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St. Joder and St. Mauritius
by Rachael Kreider
---photo of Thun Tower---
Ever since I learned that the name Joder in the Swiss "Oberland" in
Bern came from that of St. Theodorus (St. Joder)-- the bishop at Sion
across the high Alps in southern Switzerland-- I wondered how such a
connection could be possible in those early days. And I also wondered
who were those Theban martyrs whose bodies were discovered by St.
Joder, a discovery that first brought him into special prominence. A
1991 visit to the castle-tower in Thun, a city next to Steffisburg (home
of the Joders), suggests how oral tradition could have brought together
in one story the patron saint of Thun -- St. Mauritius who was head of
the Theban legion -- and St. Joder who was the first to honor the fallen
heroes.
The story as told in the Castle-Tower exhibit is credited to Echerius,
bishop of Lyons in about 450 A.D. He wrote that a legion was recruited
at Thebes in Egypt for the Roman army and they were commanded by
General Maximian to hunt down a group of Christians who had
incurred the disfavour of the Roman government. This they refused to do
because they were Christians themselves. The were quoted as saying,
"We are your soldiers but we are also the servants of God. To him
belongs our allegiance. He is your God as well. We would rather die,
dying guiltless, than to live in guilt... Do with us what you will --
torture or sword-- we are prepared (for the consequences). We are
Christians and persecute them we shall not." Thereupon Maximian
ordered every tenth man of the legion executed. They kept refusing
until the whole legion was wiped out.
Between 370 and 380 A.D. the bodies of these martyrs were found by
St. Joder of Sion, who built a basilica over the site. We have noted
previously (YNL Oct. 83 and Apr. 86) how these remains came to be
venerated and, as folklore proceeded, finally those of St. Joder himself.
His cult spread into neighboring dioceses and into other valleys where
the people of his area migrated, especially into the French sectors and
along the Upper Rhone. Eventually veneration of St. Joder reached
inner Swiss territory.
Meanwhile veneration of Mauritius, the faithful Theban leader, grew
as well. He became St. Mauritius (Maurice and Moritz) and by 515-524
Sigismund, king of Burgundy, founded an abbey of St. Maurice. The
Mauritian cult spread rapidly through Switzerland, also into northern
Italy and along the Rhine River. Traditions about him have endured to
this day and relics can be found at the Abbey of St. Maurice in Brzeg in
Poland and Turin in Italy.
However, not all scholars agree on the legend. Although St. Joder
seemed to have stabilized the fact of the martyrdom, D. van Berchern, a
specialist in the study of the Roman army, claimed in 1956 that the
story was based on an oral account from the East as given by St. Joder -
- that Mauritius did suffer martyrdom but not the Thebans and not an
entire legion. Others were inclined to believe more of the story. The
Encyclopedia Brittanica referred to evacuations of 1944-49, which
stimulated fresh interest, but it did not indicate what was discovered in
the diggings. Another version of the story said that the soldiers were
asked to put down a revolt in the area of Sion and that the legion
withdrew to Agaunum, where the executions occurred. There were
relics there and it became a pilgrimage point for the devout. As more
and more pilgrims came there, many places in Europe began to boast
about representatives from their towns that had been among the
martyrs. Some scholars say that the entire legend is mixed up with 1000
knights in Asia Minor. However it was, Mauritius entered Christian
history and his special commemoration day has been September 22.
It is unknown how early the cult came to Thun, but according to the
relics on display Mauritius must have been their patron saint by the
fifteenth century and perhaps much earlier. In the tower exhibit is a
letter, or copy thereof, in which a later bishop of Sion testified that the
church at Thun had requested the remains of the head of the legion
(remains which had been brought together by St. Theodulus- St. Joder)
be given to them for worship at Thun and that this had been granted. In
another letter, dated July 31, 1476, a still later bishop (Walther of Sitten
(Sion)) confirmed through a letter delivered by Daniel Schlapbach, that
a division was made. Another item shows that the remains, whatever
they were, were returned to Sion in 1528, The city had apparently
turned Protestant, but they still honored St. Moritz and in 1607 named
a marketplace in their city for him.
