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CASSELMAN HISTORIANS FEATURE YODERS
-contributed by John W Yoder
In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Amish Yoder line, the Casselman River Amish and Mennonite Historians featured the Yoders with programs last September at the Maple Glenn Church near Grantsville, MD.
The programs were held Friday evening and Saturday, Sept. 4 and 5. After a business meeting, the show began with an excellent slide presentation by Virgil Yoder of Natrona heights, PA. The slides concentrated mainly on European sites very significant to Anabaptism and the Yoder name along with a narration of history and music. Saturday morning there were two early meetings proposing projects in the Grantsville area. One concerned the restoration of the Beach-Miller Cemetery, and the other proposed to build at Penn Alps a Yoder (information) house constructed of stones collected from old Yoder homesteads in the area.
The first order of the Saturday program was more slides by Virgil Yoder followed by a short presentation on the Yoder Newsletter an the YNL Family Information on computer discs by John W. Yoder of Middlebury, IN. Before lunch, Kenneth L. Yoder of Grantsville spoke about the surprisingly numerous places named Yoder. Kenneth Yoder was also the moderator of the entire event.
After lunch, Senior YNL Contributing Editor Rachel Kreider discussed early Yoder genealogies. Rachel is the co-author (with Dr. Hugh Gingerich) of the seminal work "Amish and Amish Mennonite Genealogies" (Pequea Publishers, Gordonville, PA. (C) 1986). She went into some detail on their finings an the justification for the conclusions in their book. Before leaving the podium, Rachel invited Leroy Beachy (a Holmes County, Ohio historian and author) up to discuss his theory on the name of the husband of the "Widow Barbara" Yoder.
Also present were eight members of the North Carolina Yoders, descendants of Conrad Yoder who settled there in the late 1700s. Speakers from this group Ted N. Yoder of Hickory, NC and Hubert Yoder of Charlotte, NC. They did a fine job of telling who they were and what's in their past.
The Yoder newsletter helped in promoting the event by handling the mailing of announcements to our list of subscribers. Approximately 75 to 100 people attended the activities. It was a great chance to connect with others of similar interests.
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A Busy Miss Indiana
by John W. Yoder
High Quality genes from the Yoder blood lines have manifested
themselves quite nicely in this year's Miss Indiana, and Miss America
second runner-up Shelli R. Yoder of Shipshewana, Ind. Many of us saw
her perform in the Miss America pageant televised nationally from
Atlantic City, N.J. last September.
Easily one of the most beautiful young ladies in the contest, she
survived preliminary competition during the week and remained to take
third position out of fifty in Saturday night's pageant. In the audience,
of course, were her very proud parents, and a couple of bus loads of
family, friends and supporters mostly from the Shipshewana area.
In the months since that event, the position in the Miss America
competition has not required much of her time, although it gave her
notoriety on a national scale. Her title as Miss Indiana, on the other
hand, has kept her very busy with the life of a celebrity. Shelli has a full
time job this year making seven to nine appearances per week
throughout Indiana. At these appearances to civic groups, school
gatherings, etc., she often sings and and speaks on a platform dealing
with self esteem, nutrition and eating disorders.
Mixed in with that schedule are appearances for Miles Laboratories
promoting their "One-A-Day" nutrition plan. She also does the
occasional television commercial for large automobile dealerships. That
work has netted her the use of a 1993 Ford, along with a good deal on a
1993 Honda.
Although she has been accepted at Illinois's Northwestern University,
her recent celebrity status has opened a few doors of opportunity so that
(apart from wedding plans next January) her immediate future after the
end of her reign on June 1, 1993 is not certain.
Shelli's father, Roger Yoder, told us that while at the Miss America
Pageant he learned that the mother of Miss Delaware had been a Yoder,
and that grandparents of Miss Iowa had been a Yoder-Schrock union.
For those wishing to check how closely they are related, Shelli's
"AAMG" number is YR2344338132.
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REUNION - DESCENDANTS OF FREDERICK YODER AND MARIA SHARTLE
Descendants of Frederick and Maria Shartle Yoder of Berks Co., PA
(children: Alfred, Cyrus, Wellington, Jacob, Amelia, Mary and Valeria)
and others interested, at Sallem (Belleman's) Union Church, Belleman's
Church Road, Mohrsville, Berks County, PA.:
SATURDAY JUNE 19, 1993
Picnic lunch provided ($5). Bring family records, memorabilia. Visit
Frederick's home, church, grave. Reservations by June 1, to Edward
Yoder, 5028 Northlawn Dr., Murraysville, PA. 15668 (phone 412-327-
7646) or Morris L. Yoder, 149 Decatur Rd., Havertown, PA 19083
(phone 215-446-4131).
