love in sharing the news of loving friends.
"I learned from your letter that there is still a large family of Yoders, for which I rejoice. In Germany, here in Husse, I am the only one. I have two r sons and five daughters. The sons are still single. Three daughters are married. Two are yet single, with whom I keep house. My loving wife died nearly three years ago and in March I will be sixty-five years old. Of my father's brother John, one son is still living and lives in the Palatinate yet. So near has the family of Hans Joder died out in the Palatinate.
The letter ends "...your loving friend, Samuel Joder of Remersberg in Hesse."
That the recipient in America was Christian Yoder YR23 as coded by Gingerich-Kreider (p. 494), is assumed not only because it was found in the collection of a descendant, but because of a second letter from Samuel, also discovered by Leroy Beachy an earlier letter dated April 30, 1804. He writes: "This 1804 letter was not enclosed in an envelope but folded in such a way that the message was on the inside and the outside could be used for addressing. The letter was not sent through the mail system but was carried from Hesse to Pennsylvania by some trusted friend..." The closing line of the letter said, "Written in haste because of this opportunity arranged by God...Your friend Samuel Joder, bishop in Hesse."
Beachy continues: "On the outside Samuel had written: 'This letter will be cared for by these good friends who are planning to travel to America and is to be delivered to the Yoder family or to the Mennonites in Pennsylvania (the 'Menisten Gemein in Benselfanien')". Beachy believes that it must have been received first by Christian Yoder's brother John in Mifflin County, for other handwriting on the outside says: "This letter is to be received by Christian Yoder in the Glades" and also on the opposite side: "The grace and mercy of God I wish you, my greatly beloved brother Christian Yoder besides ministers, wife and children. Remember us in your prayers to God. I am also minded to do so in my great inability and weakness, Further, I inform you that this letter came to my hands from our beloved friend Samuel Yoder of Germany for which I greatly rejoice in my heart. So I am sending it to you as I think you will also appreciate and cherish it.Hanes Yoder".
On the outside Samuel wrote some things which he repeated in the letter of 1806. Space dictates that we lift out only a few of the other sentiments:
"Further we inform you that we have received your letter of December 4,1803 on April 7, which gladdened our hearts to once again be informed of you in the letters in which you told about yourselves. From Swartzentruber I have no response. I have seen from your letter that you have a large number of Yoders there and that two of the old ones are still living, but I must tell you, dear friends, that the Yoder family here is small. I am the only Yoder that lives here in Hesse. My father was Jacob Yoder, a son of Hans Yoder who lived at Herffinen and Rosenthal and died at Dirmstein.
"If my older cousins are still living they will have known him..."
He no doubt means that Hans was the one who died at Dirmstein, but the antecedent is not absolutely clear. The "older cousins" would not necessarily mean these two, Christian and Hans, but as Beachy points out, these would be the ones still living in 1804 that might still remember their German relative. If Samuel was as bereft of relatives where he was, it is no wonder that he felt so cousinly toward those in America. With so many cousins around him, it is not surprising if Hannes referred to Samuel as "freund". When he mentions his "greatly beloved brother Christian" aside from the other ministers, we can assume that Christian was more than just a brother in the faith. Yost YR26 is not mentioned although he was only two years younger than Hannes. He probably was already deceased.
Christian YR23 and Hans YR25 are shown in the upper right corner of our chart, the sons of Christian YR2 and the nephews, we have been assuming, of the Widow Barbara's husband who died at sea. These immigrants of 1742 were likely born about 1695--1700, but they could be as much as three to five years younger. Christian's first child was born in 1725. The children in the other family seem a little older than Christian's but their birth dates have all been estimated only and could also vary from the italics shown in AAMG, p. 493.
John Slabaugh's speculation was printed first (Penn. Menn. Heritage IV, 2, p. 21)--that if these men were cousins to Samuel, they could be "unmentioned sons of Hans and Catherine (Oesch) Joder". Perhaps they could have been cousins on the Oesch side, but no other sons of Hans Y6b4 could have been old enough to be the father of these immigrants. Han's first child was born when he was 21; other sons could have been born after 1710. Slabaugh realized also that the time span was too short. Therefore, "vetter" would have to mean a cousin farther removed. An expert in German has indeed indicated that the word can be used in a larger context, as for example when Don Yoder wrote to "cousin Karl". It is therefore necessary to go back a step or two farther.