Steffisburg, where the Joders lived for centuries, is located near
Thun; in fact, a view from a nearby mountain shows that today the two
towns have practically grown together. As prominent as the Joders were
in Steffisburg they surely also had contacts with Thun. Tradition says
that one Joder (perhaps more) was imprisoned in the tower of Thun
during the Anabaptist persecution. We have seen how knowledge about
St. Joder could have come into the area. Neither one of these cities may
have been in existence in his day but his fame and influence, even his
religious jurisdiction as the first bishop, could have extended across the
mountains. A connection no longer seems so incredible -- farfetched,
perhaps, but no more implausible that the fact that a Bernese clan
adopted his name.
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ALBERT YODER
WESTERN PIONEER AND CHAMPION CHICKEN FARMER
Albert Yoder was born in Goshen,Indiana on March 8, 1868. He was
a "double Yoder" through his father Moses Yoder (YR23568) and
mother Martha ("Mattie") Yoder (YR233833). If he had stayed in
Goshen all his life, his story would not have been as interesting as it
turned out being.
----photo in buckskin--
Albert in his Buckskin Suit
The Move West
When he was two years old, his father, a physician and member of
the Amish Church, moved the family west. Albert's own words tell the
story:
"We moved to near Nevada, Mo., a small place called Virgil
City (not now in existence) on September 25, 1870. In a covered
wagon on the way one of the horses had taken sick and died. So
nothing to do but sell the other horse, wagon and harness for what
father could get and ship our small belongings by freight to
Nevada. After paying freight and carfare, my father had $3.00 left to
begin in a new country. The settlers were mostly southerners not in
sympathy with northern people at this time.
"As a small boy I shall never forget the hardships we
endured living on corn bread and sorghum for two years. flour
that was wheat flour was $10.00 a sack and that was more money
than we could get. As a boy at the age of eight years, an
opportunity came my way each week on Saturday. horse racing
was all the go and as the lighter the rider the better, if the rider
could stick. I was always in demand, being small, light and tough as
a pineknot."
Albert writes of "grasshopper year" in 1875 in Missouri: "The
grasshoppers, when flying in the air, were so thick that you could not
see the sun on a bright day. After alighting on the ground, there would
be no green thing left within a day."
"At the age of eleven we moved to western Kansas... in two
covered wagons, one mule team and one team of horses taking with
us 20 cows which required very slow travelling. My duty was to
bring the cows along after the wagons on ponyback. This pony
was a friend that will always be the dearest of all unless it was a
faithful dog. for these two I loved as our own family. This started me
as a cowboy as from this time I was on the plains with cattle
every day, all kinds of weather.
Snakes Alive
"At night the wail of the coyote would put us to sleep in our sod
house of half dugout where the roof was sunflower prairie grass
and dirt on top. This made a fine place for snakes to house
themselves and often would drop from this roof down at night. The
coyote put us to sleep, the snakes would drop down to waken us.
You will never know our kind of feeling that a human has until you
have the experience of waking in a dark room where a snake
has dropped either on your bed or on the floor beside your bed. I
well remember my baby brother was in an old fashion cradle,
sleeping by the side of my father's and mother's bed. One
night, mother said, "Pa, get up! A snake fell near the cradle on the
floor." Imagine if you can, a person getting up in a dark room
barefooted, looking for matches to find a snake.
"One morning as I awoke, I noticed a snake coiled right
between my brother and I on the pillow. I was out on the floor
before I had taken time to think. Then I touched my brother and
said "Don't move, there is a snake on the pillow on my side."
Well, he was very active, he also lit on the floor so quick the snake
hadn't moved yet. So we, of course, removed the snake with a split
stick."
The small heard they brought from Missouri became the basis for a
larger one. And Albert's father Moses stayed in the cattle business...
until tragedy struck:
"Then the dreadful disease, black-leg, killed our cattle. They
dropped dead like flies. My father became discouraged and moved
back to Indiana and practiced medicine again. I went back after
staying in Indiana two years. I went to Colorado..."