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REUNIONS- Announce them and then give the results in the YNL...
don't forget to get the word in promptly!
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Through the YNL I have connected with some long lost cousins, and
have been able to meet a couple and fill out some branches on the
family tree.
One of them is Edward Yoder of Murraysville, PA, a second cousin
whom I had never met until a couple of week ago. He was visiting his
mother in West Leesport, Berks Co., about sixty miles from here. We
arranged to get together at a mid point, my alma mater, Ursinus
College, Collegeville, PA., to talk about a reunion.
As a result, we are planning one, and would appreciate your putting
a notice in the next YNL, if possible.
Sincerely, Morris L. Yoder Havertown,PA
(Editors note- see the Frederick Yoder Reunion notice elsewhere in this
edition of the YNL)
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What were the origins of LOUISA/LOUISE YODER, born May 1835,
who married Henson Bright and resided around Alton, Illinois.
Supposedly her father was a "Franklin Yoder". Please reply to: Rebecca
Hogan, 2130 West Dell Drive, Alton, IL 62002-6944.
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Information wanted on DANIEL YOTHERS of Centre Co, PA. His
daughter Mary (1793-1875) m. William Mullhollan (1792-1839). Their
daughter Rececca married Thomas Bowles and resided in Caldwell
County, MO. Reply to: Mrs. Margaret H. Beltz, RR 2, Haven, KS
67543
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PHONEY YODER ITEMS... WHERE'S THE BEEF???
Just after the last YNL was put to bed, we received a copy of an ad by
Halbert's in Bath, OH. YNL Readers may recall that we have warned
several times about "Yoder Books" by this and similar firms which are
little more than telephone book listings. This ad announced sweatshirts
with a family name and "Yoder Coat of Arms".
Be very careful of such ads.. most coat of arms offered by companies
like this are fake ones with no historical connection to the family
named. If you haven't seen a coat of arms in a past YNL, then it is
probably not a true one.
WITH ALL THE YODER BUSINESSES IN THE U.S., LET'S
HEAR FROM SOME OF YOU ALL WHO HAVE REAL YODER
ITEMS FOR SALE TO FAMILY MEMBERS!!! We know there are
stores and other firms which have had shirts, buckets, or other items
with our family name on them. The YNL will gladly announce these for
our readers! Please send detailed descriptions, and full information
about cost (to include postage and handling) to: Chris Yoder, Unit
61306 Box 56, APO AE 09803-1306 for the next edition.
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Dorothy's new disk
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ELECTION ENDS POLITICAL NEWSLETTER
Jeffery Yoder and his wife Deborah Werksman, of Bridgeport, CT,
began a satirical newsletter three years ago called the "Quayle
Quarterly". The magazine, styled as "The Watchful Eye on the Vice
Presidency" was dedicated to lampooning the Vice Presidents public
misstatements. According to the Associated Press, the newsletter had
built up a circulation of 12,000 with subscribers in all 50 states.
With the results of the 1992 election, Mr. Yoder indicates they will
cease publication. He says, however, they may do a couple issues when
the 1996 campaign starts up, if Quayle starts running.
(Thank goodness the YNL is not seasonally dependent!)
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Yoder clinches Republican win for state Senate
By Jill SHADICK Journal Staff Writer
CHARLES TOWN--The third election was the charm for Harpers Ferry attorney John Yoder.
In his third try for political office, Yoder clinched the Eastern Panhandle's new state Senate seat in Tuesday's general election, upping the number of Republicans in the state Senate from one to two.
Yoder defeated Democratic nominee and Charles Town resident Curtis E. Brannon in Berkeley, Jefferson and Morgan counties.
Yoder received 51.3 percent of the votes in Jefferson County while Brannon received 48.7 percent.
In Berkeley County, Yoder received 56.17 percent of the votes while Brannon received 43.8 percent. In Morgan County, almost 63 percent of the votes were cast for Yoder while about 37 percent went to Brannon.
Yoder's win followed two unsuccessful races he waged in the last few years. He lost in the 1990 race against U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller D-W.Va. In 1988, he ran against Sen. Tom Hawse, D-Hardy, then an incumbent in the House of Delegates.