Caspar Joder Y6b had two older brothers whose lines show possibilities for connection. Hans Y61, born 1644, had two sons we might consider and so did his brother Jakob, whichever of the two Jakobs is Y65 in the conflicting data. There are arguments for and against each theory.... some stronger than others, but none of them have been clearly proved.
(The rest of this article will be continued in the next YNL Issue #12)
FURTHER THINGS ABOUT ROSANNA OF THE AMISH
How many of you have ever read Rosanna of the Amish? Those unacquainted with the life style and religious practices of these fine people should read this book. The Amish appreciate the privilege of living in a country where they can practice their faith with freedom assured by our great Constitution.
The Amish take care of their own in times of trouble, sickness and agedness, and are liberal to others in times of strife and need. They take no welfare, Social Security or subsidies from the government. They pay their share of taxes. They consider it a God-given duty to be good stewards to the land, the family and of life. Simplicity is a required virtue.
(Photo)
Rosanna's last grandchild, George C. Yoder, 1890-1987, resident of Goshen, Indiana.
The story of Rosanna McGonegal is based on a true-life story how an Irish-Catholic infant lost her mother on her fifth day after birth. The heartsick father, with his other four children, left for Philadelphia where he could find homes for his children with friends and relatives. Elizabeth Yoder had been a good friend and helper to the McGonegals offered to keep Rosanna until a suitable home could be found. Time passed and Rosanna became a cherished child to Elizabeth and as she matured she fell in love with and married Christian Z. Yoder, known as Little Crist.
The first child born to them was named Yost McGonegal Yoder. A daughter Elizabeth was born later and died while only a toddler. Then John was born and later Joseph, the author of the above named book. Of the three boys only Yost remained Amish and John and Joseph became Mennonites.
Joseph became a teacher and school administrator. He was soon active in teaching and writing music with many chorale groups in PA, IN, VA and IL.
His brother John, known as J.M. Yoder, became a successful businessman and moved to Goshen IN where he was one of the founders of the Goshen Milk Condensing Co. He married Sarah Hooley in 1887, They had one son, George C. Yoder and he was the last surviving grandchild of Rosanna. He passed on in January 15, 1987. Following are excerpts from George's oldest daughter Audre's letter:
Dad was born in Belleville PA, March 1890. The family moved to Goshen in 1905, where he entered Goshen College. In 1909 he met the only girl he ever had(!), Hazel Stiver. They were married May 191_ .
He worked for his father, J.M. Yoder in the milk condensing business from 1909 until his retirement in 1950-40 years.
Outside of his retirement years spent with his grandchildren, his greatest joy was fishing the lakes around Goshen. How he loved it!
When Dad was about five years old he cut his leg with an axe. His grandmother (Rosanna) came to his house and "powwowed"; stopped the bleeding which was profuse. Needless to say, he was a great believer in this gift of healing, and he had a man in Goshen who he called to pow-wow for me when I had been hit in the eye and nose with a golf club and it WORKED, so I'm a believer too.
It would be interesting to find out how many of your readers have ever pow-wowing, and the cases they know about
The book Rosanna of the Amish is well written, easily read and is based on true characters and events. It is paperback and has 251 pages with illustrations. It can be purchased from:
THE PROVIDENT BOOK STORE
119 East Lincoln Avenue
Goshen IN 46526
Price: $4.95 ppd.
ADAM YODER..."moved to Tennessee and all traces of him were lost...."
Adam Yoder was the youngest son of Conrad Yoder, founder of the North Carolina branch of the Yoder family. In the History of the Yoder Family in North Carolina by Fred R. Yoder (whose obituary appears elsewhere in this issue), Adam's birthdate is reported from Bible records to have been June 23, 1785. Family tradition states that Adam moved to Tennessee and "all traces of him were lost".