--Moses and Martha--photo
Moses and Martha Yoder
A Mountain Man With a Good Saddle
"I wintered in the Rocky mountains in the years 1889 and 1890
at the foot of Longs Peak, the highest peak in the Rockies. This
peak is 75 miles north and west of Denver. On a bright day you can
see Denver from the top of Longs Peak. Hunting and trapping was
what occupied my time and getting my eats during this hunt I killed
twelve deer, tanned the hides and at Boulder, Colorado had a tailor
make me a buckskin suit."... (see photo) "many an exciting incident
had taken place during this hunt.
"I built a log cabin, which was spruce, by taking my pony
and dragging the logs tied with my rope to the saddle horn. This
saddle I still have. Bought it in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1888. It has
held many a steer. When a steer runs to the end of the rope until
the rope fairly sings, the steer goes end over end and the pony is
nearly jerked off his feet and yet the saddle has passed more hard
use than this when a pony bucks and springs up in the air and
turns over backwards and lights on the saddle or where he rolls
over and over. These saddles are made to stand the test. The rider
that doesn't leave the saddle at the right fraction of a second is
buried on the lonesome prairie with the bleached bones of a buffalo
carcass as his tombstone."
To See Wyoming Cousins
"...and on July 28, 1890, I left Greely, CO and went to
Cheyenne. I stayed in Goshen Hole at Uncle Samuel Yoder's for two
days..."
Forty three years later, in 1934, Albert wrote to his cousin Albert R.
Kessler of Meriden, Wyo:
"I will never forget the evening that I rode into Goshen Hole
to your grandparents. I did not tell them who I was until after
supper, and were they surprised! And oh, yes! Someone in that
country thought I looked like a certain person who stole horses, and
my horse resembled his. While we were at the table, my cousin
Hiram was called out, and he told them he didn't know who I was,
which was true. I hadn't told them yet, but just as we left the
table I told them and they believed me. They thought they
recognized me as a Yoder. If I hadn't convinced someone, perhaps
I would have had a neck-tie party."
(Little did Albert know it at the time, but his cousin Hiram was to have
a noteworthy acquaintance with "neck-tie" parties. Hiram ranched
successfully in the Goshen Hole area (east of Wheatland, Wyoming).
His claim to fame, however, is that he served as the foreman of the jury
which convicted the infamous range detective Tom Horn, and sentenced
him to hang. Tom Horn was the subject of a 1980 motion picture
staring Steve McQueen.According to Joan Murra, of the McCracken
Research Library at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody
Wyoming, Hiram's name pops up in most accounts of Tom Horn, and of
the early ranchers in Wyoming. Maybe Hiram will be a YNL subject on
his own someday!).
Albert Joins Buffalo Bill
" ... and then left for the Black Hills. I road to Omaha, Neb.,
loaded two horses for Chicago, got a pass with a train of cattle, and
took my horses home to Goshen, Ind."
Albert says that he left Goshen "with a show, travelled through the
east". According to the family, this "show" was the famed "Buffalo Bill
Cody Wild West Show". Albert, however, didn't talk much about his
time with the renown showman. Grandson Allan L. Yoder of Ft.
Lauderdale, understands that his principal job was as a sharp shooter
with a rifle.
He then came to Ohio, where he was married by M. J. Grable to
Agnes Ashman (daughter of John Ashman and Hannah Halloway of
Salem, OH) on Dec. 25, 1892. In early 1893 they settled at Homestead,
Pennsylvania. At Homestead they became charter members of the First
Christian Church. Both Albert and his wife were active in the church
works, he being Superintendent of Sunday School, a Deacon, and an
elder.
Famous Chickens
Albert also gained some fame as an award winning chicken farmer.
To quote from a newspaper article in 1904:
"Albert Yoder, the noted Munhall chicken fancier, has just
been notified that his six chickens entered at the World's Fair,
St. Louis, have captured four of the prizes. This is a
remarkable showing as there were over ten thousand chickens
entered from all parts of the globe.... he won the silver cup in the
Pittsburgh Poultry show last year and has won prizes in every
poultry exhibition in which his chickens have been
entered."