Yoder, a Harpers Ferry attorney and businessman, will join Donna Boley of Pleasants County as the second Republican in the state Senate.
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JOHN YODER (R)-----------17,828
CURTIS BRANNON (D)----14,392
TERRY HARDEN (WI)--------NA
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BIBLE COLLECTOR SEEKS YODER DESCENDANTS
"MICHIANA ROOTS" a genealogical column by Carol Collins
which appears in the South Bend Tribune, on 1/10/93 featured a story
of Mr. John Yuhasz, 202 E 16th St., Mishawaka, Ind 46544. Mr.
Yuhasz has been collecting old Bibles for about 20 years from the
Northern Indiana area. He'd now like to put them back into the hands of
any family members he can find for the cost of shipping.
Three of these Bibles have Yoder relationships:
1) Cornelius M. Hockstetler 1859-1941; Manasses H. Hockststler b
1828, m. Fanny Yoder b. 1828. Bible belonged to Levi and Lizzie
Hochstetler of Nappanee in the 1960s. (Fanny Yoder was the daughter
of Daniel Yoder (YR1253) and Barbara Yoder (YR2361)).
2) Joseph Eshleman, m1. 1855 Joliet, Ill., Sarah Shreffer, m2. 1859
Wayne Co, OH, to Barbary Yoder. (Barbary was the daughter of Joseph
Yoder (YR23b3) and Mary Farmwald. Children were born in Ill., Ohio
and Marshall County, Ind.
3) Joseph C Ullery (1827-1875) m Julia Ann ___?__
(1833-1913). Descendants included Jaquith, Patterson, Sheets, Johnson,
Yoder and Whiteman family members). Yoder not identified.
The YNL has passed this information along to several readers with
know relationship to these line.. anyone else, please contact Mr.
Yuhasz.
(Thanks to F C Yoder,Goshen for spotting the article)
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Reannounce Dicks request for help... inc Sch, North, Columbia and
neighboring counties.
French & Indian War- RDY research yields zip
Mathias Yotter=-- Dotter instead
DIARY IN NEVADA CITES PENNSYLVANIA YODER
"Dear Editor:
"I was pleased to discover that a Yoder Newsletter is in existence
because, though I have no Yoder connections, there is a Yoder referred
to in my g-grandmother's diaries and I felt it was a shame that I had no
way to share this.
"These diaries were written by ELIZABETH LARIMER
TORRANCE, born 1814 & died 1886, from her farm at Crabtree,
Westmoreland Co., PA. She had 5 daughters but no husband to help
her; the work was done by her brother and a hired man and friend of
whom the family seemed very fond- Charles T Yoder. I don't know
more about Charles but think he lived in Pittsburg after his marriage.
"1859, Sept.22- Charles T Yoder drove Cherry out to Latrobe.
"1860, Jun 4- Mrs. Yoder and her little daughter Francis came here.
"1860, June 18- Mrs. Yoder and Francis started for home.
"1861, Sept.13- Charles T Yoder and D.L. Crawford started to join
the army.
"1867, Mar.26- Charley was married today in Washington City- to
Miss Annie E. Warder a Washington lady.
"1867, Mar.27- Charlies' marriage published in this evenings Herald.
"If one of your readers knows "my Charles Yoder" I would very
much like to learn more about him. I too have become fond of him."
--Mrs. Lee Whitehouse, 1007 Woodacre Dr, Boulder City,
NV 89005
EDITORS NOTE: We were very pleased to introduce Mrs. Whitehouse
to the feature article about this gentleman in YNL #18. Also sent copies
of her input to three of CTY's descendants. The YNL is continually
being quite happily surprised by what the mail brings us!
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Hubert Yoder write-up
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"I greatly appreciate your Yoder Newsletter. It always has a lot of good
research and news in it."
-Dr. Delbert Gratz, Bluffton, OH
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YODER RELATED BOOK: "Heinrich Weidner 1717-1792, Catherine
Mull Weidner 1733-1804 of Lincoln Co., NC Through Four
Generations". Price $66.00. 6x9 Smyth sewn linen cover, four-color
dust jacket, 1103 pages, acid free paper. 28,071 names indexed by full
name. Includes the story of Weidner's granddaughter Catherine
(Dellinger) Yoder (1782-1863) and her husband Jacob Yoder (1767-
1843) who migrated to Indiana, their children and grandchildren.
Order from; Anne Williams McAllister, P.O. Box 579, Lenoir, N.C.