After several years of gathering and trying to decipher clues, we set out in this article to piece together what appears to have become of him and his family. We'd like to emphasize that what is painted here seems a very likely picture, but one which is largely constructed by inference.
The 1820 North Carolina census shows Adam Yoder and his family living in Haywood County, North Carolina. Haywood is west of the Yoder settlement in Catawba County, and closer to the border with Tennessee. In the 1830 census, Adam is not listed in North Carolina, nor is he found in any of the adjoining counties.
Col. George Yoder, Civil War veteran and historian of the North Carolina Yoder family, reported that Adam had married a Sallie Davis. Buford Yother of LaFayette GA has found a reference to a Daniel Yother who married an Elender Davis on Feb. 24, 1807 in "Marriage Bonds of Tyron and Lincoln Counties NC". Conrad did have a son named Daniel, but he was married to Elizabeth Cline well before that date. Could this record have referred to Adam?
Unidentified Yoders appear in northern Georgia beginning with the 1840 census. In Lumpkin County, a John, Ephraim and an Adam are shown. In Gilmer County, there is a David Yeoder. A George Yother is listed in Hall County. The Adam is too young to have been Conrad's son. With David Yeoder, an aged male (70 to 80 years old) is recorded, but he is too old to have been Adam (he may have been a father-in-law?).
The 1850 census is the first one in which the format provides for listing information about each member of the family. It shows a David, George, Jefferson, Jason, and Ephraim Yother in Gilmer County, and a John and "Edmund" (called "Adam" in the 1870 census) in Lumpkin County, also with the last name spelled Yother. The "Yother" spelling is not without precedence in the North Carolina line. In addition to the 1807 marriage record, in the first U.S. census of the 1790 (taken after Conrad had died) the widow "Catherine Yother" is listed as head of the family.
The first generation male Yother/Yoder line of Georgia is shown on the chart included with this article. The data displayed in the chart is based census information and assorted records to include some gathered from current day descendants of these lines. An interesting picture emerges. We know that Conrad's son Adam was still in NC as of 1820. We also know that he reportedly "moved to Tennessee" at some time. The older males in this outline were all born in North Carolina between about 1807 and 1822. The youngest of these from the 1850 census, Jason, was born about 1827 in Tennessee. This matches the pattern of migration for Adam. No other Yoder/Yother branch is known to have been in NC at the appropriate time. The oldest male's birth is consistent with the Yother/Davis marriage date. (Note: According to Janet Gibson of Atlanta GA, one granddaughter of John D. Yother told of hearing that the family name was once spelled "Yoder").
The Tennessee census records don't show any Yoders/ and Yothers in either 1830 or 1840. The only Yoder in the 1850 census for that state is a son of one of Adam's brothers.
Several pre-1840 references appear for members of this apparent family in Georgia. During the Florida War of 1836-7, an Ephraim Yoder served with the Mounted Volunteers, Nelson's Battalion from Georgia. In the War of 1837-8, Adam, Ephraim and John Yoder served Company C of the Georgia Mounted Volunteers. Early marriage records for Lumpkin County report that on Aug. 1,1838, Ephraim Yother married Susan Mathews, and on Nov. 22, 1839, John Yother married Anna Blackstock. A later census record for John D. Yother reports that both his father and mother were born in North Carolina, a fact which corresponds with Adam and Sallie Yoder.
Although we have no information at this point to confirm that Adam, son of Conrad, was the father of any of these Georgia Yothers, it would certainly seem very possible based on the clues assembled to this point. We welcome any information or hints our readers may have to offer which could help prove or disprove this speculation!
(Our appreciation to the following folk who helped with bits and pieces to make up this analysis: Buford Yother, LaFayette GA; Janet Gibon, Atlanta GA; Marsha Pearson, Healdton OK, and John Klelber, Ceres CA.)
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FROM THE EDITORS
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Ben F. Yoder, Goshen IN Managing Editor
CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR QUERIES: The new address for historical and genealogical editor Chris Yoder, and for "YODER QUERIES" is: Chris Yoder,-----
Chris has taken a two-year assignment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but will be continuing his full involvement with the YNL. Use U. S. postage and allow four weeks for a reply.