---Chicken headlines---
A Few Headlines
Albert and Agnes had six children: Mabel A., Oct. 7, 1893; Russel
W., Nov. 30, 1897; Sidney L. , May 2, 1900; and Olive I., Sep. 10,
1903; Virginia; and Merle. The family is listed (less the younger two)
in Descendants of Jacob Hochstetler as Family Group 2663.
In 1910, they moved to Ohio settling on a farm near Snodes Station,
north of Beloit. This remained his home. He was very active in the
Church of Christ in nearby Sebring, Ohio, serving as Superintendent of
the Bible School. He claimed in the 1934 letter to his Wyoming cousin
that the Bible School was the largest in the world for the size of the
town (then 3,900--current Rand McNally shows 4,848). Albert was
later selected as an honorary elder.
He was a member of the Smith Grange, Farm Bureau, and served
terms on the Smith Township Board of Trustees and the former Smith
Township Board of Education. He also served as a member of the
Mahoning County Relief Commission.
Albert Yoder died on July 12, 1955 in Moundsville, West Virginia at
the age of 87 years 4 months and 4 days. He was buried in the
Grandview Cemetery, Sebring, Ohio alongside his wife Agnes who had
passed on June 16, 1960. At the time of his death, he was survived by
his children (excluding W. Russell who died in France during WWI
and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery), by sixteen
grandchildren and twelve great- grandchildren. Albert also was a sixty
year member in the Odd Fellows Lodge.
A long life of accomplishment and service. We thank his grandson
Allan Yoder for sharing the photographs and information which was
the basis for this article. And we thank Albert for jotting down his
interesting tales of life in the American West. Allan reports that prize
winning chickens still run in the family.. Last year Albert's great-
granddaughter, Julie Anne Charles, won some chicken prizes at the
local Country Fair in Stockport, Ohio.
*****************************************************
HORACE YODER died June 3, 1992 at Cincinnati at 87 years. He'd
had a wonderful life. His wife Lorraine, and one son, Philip, preceded
him in death. He's survived by wife, Lucille, one son David of Crown
Point, IN., four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He enjoyed
the NEWSLETTER immensely.-- Sincerely, Lucille Yoder
*****************************************************
Searching for the descendants of either GLENN YODER or LEROY
YODER, born in Sedalia, MO in 1909 and 1915 respectively, both of
whom are sons of CHARLES LEROY YODER. Any one with any clues
is urged to contact Louise Rainey, 3707 Applewood, Midland, MI
48640.
******************************************************
Descendants of DENIS P. and PEARL FAY YODER held an annual or
semi-annual reunion in Lexington, KY Jun 25-27. The Rev. Wm and
wife Genevieve Yoder Pope organized the meeting which was attended
by family from ME, KY, TX, CO, AZ, OH and elsewhere. Theodore
Yoder had been the chairman of this group until passing the job on to
his brother Fred.
******************************************************
NOTE OF YOTHERS REUNION-- Alverna Hunsberger reports that
the Yothers did not hold their annual reunion this year as their normal
meeting place was closed for the summer. One is planned for 1994.
********************************************************
ZIP CODE CHANGE FOR YNL!!
PLEASE NOTE: The Goshen Post Office has announced that
effective 1 Jun 1993 all of the Post Office Boxes will have 46527 for
their new ZIP Code.
**********************************************************
CAPS FROM YODER FEEDS
Yoder Inc. and Yoder Feeds have promotional caps available for public
order. They have two types and prices: mesh caps for $4.50 and all
cloth caps for $5. Each order should include $2 additional for postage
and handling. Address your orders to:
Communications Department
Yoder Inc.
P.O. Box 310
Kalona, Iowa 52247
**********************************************************
*
FREDERICK YODER REUNION HELD- Through the efforts of
Edward Yoder of Murrysville, PA and Morris L Yoder Jr of
Haverstown, fifty-four family members met June 19, a hot (94) and
muggy day, at Belleman's Church, Mohrsville, PA. One came from
CA, several from FL and other states. The fellowship was as warm as
the weather, and folk met relatives they had not seen for 40 years.. and
some whom they had never met before. Started with a delicious buffet
lunch served by the ladies of the church. Afterwards, Morris Yoder
gave a short talk about Frederick Yoder and then Richard H Yoder gave
a slide talk about Hans and Yost Yoder, with pictures of many of their
homesteads. Then Mr. Milton Blatt, church historian for the Belleman's
Church, gave a most interesting talk on the history of the church which
began as a log building in 1746, followed by the present brick structure
in 1813-15. Subsequent socializing, seeing old family homes,
cemeteries, etc. A good time was had by all, and a repeat session is
already under consideration.