28645.
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Mabel Brunk- ads for grandfather
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CORRECTION- In YNL #20 we reported (pg 4) that Eve Best Yoder's
will had been found in Clinton Co.,PA. It was really the Auditors
Report (Book A, page 198).
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EARLY PENNSYLVANIA WARANTEES OF LAND
PA ARCHIVES
Philadelphia County
-- Hans Yoder -- 41 acres Jan.24, 1733
-- John Yoder -- 100 acres Feb.5, 1733
-- Daniel Yoder -- 150 acres Feb.16,1737
-- John Yoder -- 100 acres Apr.27,1737
-- Yost Yoder -- 100 acres May 18, 1737
-- John Yoder -- 50 acres Aug.2, 1738
-- John Yoder -- 50 acres Jan.29,1739
-- John Yoder -- 100 acres May 2, 1739
Bucks County
-- Hans Yoder -- 250 acres Mar.4, 1737
-- John Yoder -- 150 acres Oct.24, 1738
-- John Yoder -- 75 acres Mar.14,1742
Lancaster County
-- Christian Yoder -- 100 acres Oct.19,1743
-- Jacob Yoder -- 50 acres Oct.28,1747
-- Christian Yoder -- 160 acres Aug.28,1751
Chester County
-- Daniel Yoder -- 100 acres Jun.21,1749
Berks County
-- Michael Yoder -- 25 acres May 9, 1754
-- Christian Yoder -- 25 acres May 9, 1754
-- Christian Yoder -- 100 acres Oct.27,1754
-- Christian Yoder -- 44.80 acres Nov.26, 1766
-- John Yoder -- 150 acres Nov.24, 1784
-- Daniel Yuter -- 40 acres Feb.9,1787
-- Abraham Yoder -- 300 acres Mar.19,1806
-- Daniel Yoder -- 237.8 acres Aug.10,1809
-- Peter Yoder -- 32.73 acres Jun.13,1810
Cumberland County
-- Jacob Yoder -- 50 acres Sep. 6, 1755
Northampton County
-- Jacob Yoder -- 40.158 acres Dec.9, 1766
-- Jost Yeother -- 65 acres Nov. 9, 1785
Washington County
-- Melchior Yeather -- 300 acres Dec.4, 1786
Huntington County
-- Isaac Yoder -- 200 acres Dec.17,1793
Center County
-- Daniel Yothers -- 80 acres Jan.31, 1834
-- Joseph Jr. Yoder -- 55 acres may 14,1816
Juniata County
-- Christian Yoder -- 1 1/2 acres -- Dec.13, 1841
-- Jacob Yoder -- 19.35 acres Mar. 8,1842
-- Christian Yoder -- 29.145 acres Mar.8, 1842
-- Benjamin Yoder--140 acres April 10,1849
-- Joseph Yoder as guardian for heirs to Christian Yoder
44 acres May 25,1853
Schuylkill County
-- Andrew Yoder -- 100 acres Jan.25,1875
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Moderator Kenneth L. Yoder of Grantsville, MD
Ted M. Yoder, Hickory NC, Historian of the NC Yoders
Rachel K. and Leroy Beachy, Holmes Co,OH Historian
Discuss a point of familial research
The Audience (from the back-- recognize anyone?)
Ted M.
April 1993
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WHO IS THIS BARBARA JODER?? Richard H Yoder provided this
inscription which appears in a catechism and song book now resting
with the Boyertown PA Historical Society. At the lower part of the fly
leaf is added "Mary Ann G. Fegley, New Berlin, June 10, 1859.
Presented to her by her grandfather." Can any of our readers identify
this Barbara?????
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Pennsylvania Land Warrants and Patent Index
compiled by Richard H. Yoder August 8, 1991
This information was obtained from 10 rolls of microfilm belonging
to the Berks County Genealogical Society library located in the Albright
College Library, Reading, PA.
I checked through the letters I,J and Y for the various Yoder
spellings. In these records I only used the surname if it was spelled
OTHER than "Y-O-D-E-R".
To purchase land, an oral or written request was submitted to the
secretary of the Land Office, along with a partial or full payment for the
tract. The application stated the applicants name, the amount of land
requested, and usually the location. When the application was
approved, the secretary completed a warrant (an order to survey). When
the surveying was completed, the drawings were sent to the Surveyor
General who filed it with the warrant. When the purchaser paid the
balance in full, a return of survey was sent to the Land Office. It then
prepared a Patent, which was the final deed passing all rights to the
land to the individual owner. The original patent went to the new
owner, and a copy was bound in the patent book.