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We have received notice of the launching of a MISHLER NEWSLETTER. This may be of interest
to readers with Mishler ancestry. For further information contact: MISHLER NEWSLETTER, Bob
Ghinder, 16691 Craigmere Dr., Middleburg OH 44130.
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A YODER TOUR TO SWITZERLAND
Wouldn't you enjoy seeing Switzerland (two days in Steffisburg) and other scenic spots after a relaxing
tour from Luxembourg to Basil to start? Enjoy the beauty through scenic Germany to Heidelburg and
down along the Rhine River valley for the return. The time would be from Sept. 11 to 24, 1988.
Accommodations would be 3 and 4 star hotels and restaurants. For further information write to: S.
Aylmer Yoder, 1126 Marticville Road, Pequea PA 17565.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITORS:
I have read with interest your October #lO Newsletter, and would like to reply with some comments on the nicknames that are mentioned.
Red Yost was known for his red hair.
Lame Yost was kicked by a horse and as a result walked with a limp. He was the father of Little Crist who was short of stature. Little Crist was the husband Of Rosanna Of the Amish. They had a grandson who was also short, and called Little Crist and was married to Lydia Sharp. Nick Yone was a son of Nicholas and Leah (Yoder) Yoder a daughter of Butcher Christian and Sarah Hertzler. He married Leah Yoder, daughter of Joel and Veronica Yoder. Joel was a son of Red Yost.
Cooper Christ was a son of John Yoder and Anna (Mast) Yoder, and was a cooper by trade. Butcher Christ was a son of Yost and Mary (Siever) Yoder. Yost and John were sons of Christian (1700-1775) and Barbara Yoder of Berks County.
Kiefer Christ was a son of Yetter Hannas and Barbara Richenbach. Yetter Hannas was a son of John and Anna (Mast) Yoder, thus Cooper Christ was the uncle of Kiefer Christ and also his brother-in-law. Charlie Christ was a brother of Lame Yost, son of David, who was a son of Yost and Mary (Siever) Yoder. Charlie Christ got his nickname in this manner: In those days it was common to try to keep it a secret as to which girl you were courting, and so you travelled as quietly as possible. On one occasion while going to visit his girlfriend, Saloma Zook, on horseback, he had to cross a wooden bridge, and was heard to whisper "schleich Charlie, schielch" meaning "Quiet, Charlie, quiet"-and thus the nickname Charlie Christ.
Gypsy Dan, son of Kiefer Christ and Esther (Hertzler) Yoder got his name because he never stayed in one place for any length of time. He moved across the Allegheny Mountains seven times (out and back) in his lifetime, and thus Gypsy Dan.
I enjoy your Newsletter very much, and look forward with anticipation to its arrival in my mail.
Alvin D. Yoder---Belleville, PA
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The annual reunion of the descendants of Adam Yoder (2-28-1818 to 5-26-1858) and Harriet
Isenhart , (6-20-1821 to 5-30-1911) will be held at Nettle Lake OH on 4 Sept. 1988 at the home of
Alva Kohl. Contact M. S.Sickmiller, Rt. 117396 Rd. 8, Montpelier OH 43543 for more.information.
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QUERIES QUERIES QUERIES
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In "Mennonite Family History", July 1982, the wife of Stephen Kurtz (1724-1773) (KZB7) is listed
being Veronica Yoder b. 1738, daughter of Yost Yoder. Does anyone have any information on who
this Yost Yoder was? Reply to Deb Miller, 103 Denbigh Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
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CALVIN HENRY YODER, b. 12/12/1832 Juniata Co., PA, m. Amy Weir. He d. 5/5/1915 at Willow
Hill IL. Calvin's parents were PETER YODER (b. 1780) and Ellen ? b. (1790), (Note: Both Peter and
Ellen are shown in the 1850 Juanita Co. census) Can anyone please help me with information on this
family or its origins? William A. Yoder, 5806 Briercliff Road, Knoxville TN 37918.