**********************************************************
****
KIRBY YODER
(IN CHINESE)
*******************************************************
The wife of JOHN YETTER (3/1/1796-10/15/1882) was Elizabeth Eby
(9/11/1795-12/13/1879). Looking for her birthplace and parents.
Believe they were Samuel and Barbara Eby and she was most likely
born in Berks, Franklin or Lancaster Co., PA. Please reply to Diane
Hill, 1288 Londonderry St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
******************************************************
Would like to hear about my great grandad SOLOMON YODER who
married Elizabeth _______, his family and ancestors. He was the son of
Solomon Yoder and Elizabeth Sherman of the Oley Hans Yoder line.
He settled in Clearfield Co., PA. Reply to: Helen Fleming, RD1, Box
271, Mahaffey, PA 15757.
******************************************************
FROM THE EDITORS
Chris Yoder, Editor, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;
John W. Yoder, Circulation Manager, Middlebury, IN; Fred C. Yoder,
Distribution Manager, Goshen, IN ; Rachel Kreider, Senior
Contributing Editor. Other 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.
******************************************************
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 ($22 for a complete set of issues 1-22). These may be ordered
from the Goshen YNL address.
*******************************************************
YODER REUNION MEMORABILIA WANTED!!
Send photocopies of whatever you may have among old family
treasures. We'd also like personal tales of particular memories from
these early get-togethers. The YNL would especially like early Reunion
photographs, with as many names as possible. Send
to:Chris Yoder,Unit 61306 Box 56,APO AE 09803-1306
*******************************************************
ADVANCED NEWS- WATCH FOR 1995!!!!
CONRAD YODER FAMILY TO HOST YODER-WIDE
ASSEMBLY
The 1992 Yoder get-together hosted by the Casselman River
Historians was so successful that the Yoder Family in North Carolina
has agreed to open it's doors during their 1995 reunion to the rest of the
Yoder clan. Opportunities will exist to share fellowship with our NC
cousins and to share knowledge and history between other family twigs.
*******************************************************
YODER DATA ON FLOPPY DISK
The two disk set of Yoder Familiy data is still available for IBM
Compatible computers. Order from John W. Yoder, 57195 CR 35,
Middlebury, IN 46540-9722. (See page 7 YNL 19 for details on
content.)
A third disk should be available by the April 94 YNL and will
include:
- A spousal Index for all the Yoders listed in the family groups on the
first two disks (thanks to Dorothy Coffman).
- Penn. Yoder Warrent and Patent information.
- Pennsylvania Courthouse and church records on Yoders (thanks to
******************************************************
AMISH YODERS RETURN TO THE GLADES
Tom Yoder, who was the principal force behind the restoration of the
Bishop Christian Yoder Jr Cemetery in Somerset Co, PA, writes that
after an absence of a century, the Amish are returning to the Glades in
north Somerset. While tending the plot last fall, Tom was hailed by
Elmer Kinsinger, a young Amishman, who stopped and chatted about
the return. Elmer is a descendant of Bishop Christian Jr's uncle John
Yoder.. who is buried at the older Yoder cemetery at the PBI Coal
Company. Elwood Yoder of Freidens reports that of the initial 7 farms
purchased, three were by Kinsingers, three by Fishers, and one by a
YODER.
*******************QUERIES****************************
The YNL will publish Yoder related inquiries or exchanges at no
charge. Please limit as possible and include a full return address. All
inquiries are checked against our own records to see if we can help too.
If you receive significant added info please share it also with the YNL
for our files. Send to: Chris Yoder, Unit 61306 Box 56, APO AE
09803-1306.