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(Warrant and Patent Info. to be continued in the next issue of the Yoder
Newsletter)
*******************QUERIES****************************
The YNL will publish Yoder related inquiries or exchanges at no
charge. Please limit to 30 or so words plus a full return address. All
inquiries are checked against our own records to see if we can help too.
Send to: Chris Yoder, Unit 61306 Box 56, APO AE 09803-1306.
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TWO FOR ONE- Would like information on ANNIE YODER who
married Jacob C. Kolb on 6/29/1768. Her parents were Caspar Yoder
and Barbara___, and grandparents Hans Yoder who married to Anna.
Reply to (both): Sharon Smith, 612 Shady Retreat #56, Doylestown, PA
18901; and Mrs. Ellen Chestnutt, 718 Pioneer Lane, Colorado Springs,
Colorado 80904
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Note: The YNL would like to thank H. Walter (Harry) Yoder, of Grand
Rapids, Michigan for continuing to refer Yoder queries to the YNL.
We've been able to help many of his correspondents (like these above
from the Mennonite Line (Annie =YB22) and others have helped the
YNL with Yoder "missing links".
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Richard H Yoder, R D 2 Box 374, Bechtelsville, PA 19505- Would like
partners to help in researching the branches of the Oley Valley Yoders.
This includes Yoder lines in BERKS, SCHUYLKILL,
NORTHUMBERLAND, COLUMBIA and neighboring counties in
Pennsylvania. Any volunteers to assist in a team effort? (Note by YNL:
Richard, a YNL co-editor, has been doing a real service to us all
through his investigations).
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JACOB HOCHSTETLER FAMILY GATHERING- JULY 24, 1993
The second quinquennial national Hochstetler- Hostetler-Hochstedler
Family gathering will be held July 24, 1993 at Central High School,
Kidron, Ohio. Many Yoders of Amish descent are also descended from
the Jacob Hochstetler of the Indian attack fame. At the last session in
1988, over 1200 descendants gathered in Goshen, Indiana. A full
program of events is scheduled. Additional info. may be obtained from
the H/H/H Family Association (219) 533-7819; Pauline Yoder (216)
877-3341; or Jr. Bitikofer (216) 852-2672.
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WHO CAN TOP THIS?
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson G. Yoder of Boyertown, PA celebrate their 70th
Wedding Anniversary! Nelson is a great grandson of Christian Yoder
(YB1395 of the Mennonite Yoder line) who was born 11/2/1829,
married 7/6/1851 Catherine Brinker and died 9/21/1854. He is the
great-great grandson of Jacob Yoder who married Elizabeth Meyer and
who is buried in Coopersburg Cemetery.
Can any of our readers equal or top this lengthy union? Thanks to
Richard H. Yoder for bringing this to the attention of the YNL!
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Thanks to Mabel V. Brunk of Goshen, IN for sharing this sales catalog
of her grandfather, S.P.Yoder of East Lewistown, OH. S.P. (Simon
Peter) was the son of Jacob Yoder (YRB111) who married Anna Yoder
(YR25142). He moved with his parents from Juniata Co., PA to
Mahoning Co., OH in 1854. On 10/4/1880 he married Mary Metzler.
This catalog is for a business he was in with his brother-in-law.
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The Yoder Newsletter- Founded 1983 by
Ben F Yoder (1913-1992); Chris Yoder & Rachel Kreider
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FROM THE EDITORS
Chris Yoder, Editor, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; John W. Yoder, Circulation
Manager; Fred C. Yoder, Distribution Manager; Rachel Kreider, Senior
Contributing Editor. Contributors: Fred C Yoder, Goshen, IN; John W.
Yoder, Middlebury, IN; Richard H. Yoder, Bechtelsville, PA; Hubert A.
Yoder, Charlotte, NC; Dorothy Yoder Coffman, Malvern, PA; H.
Harold Harztler, Goshen, IN; Dr. Don Yoder, Devon, PA.
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SEND YNL CORRESPONDENCE:
-Dealing with circulation issues such as new or renewed
subscriptions, changes of address, orders for back issues to: Yoder
Newsletter, P.O. Box 594, Goshen, IN 46526.