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WANTED: Information and locations of the descendants of EVERITT YODER, brother of PURTIE
and JOHN MAX, son of WILLIAM J. YODER and NANCY A. MAVITY. Was in or near
Chandler, OK about 1920. Reply to Rob Yoder, P.O. Box 170717, Arlington, TX 76003
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DON'T BE AFRAID. We are always glad to receive YODER related news items or other things that
would be of interest to our readers. Such items will be gladly received and used when possible in
future issues. Space governs when it can be used. DON"T HESITATE if you have anything you think
is suitable.
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People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors.
---Burke
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(Photo)
House in Steffisburg where Anabaptists met after leaving the Swiss Reformed Church--- photograph
contributed by Mr-. & Mrs. A,Jay Stauffer,New Bremen, OHIO.
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A VISIT TO STEFFISBURG AND JODERSHUBEL
(A part of a letter written by Orie B. Yoder of Medina OH during an August 1987 trip)
"Our next destination was Steffisburg. Following your instructions, we located the Reformation church and toured the grounds as well as the church.
From Steffisburg we drove into the Emmental, a beautiful drive, and on to Schngnau. At Schangnau, the hotel you referred to was closed for the season. However on a map on the outside wall of the hotel we located Jodershubel. Lois suggested that we drive to Jodershubel. I contrived her that one hill looks just-like another hill, and furthermore, that we could not recognize Yoder Hill if we saw it. So, we drove on to the small church in Schangnau, in the hopes of finding some clue of a Joder. We entered the church and looked about. Thereafter, we looked over the cemetery. To our surprise, all markers in the cemetery were of recent times--no old graves. As we examined the individual stones, Eldrith came upon a stone with the name Christian Schluchter, showing the address "Jodershubel". We then realized that Jodershubel was a definite geographic location at least as recently as 1963. Looking around the cemetery, we noticed three local ladies visiting a family grave, and I asked them if they knew of such a place as Jodershubel. Between my broken German and their comprehension of English, we finally conveyed the idea of Jodershubel. They said, "Ya, Ya"' and they would take us there, since they lived nearby. So we followed them as they drove some very narrow roads around curvy mountains for about 15 minutes until they stopped and pointed. - There it was--Jodershubel. I thought it would be a high mountain peak; but no. It was a midsized hill with a family raking hay on the hillside. The homestead was located further around the hill. On our return trip, our local ladies again stopped, got out of their car, and pointed across the valley showing us the homestead of Jodershubel from a distance. The cooperative willingness of these local ladies in helping us locate the Joder homestead was most appreciated.
I now know that Jodershubel and the Joder homestead exist. Swiss folks continue to harvest hay from the carefully tended fields and feed it to their carefully tended cattle.
Yes, Ben, our trip was a success. I wish all Yoders could travel to Jodershubel and breathe that fresh mountain air that has developed the positive, hearty mental and physical condition of the Yoders today.
For the remained Of our Swiss trip we bought a railpass and rode, first class, back and forth across Switzerland, visiting the cities and other interesting sights."
(Photos)
Joder homestead, near Schangnau, Switzerland
ADOLPHUS YODER FAMILY IDENTIFIED
In a previous issue, we reported what became of Adolphus Yoder who left North Carolina to serve in the War of 1812 and went west, settling in Washington Co., MO. Thanks to Marie Edgar, Potosi, MO, who is the secretary of the Mine Au Breton Historical Society, we are able to give the name of his children (taken from the estate of son Jackson "Yoader" filed 31 May 1862). In addition to Jackson, there was a son Lafayette and daughter Sarah then living in Washington Co., a daughter Elizabeth Callahan living in Crawford Co.,and a daughter Lucinda Hope living in Cape Girardeau Co., MO. (Note: The 1880 census shows Lafayette and his family in Crawford County...he being 40 years of age). Marie's husband is a descendant of Adolphus' second wife Sarah Gilliam Thanks Marie!!!