*******************************************************
Want information on g-grandparents. Abram Yoder (b 8/26/1826?).
Lived in Woodford Co., IL. m. Sarah Joder. Sarah's parents Joseph
Joder (b 9/13/1797 McCoytown, PA to David Joder and Jacobine Esh)
and Catherine Lantz. Reply to Sue Weissinger, P O Box 507, Goodwell,
OK 73939 phone (405) 349-2275. (NOTE:YNL
ident above as YR12a44 & YR16512)
*******************************************************
Information wanted on the daughters of SOLOMON AND
ELIZABETH (GINDELSPERGER) YODER as follows: BARBARA
born c. 1816; VERONICA born c. 1821; and Gertrude born c. 1830;
also ANNA born c. 1826 and may have m. MOSES YODER. Reply: R
Y Kehren, 507 Horseshoe Dr., Boyceville, WI 54725.
*******************************************************
Two YODER-Lantz Queries: Jonathan Lantz b 12/11/1804 Mifflin
Co,PA d 7/30/1885 Danvers, IL m ANNA YODER 4/11/1828. Need
more information on both families in OH and IL. Believe Jonathan was
Amish Mennonite; lived in or near Wayne Co, OH in 1830 where first
son Gideon was born. Believe Lantz and Yoder families traveled West
together and ultimately to Oregon in 1877.
ALSO -- CATHERINE YODER b. c1836 d 1891 m Gideon Lantz
1/1/1854. Believed she m in IL. She is buried with Gideon at the
Smyrna Cemetery, Molalla, OR. Need info on Catherine's parents and
her birth date: REPLY to: Curtis M Lantz, 62816 Baskin Court, Bend,
OR 97701. (503)382-5344, FAX(503)389-8155, CompuServe
76236,3317
(Note YNL ID'd as YR25121 & YR12a3a)
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YODER HUMOR
The late Noah Yoder of Elkhart, Indiana told a friend earlier in the
year that he would not be getting his wife a birthday gift this year.
"Why not?", the friend asked. "Because she didn't use what I got her
last year". "Well, what did you get her last year?". "A Cemetery plot"
Noah replied.
-contrib. by Mr & Mrs Raymond Yoder, Elkhart
My grandfather's Uncle Levi Yoder of Middlebury, Indiana was
known to exhibit a particular frugality. He was once offered a cigar by a
more "modern" family member from Ohio. "No thanks" he replied, "I
don't smoke, but I'll take the nickel." This has remained a favorite
family story for many decades.
-Chris Yoder
READER SURVEY- Let's hear from YOU ... do you have any
favorite Yoder jokes or stories?
Do you think we Yoders have any hereditary tendency for being
"tight"? (I always just considered it being "careful with a dollar"
myself- CKY)
*******************************************************
"YUTER" Name Research Appears to Eliminate Link ...
YNL research mail-outs to "Yuter" addresses in the US has eliminated
at least a part of them from Yoder kinship. A reply from Elinor Yuter
in New York reveals that her husband's family originated in Lithuania
and are Jewish. A Elise Yuter in Florida added that the family name
was shortened from a longer Russian name when one Louis Yuter
immigrated to the US. Although there was one 19th century census
record in which a known Yoder was listed as "Yuter", this variation
was corrected in that line by the next decade.
*******************************************************
OBITUARY
Darwin Pete Yoder, 82, of Bonne Terre, MO passed away
Mar.28,1993. He was the son of William Peter Yoder and Annie Jane
Ross, Grandson of Peter Yoder, great grandson of John Yoder, g-g-
grandson of North Carolina immigrant Conrad Yoder. He was a life
time resident of Bonne Terre and a retired carpenter from St. Joe Lead
Company. He was also known as "one of the best darn mule skinners
around". He married in 1941 to "Bobby" Baker Black who survives, as
do 2 sons, 1 step son and daughter, ten grandchildren, eight step
grandchildren, several great-grandchildren. Burial was at St. Francis
Memorial Park in Desloge, MO. (See YNL 6, page 5)
*******************************************************
To the Editors:
In your April 1991 issue is a small notice about a A.Y.Yotter,
formerly of Bellvue, Seneca County, OH who was killed by a bear at the
Agua Frio Mines, CA in 1850. At that time, Seneca County was being
settled by many people of German descent. Farm land was abundant
and many immigrants caught the gold fever as a means to purchase
land. My own 4th great uncle, Conrad Herbert, did so and returned with
enough to by 170 acres.