-Dealing with ancestral queries or contributions for future YNLs or
archives (such as reunion notices, letters to the Editor, copies of Bible
records or other historical information) to: Chris Yoder, Unit 61306,
Box 56, APO AE 09803-1306 (allow 3-4 weeks for reply)
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YNL PRICE INFORMATION $$$$
The YNL subscription is on an annual basis and the rate is $3. As
the YNL is not-for-profit, we have generally been able to offer one or
more bonus issues in each subscription period. YOU WILL BE SENT A
RENEWAL ENVELOPE WHEN YOUR SUBSCRIPTION IS DUE (it
will accompany your last issue). BACK ISSUES of the YNL are $1 per
issue ($21 for a complete set of issues 1-21). These may be ordered
from the Goshen YNL address.
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HOUSE OF YODER STONE
A proposal is well underway in Grantsville, MD to build a house. A
group of volunteers who have Yoder heritage in common have
conceived of a primarily stone structure to be built among other houses
in a grouping called the Spruce Forest Artisan Village, adjacent to Penn
Alps in Grantsville. The structure may serve as an information center,
and perhaps a museum and repository of local Yoder materials. A
structure of similar function known as the "Miller House" already sets
in the Spruce Forest, it being a log house likely built by area patriarchs
Benedict and his son Joel Miller in about 1836 and which was moved
there and restored in the last few years by Miller volunteers.
The house is to be built primarily of "Yoder Stones"... stones
collected from the foundations of old Yoder homesteads in the area and
perhaps other stones with Yoder significance which may be donated by
people from other parts of the country.
The planning began at an initial meeting Sep.5, 1992, and took place
in conjunction with the Yoder programs by the Casselman River Area
Historians. At a later meeting, a design committee was appointed
chaired by Kenneth L. Yoder. The committee has since come forward
with a preliminary design and some additional ideas. A fund for this
project has been opened. The group is ready to accept donations and
volunteers, and a ground breaking is hoped for in the spring of 1993.
The group has pointed out that there seems to be no center for Yoder
information anywhere in the world.
Also housed in the Yoder Stone House will likely be the local bird
carvings of artisan Gary Yoder who has been part of the Spruce Forrest
group for several years.
Those wishing to make donations make them payable to Spruce
Forrest Artisan Village, Rt.2, Box 5A, Grantsville, MD 21536,
attention Esther Yoder. Please specify the use of your donation for the
"Yoder Stone House". The group has Federal status as a non-profit,
503C organization.
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HOUSE OF YODER STONE
A group of volunteers with common Yoder heritage in common have
decided to build a "Yoder House" among other houses in a grouping
called the Spruce Forrest Artisan Village, adjacent to Penn Alps in
Grantsville, MD. The structure may serve as an information center, and
perhaps a museum and repository of local Yoder materials. A similar
structure known as the "Miller House" is already there. (It being a log
house likely built by area patriarchs Benedict and his son Joel Miller in
about 1836 and which was moved there and restored by volunteers).
The "Yoder House" is to be built primarily of "Yoder Stones"...
stones collected from the foundations of old Yoder homesteads in the
area and perhaps other stones with Yoder significance which may be
donated by people from other parts of the country.
The planning began at an initial meeting Sep.5, 1992, in conjunction
with the Yoder programs by the Casselman River Area Historians. At a
later meeting, a design committee was appointed chaired by Kenneth L.
Yoder and a fund for this project has been opened. The group is ready
to accept donations and volunteers, and a ground breaking is hoped for
in the spring of 1993.
Also housed in the Yoder Stone House will likely be the local bird
carvings of artisan Gary Yoder who has been part of the Spruce Forrest
group for several years.
Those wishing to make donations make them payable to Spruce
Forrest Artisan Village, Rt.2, Box 5A, Grantsville, MD 21536,
attention Esther Yoder. Please specify the use of your donation for the
"Yoder Stone House". The group has Federal status as a non-profit,
503C organization.
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THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM!!
Back in 1986, at 17, Shelli Yoder entered and won the Miss
Limberlost pageant. Last year, wearing that title for a second time, she
came in first runner-up to Miss Indiana 1991. 1992 was her third and
final try in the Miss America competitions...next year the age limit
changes from 26 to 24, and Shelli will be 24 this coming August.
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A SEARCH FOR FAMILY DATA PAYS OFF
A LINE OF YODERS IN IOWA
by Hubert A. Yoder
(Editors Note: Hubert told the story of this search at the Casselmans
Get-Together. We think it is an interesting tale and an excellent
example of what dedication and perseverance can bring to genealogical
explorations.)