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PARTIAL ANSWER TO READER CHALLENGE- In an earlier issue of-YNL-we presented a
"reader challenge" seeking the identity of John Yotter (11/13/1785-5/27/1847) who is buried in the
Dunker Cemetery, Huntsdale, Cumberland County,PA. We have not found the origin or ancestry of
the gentleman, but have established from estate records that he is the same "John Yoter" mentioned
in the Biographical Directory of Cumberland County. He reportedly moved from Taneyville, MD to
the county "in 1802"(sic?), This John Yoter left three sons: "John G.,who died at Shippensburg,PA";
Hezekiah (d. North Middleton Twp in 1870); and 'Josiah, who died in the West" (a J.W.Yoter who
d.1882 at age 68 is buried in the Nashville area cemetery, Holmes Co.,OH.; a Josiah Yoter is shown
(b.c1814 PA) in the 1850 Ohio census with his wife Elizabeth).
The YNL would welcome any further information on this family. The 1830 and 1840 PA census
appears to list John as "John Yetter". Is he a part of the Yetter family (totally separate and unrelated
to the Yoders), or is he in some way descended from a Yoder forebear??
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LETTER FROM OTMAR JOTTER IN WEST GERMANY
(The following letter was received and translated by Greg Yoder of Grand Rapids MI. It gives some background on Otmar Jotter)
"I was born in 1933 in Gruenstadt in the Pfalz as a descendant of the 1711 immigrant, Christian Joder, farmer (tenant) of the Freiherr von Hundheimschen Gutes at Eppstein/Pfalz. I have been married since 1959 to Wilma Maul. Two sons have been born to our marriage.
"After schooling and training I was occupied in various textile operations in Inn-U. Ausland. This was followed by studies in the French language in Luxembourg in 1954/ 55. Since 1960 I have worked as a sales representative in the textile industry. During this time my interest in genealogy also developed.
"In the first years I searched after my ancestors until I met up with Christian Joder=Jotter, the afore mentioned farmer in Eppstein. By 1972 I had collected and compiled almost every Jotter in the Pfalz.
In 1972 I became acquainted with Karl Joder. Karl had, up to that time gathered almost every Joder in the Pfalz. We became friends. From 1973 on we worked and searched together. Together we undertook regular study trips to Switzerland. Working by ourselves at the registry office in Steffisburg, we transcribed and made full use of the sixteen registry books dating back to 1530. With this information I was able to develop a Joder=Jotter family tree beginning in 1530. Furthermore I was able to confirm that the name Joder was in certain parts converted to the name Jotter. I collected everything that had to do with Joder and the Mennonites or baptisms.
"Also searched through were translations of documents from the Napoleon and pre-napoleonic times. In studying these documents there fell into my hands a group of writings about many of the old customs. Included were old Joder family crests (heraldry). This was followed by coins (numismatics).
"Studies in the state archives at Bern on Falkenplatz leading to information on the emigration of the Joders to other lands goes on to this day. Following the death of my friend, Karl (1984-see YNL Issue 4), I occupied myself almost totally with the customs and the day to day practices (eating, transportation, coins, shields, tinware, porcelain, etc.) and Mennonite and evangelical church history.
"In 1974 I was called to the board of directors of the Mennonite region Obersuelzen, where I also served as church treasurer.
"In 1983, together with Horst Wilhelm, I formed an antiquity (historical) for local history of which I am the second director since its founding."
(Otmar has published eight articles relating to Joder/Jotter family research and on several different church histories)
FURTHER INFORMATION ON HENRY YODER (1756-1829) IN SOMERSET CO., PA
by William Yoder of Goshen, IN.
I was intrigued by reading the last April issue (Issue #7) of the YNL on the article by John Mark Slabaugh concerning where Henry Yoder (Sr.) was the son of Yost Yoder, is buried. Since this was my stamping ground "home community" up to 51 years ago it hit me between the eyes, since Henry was my great great grandfather. My brother Ernest (now deceased) and myself, some thirty years ago had the new stone put in place, between the two old stones between the two graves.
(Stone photos)
Note on Katie's (Catherine Detweiler) marker the stone cutter made a t instead of an i which stands for Yoder.