As to the location of Agua Frio Mines, the most liekly location is in
southern California about 10-15 miles north of San Jose. The Agua Frio
Creek can be found there.
In reading the Seneca County census and marraige records I have
noticed many Yoders, hershbergers and Hochstetlers. If any one needs
help, I would be happy to look for a particular family.- Beth Ann
Hummel, 1212 Courtly Road, Fostoria, OH 44830.
*******************************************************
The wife of JOHN YETTER (3/1/1796-10/15/1882) was Elizabeth Eby
(9/11/1795-12/13/1879). Looking for her birthplace and parents.
Believe they were Samuel and Barbara Eby and she was most likely
born in Berks, Franklin or Lancaster Co., PA. Please reply to Diane
Hill, 1288 Londonderry St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
******************************************************
The Yoder Newsletter- Founded 1983 by
Ben F Yoder (1913-1992); Chris Yoder & Rachel Kreider
******************************************************
FROM THE EDITORS
Chris Yoder, Editor, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;
John W. Yoder, Circulation Manager, Middlebury, IN; Fred C. Yoder,
Distribution Manager, Goshen, IN ; Rachel Kreider, Senior
Contributing Editor. Other 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.
******************************************************
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)
******************************************************
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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JONATHAN YODER (YR234491) & LYDIA CUSTER YODER
family reunion was held at the Maple Springs Grove in Holsopple, PA
on July 4, 1993. THis reunion is held annually on the first Sunday in
July at 2:30 pm. For further info on future reuinions, write to : Nancy L
Shaffer, Rt 1 Box 300, Friedens, PA 15541-9751
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Early Northern Indiana Yoder Reunion
--2nd reunion card---
Who were these officers for this get-together. Can Any of our readers
identify them? Thanks to Allan Yoder of Ft. Lauderdale for sharing this
invitation.
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YODER REUNION MEMORABILIA WANTED!!
Send photocopies of whatever you may have among old family
treasures. We'd also like personal tales of particular memories from
these early get-tegethers. The YNL would especially like Reunion
photographs, with as many names as possible. Send
to:Chris Yoder,Unit 61306 Box 56,APO AE 09803-1306
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ADVANCE NEWS- WATCH FOR 1995!!!!
CONRAD YODER FAMILY TO HOST YODER-WIDE
ASSEMBLY
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LETTERS TO THE EDITORS--
When I was in Union County a couple of months ago I found the
Klopp-Clopp Cemetery and thought you might want to record the
location since it's a typical abandoned cemetery. Heavy briars, bushes,
etc., several stones were lying face down and frozen fast. I wasn't able
to pry them loose. Knowing me, I'll probably go up again since I hate to
be defeated. Direction: Take Rt.#15 north of Lewisburg, turn right at
the New Columbia exit, turn right at the exit dead end going under Rt
15 for 1.1 miles to a house on the right side with a Maurey Body Shop
sign (1' X 4') in the yard. About 100' past this, turn right on a small
macadam road, drive a couple hundred yards to a drainage ditch going
under the road. Park here. The cemetary is about 100' thru the field
into the woods. There were Yoder, High, Ranck, and Fisher stones. --
Richard H Yoder , Bechtelsville
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Give a summary of the Yoders buried there and their ancestry.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dear Editor,
In your 1990 Issue #15, page 2, you asked who was the Christopher
Yoder who married Sarah Hartman on Sept. 11, 1866. Well, I know. He
is Christian Yoder the son of Solomon Yoder and Elizabeth
Gindlesperger. Why he changed his name to Christopher, I don't know.
He married in Newville, Ind. I have a copy of the marraige license.