In 1966, my cousin Fred Roy Yoder (author of the History of the
Yoder Family in North Carolina ) told me about the Albert Henry
Yoder papers. He had visited Albert Henry in 1939 in Seattle,
Washington and learned that AHY had been collecting data on the line
of Jacob Yoder (a son of Conrad Yoder of North Carolina who moved
to Indiana) and saw the trunk which was filled with papers on this
research. Fred did not look through these papers but was to go back and
copy them. In the meantime, WWII came along and Fred served two
years. When Fred did go back after the war he found the Yoder home
closed and a For Sale sign out front. None of the neighbors knew where
Mrs. Yoder had gone, but they did tell Fred that Mr. Yoder had died
several years previously. Here begins the story of the elusive Yoder
papers.
Fred knew that AHY had children, but he didn't know who they were
so here he had more or less let a trunk full of the Jacob Yoder papers
get away from him. Fred continued to collect data for his Yoder book
and he decided to include only the first two sons of Conrad by his first
marriage (leaving out Jacob, the third son). We discussed this at the
Yoder reunion in 1966 and I said that I would see if I could locate the
children of AHY.
I located Miriam Yoder Lander, Grand Forks, ND, by placing an ad
in the paper there. I wrote her how much we would like to include the
Jacob line in the book and that we knew her father had done years of
research. I asked her if she would please let us know what had
happened to the trunk and if it would be possible for either Fred or I to
check the papers. She sent my letter to her brother in Washington, D.C.
He answered that his brother who lived in Chicago had been given the
papers and he would contact him and see if he still had them. That was
the last we heard, although Fred and I both wrote several more times.
Time went on and Fred decided he would publish the book without the
Jacob line.
All these years I wondered what in the world they did with that trunk
of papers. In the summer of 1987, I noticed a lady in Colorado in the
Yoder Newsletter who was interested in the Jacob Yoder line. I called
her. In talking with her she also mentioned the papers in the trunk and
said that she had just learned that they were in the library at the
University of North Dakota, but she was not sure if this was true.
In the next 5 minutes, I called the University and they said they were
there and had been given to them by one of AHYs sons. This just about
set me on fire, because I had wanted to see the papers all these years
and now they were available. They sent along the inventory and I
decided the best thing to do was to go out there and check them once
and for all and then I'd know what was really in that trunk.
I went in October of 1987 and stayed on campus. When they rolled
those files out to me I couldn't believe that at long last I was to see the
Albert Henry Yoder Papers. I sat for 8 hours straight the first day
because I was so glad to finally see what Albert Henry had done. Many
of the papers did not pertain to the Jacob line. Albert Henry had done so
much ancestral research much of it was on his non-Yoder lines.
I had thought that probably most of the Jacob line would be there and
maybe information on the two brothers of Jacob (half-brothers) Elias
and Daniel. All three of them had left N.C. by wagon train in the early
1800's and gone to Clark Co., Indiana... Jacob later going to Monroe
Co., Ind. and dying there. Albert Henry had only researched his
immediate line from Jacob down to him. There was nothing on the
brothers or on the other children of Jacob, just the Henry from whom
Albert Henry descends. It was a bit of a disappointment, but I was glad
to get what I did. I expect that the most exciting part was the
autobiography that Albert Henry did of himself. It really gives you an
idea of what they faced going west in those early days. They must have
liked it though, because they would keep moving on about every 25
years to a new place and start over.
I was later able, again with the help of the YNL and its readers, to
discover information about the half-brothers Elias (see YNL #10) and
Daniel (YNL #16), but it was a particular thrill to locate this
information which had been found and then "lost" to my branch of the
family for almost 50 years.
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INTERVIEW WITH SHELLI BEFORE HER STATE VICTORY .
Shelli Yoder Hopes Third Time's Charmed As Pageant Opens Tonight
Miss. Elkhart County Shelli Yoder, at home in Shipshewana.
(New Photo by Deb J. Stack) Reprinted with permission of the Goshen News
By DEB J. STACK
Last year's disappointment has become this year's building block for Miss Elkhart County Shelli Yoder of Shipshewana. Tonight, six years after her first steps on a pageant stage, she begins preliminary competition in Michigan City in an all out, last-chance effort to become Miss Indiana.
Some say the third time's charmed. If the saying holds true, this third attempt at the state crown may just mean it's Shelli's year.