As the old stones were field stones and were barely legible and not written in contemporary language, we had the birth and death date of Henry and Katie put at the top in today's language, and at the bottom, exactly as it was on the old stones. Some time after we put said stone in place, someone removed the old stones. Looking around I found them against the fence along with some other old stones. They are now in Elam Bender's home for safe keeping, the owner of the farm where the cemetery is located. This was formerly known as the Joel Hershberger farm.
My great grandfather, Yost H. Yoder (another Yost), son of Henry is also buried here as is also my grandfather, Jacob Y.Yoder.
(From the lady who provided the birth records of the children of Conrad Yoder's (NC) son Elias.
"After the Yoder Newsletter came out (with the information in it), I got this letter from Mr. Hubert Yoder of Charlotte NC. He had just returned from a trip to the University of S. D. where his cousin taught school. He thought he would find these records there and did not. Soon as he gets home and looks for the YNL, there is what he has been looking for...So I guess I made someone happy and I'm so glad I could help.---Lula Vaughn, Bunker Hill IL
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He that sows thorns, should never go barefoot. ---Benjamin Franklin
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Lewiston (ID) Tribune, Oct. l, 1987
Fred R. Yoder, 98, retired WSU professor
PULLMAN - Fred Roy Yoder, 98. a retired sociology professor at Washington University died of causes related to age Tuesday evening at the Pullman Convalescent Center. He had been a resident there for the past three months.
He was born Dec. 12, 1888, at Hickory,. N.C., to Colin and Emma Yoder. Yoder graduated from Hickory North Carolina High School and received his bachelor's degree Leroir-Rhyne College, at Hickory.
He received a master's degree from the: University of North Carolina, and a doctor's degree from University of Wisconsin.Yoder studied two years at University of Missouri at Columbia and attended two terms at the University of London.He was awarded an honorary LLD degree from Lenoir-Rhyne College.
Yoder taught high school for nine years and college for more than 50 years.
He married Wilma Porter on June 22, 1923, at Walla Walla. She survives him at their home at Pullman.
As a sociology professor, he received an award for his leadership in opening the doors for black graduate students at WSU.
He taught at WSU for 34 years stepping down in 1954. He then moved to Portland, Ore., and taught at Lewis and Clark College there.
He also taught at Western Kentucky State College, Bowling Green. Ky., and Campbellsville College at Campbellsville Ry. He retired from there in 1973 and went to the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill, N.C where he did research. He and his family returned to Pullman 1975 where they had made their home since.
Yoder wrote seven books, publishing two. One was an introduction to sociology and the other was the history of the Yoder family in North Carolina.
He was a member of the Community Congregational Church -UCC of Pullman, the Lenoir Scholarship Society the American Sociological Association and the American Legion.
He also was a life member of the Whelan Grange, and life member of the Pullman Kiwanis Club.
Yoder was a member of the Whitman County Democratic Party and was a candidate for the U.S. Congress Fourth District in 1954. He was known as "Mr. Democrat for Whitman County."
Yoder held most all local and state offices in the Democratic party and was a delegate to the National Convention in 1952. He also was a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta, a sociology honorary.
He served in both World War I in the U.S. Army infantry and World War II with the Army Air Forces.
In addition to his wife, survivors include one son, Hubert Yoder of Pullman, and Thomas Yoder of Fort Wayne, Ind.- a daughter Elaine Yoder Zakarison of Pullman, a brother, Yates Yoder of Hickory, N.C. - seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.
The funeral wilt be held Monday at 10 a.m. at the Community Congregational Church at Pullman. Burial will follow at the Pullman City Cemetery.
The family suggests memorials be given to the Community Congregational Church or to the Fred Yoder Scholarship Fund at Campbellsville College, Campbellsville, Ky.
Kimball Funeral Home at Pullman is in charge of arrangements.
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EARLY RECORDS NEED LINKING
From Helen V. Yoder came the following records from the Lutheran Church Records of Lower Bermudian Congregation, Latimore Township, Adams Co.,PA. Whey address the children of Daniel Jodder and his wife Catherine all of whom were baptised by Rev. Lucas Rauss.
Johannes b. 6/14/1762 bapt.9/22/1762 spon.Johannes Asper and Elizabetha
Elizabetha b.12/20/ 1763 bap3.12/26/ 1763 spon. Johann Lehmer & Elizabetha
George Jost b. 7/30/1765 bapt.9/15/1765 spon. George Heckele & Anna Elizabeth
Maria Barbara b. 11/?/1766 bapt. 1/1/1767 spon. Peter Strum & Margaretha Barbara
Catharina b. 3/4/1768 bapt.5/23/1768 spon. Nichlas Dotter & Catharina
Susanna b. 5/5/1769 bapt.5/20/1769 spon. Heinrich Kranester & Susan
Johanna b. 7/ 7/1770 bapt. 8/12/1770 spon. Caspar Klein & Catharina Schneider
Maria Magdalena b.8/10/1778 bapt. 10/19/1778 spon.Frederich Herman & Maria Magd.
Any readers who may have access to records in this area could be of great help by attempting to decipher the origins and destination of this family.
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YODER IN ARABIC
From the YNL ' s Middle Eastern correspondent, Chris Yoder, comes another version of the name YODER as written in a foreign script. Arabic script is read from right to left. The transcription of our name consists of the letters:
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HICKORY DAILY RECORD - Mon., August 17, 1987
Family Holds 37th Annual Reunion
The gamut from foods of every description to the election of officers highlighted the 37th annual reunion of the Yoder family, which was held Sunday at Zion Lutheran Church near Hickory.
Following the invocation by the host pastor, the Rev. Floyd W. Bost, a covered dish picnic was had by all in the church fellowship building.
President Abert F. Yoder of Conover conducted a business meeting during which time the group elected new officers. Chosen to serve the clan the next three years were Ted M. Yoder, president; L. Clement Hahn Jr., vice-president; Neal D Wilfong, secretary; and Gerald M. Yoder treasurer.
A report was offered concerning the condition of the old Yoder burial ground. Gerald Yoder reported that he was keeping up the cemetery where some 25 to 30 persons are believed burled, including the clan patriarch, Conrad Yoder, who died in 1790. The historic cemetery is located on a knoll above the Jacob's Fork river on county road 1008 south of Brookford.
An announcement was shared that Neal Wllfong had recently written a history of the Blackburn family. The volume is to be released in the near future by the Catawba County Historical Association. Many of the Blackburns are lineal descendants of Conrad Yoder through the pioneer's daughter Catharine, who married John Baker, Sr.
President Yoder disclosed statistics which indicated that six babies had been born into the family since the last get together. Nine marriages and 22 deaths were also reported.
Yoder stated that the senior member of the family, Dr. Fred R. Yoder of Pullman, Wash., had recently entered a hospital for treatment. Dr. Yoder, who is 98 years old, authored a "History of the Yoder Family in North Carolina" in 1970.
Copies of the Yoder history as well as companion index to the genealogy and R.A. Yoder's 1886 map of Catawba County were distributed at the meeting.
Yleana and Antonio Acosta of Caracas, Venezuela travelled the greatest distance to attend the festivities. The couple were the guests of Hassill and Dorothy Reep of Statesville.
Mrs. Mollie W. Yoder, 90, of Newton was the oldest person present. At sixteen days old, Trent Spencer Yoder won the distinction of being the youngest guest. The child is the son of Ted and Donna Yoder of Rt. 12, Hickory.
The meeting was adjourned following the benediction by the Rev. Frank Yoder of Decatur Tenn. A retired Baptist evangelist Yoder it a grandson of Eli Yoder, who emigrated to Tennessee from Lincoln County in the nineteenth century.
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YODER's MILL, sold to Griesmers, now called "Griesmers Mill". Located off Route 73 in Pleasantville, PA. This property was on the homestead of Hans Yoder of the Oley line (warrant returned Mar.25,1714). The original mill was burned in 1847 and rebuilt the same year. This photograph was provided by Mrs. Gertrude Seiz,Lansdale,P
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