Back in l986, at l7, she entered and won the Miss Limberlost (see related story on this page) pageant. A year ago, wearing that crown for the second time, she came in as first runner-up to Miss Indiana 1991. Last month, she won the 1992 Elkhart County title.
Since the age limit for participating in Miss America pageantry changes next year from 26 to 24, Shelli--who'll be 24 at the end of August--will be ineligible to try again for the Limberlost title. Regulations allowed her to participate in the nearest preliminary, which was in Elkhart County.
Settling on the couch at her parents' home in Shipshewana last week, Shelli talked about the recent win, her work over the past year and the changing nature of Miss America pageantry.
"I really believe in the program" she said of her long association with Miss America pageants. "The
program really pushes young women to further their education. It pushes them to improve their talents--and to utilise them--and I really believe in that."
Issue platforms and community service are now crucial parts of competition, according to Shelli. That means keeping abreast of current events and formulating opinions about various topics is an ongoing exercise to prepare for interviewing with a panel of judges.
"Organisers are trying to remove that plastic image of Miss America," Shelli explained. Abbreviating the swimsuit competition and adding the emphasis on platforms are both parts of that changing focus.
An informed, articulate response to onstage questions asked during evening gown competition is another critical element. While there is no strict point value assigned to that part of the pageant, it is nonetheless important.
"It's not just a talent competition anymore " Shelli said. "If you look beautiful and you bomb your question, maybe the judges will think they need to look a little more."
Recent Win
"I was careful because I didn't want anybody to know that I had been first runner-up to Miss Indiana," Shelli said of the Elkhart pageant, held at the end of May. "They found out that I was in it, but I didn't want them to know that I first runner-up because I don't play those intimidation games. It's not fair, I don't believe in them, and the name of the game is not to make other people scared of you?
Such tactics also blunt the edge of competition, and that's no good either, according to Shelli " I don't like to compete against anyone who isn't doing their best", she said. "I wanted a run for the money, and it certainly was. We had a good strong group of girls. "
Rebound Year
The Elkhart County pageant was the first step in what will be, one way or another, Shelli's final competitive walk on the stage. She's been working, planning and preparing for that walk since leaving last year's Michigan City stage in second place.
"Last year I did do my best, but coming away from it, I knew there was a reason that I didn't become Miss Indiana," she said. "God did not have it in my plan at that time, and I was at peace with that. And I knew that I was the lucky one be cause if I wanted to go back, I had a whole 'nother year to prepare "
In the months since, Shelli pushed herself on several levels, using the drive she's needed since starting school as a child both young and small among her class mates. Athletically, I just could not compete," she said, "but voc ally, I found my niche and that's where I was able to use my talents. "
Voice lessons and continued physical workouts have been part of Shelli's year of preparation, but
perhaps the most striking thing she brought back with her from Michigan City was a desire to tell
others----especially kids--that coming up short of a goal does not need to be the end of their world. As a result, she designed a presentation called Rebound Bound, and has taken it to elementary and middle school students.
"I really felt like I wanted to share with the kids that. . . you may have your goals set, but sometimes you're going to fall short of them, and what are you going to do about it?" Shelli explained. The focus is defining success as one's personal best.
"Rebound Bound is just turning defeats into successes," Shelli said. "You're never a failure until you stop trying. Keep that positive attitude and realize that sometimes along the way you have to change goals, because that's life."
She has the same attitude concerning the state pageant with preliminaries tonight and Friday,and Saturday's crowning of Miss Indiana. "I just may have to change my goal," she said matter-of- factly
"And that's OK because I did my best and I can do something else and do my best again. Of Miss Indiana is in my plan, it's going to be a great puzzle piece. But if it's not - there'll be something bigger better waiting for me."
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Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Yoder
Yoder anniversary noted
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson G. Yoder of Boyertown, celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Mrs. Yoder is the former Agnes R. Reiter. The couple was married on December 28, 1922 by Bishop Warren Bean of Creamery. Their children hosted a dinner in their honor at Christopher's Restaurant, Boyertown.
Attending were their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
A video was shown of a few grandchildren who were absent. Piano and accordion music were presented after the dinner.
Nelson is retired from Knolls, East Greenville in 1973.
They have two sons, Jesse, of Gilbertsville
and Carl of Boyertown. They also have four daughters, Bernice,
wife of George Zeiset, Bechtelsville, Esther Mae Rittenhouse,
Souderton; Mary Ann, wife of Sam King, Telford; and Dorothy, wife
of Milt Stoltzfus of Delaware.
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