Why it is written Sarah Hartman, I don't know, she is Sarah Harbison,
as the front of the marriage license says Harbison-- why the back says
Hartman?? I also have some pesnion papers on Christian (Christopher)
says they were married on Sep.11, 1866 by Rev. Lawrence. Witnesses
Louis Saltzman & M. Harbison (Sarah's sister)--- R Y Kehren,
Boyceville, WI
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NOTE: THE concensus on the new type is that the readers prefer it to
the old by a margin of 4 to 1.
*******************QUERIES****************************
The YNL will publish Yoder related inquiries or exchanges at no
charge. Please limit as possible and include a full return address. All
inquiries are checked against our own records to see if we can help too.
If you recieve significant added info please share it also with the YNL
for our files. Send to: Chris Yoder, Unit 61306 Box 56, APO AE
09803-1306.
******************************************************
"YODERS" (with an "s") OF S.W. Pennsylvania---
Have been working for past two years on genealogy of SW PA "YoderS" (Greene and
Washington Counties). I'd like to hear from members of the YODERS
tribes-- please contact Carl Miller Yoders, P.O. Box 38, Titusville, NJ
08560
*******************************************************
Related to JACOB YODER who took flatboat down the Ohio River.
Also interested in WILLIAM and SUE YODER who had a store in
Bradshaw, Neb. Please reply to Mrs. June Butler, 715 W Salem Ave,
Indianola, IA 50125
*******************************************************
Looking for info on JOSEPH S YODER and his wife. He was b. 11 May
1829 in Reading, PA and d. 12 Aug 1895 in Jonesboro, TN. Were
living in McMinn Co., TN during 1860 census. Wife Sarah A Sharits
was b in VA per census. They m 22 Jul 1856 in McMinn Co and had
children: Lillie (m. R N Miller), Susan, Bessie, Lena, Ella, Florence,
Charles and Capitola. Reply to: Reid W Walker, 107
Point-O-Woods, Carrollton, GA 30117, (404)-832-1810.
*******************************************************
Have you any information on the YODER REUNIONS IN HERSHEY
PARK, PA circa 1930?? Please reply to: Mary Jane Gofus, 1383
Friedensburg Road, Reading, PA 19606
*******************************************************
Want information on g-grandparents. Abram Yoder (b 8/26/1826?).
Lived in Woodford Co., IL. m. Sarah Joder. Sarah's parents Joseph
Joder (b 9/13/1797 McCoytown, PA to David Joder and Jacobine Esh)
and Catherine Lantz. Reply to Sue Weissinger, P O Box 507, Goodwell,
OK 73939 phone (405) 349-2275. (NOTE:YNL
ident above as YR12a44 & YR16512)
*******************************************************
Information wanted on HENRY YODER and HANNAH CLEAVER
YODER of Oley Twp, Berks Co., PA- reply to: Holly L Griffith, 306
Lake Aire Dr., Kingsport, TN 37663
*******************************************************
Information wanted on the daughters of SOLOMON AND
ELIZABETH (GINDELSPERGER) YODER as follows: BARBARA
born c. 1816; VERONICA born c. 1821; and Gertrude born c. 1830;
aslo ANNA born c. 1826 and may have m. MOSES YODER. Reply: R
Y Kehren, 507 Horseshoe Dr., Boyceville, WI 54725.
*******************************************************
Two YODER-Lantz Queries: Jonathan Lantz b 12/11/1804 Mifflin
Co,PA d 7/30/1885 Danvers, IL m ANNA YODER 4/11/1828. Need
more information on both families in OH and IL. Believe Jonathan was
Amish Mennonite; lived in or near Wayne Co, OH in 1830 where first
son Gideon was born. Believe Lantz and yoder families traveled West
together and ultimately to Oregon in 1877.
ALSO -- CATHERINE YODER b. c1836 d 1891 m Gideon Lantz
1/1/1854. Believed she m in IL. She is buried with Gideon at the
Smyrna Cemetery, Molalla, OR. Need info on Catherine's parenst and
her birth date: REPLY to: Curtis M Lantz, 62816 Baskin Court, Bend,
OR 97701. (503)382-5344, FAX(503)389-8155, CompuServe
76236,3317
(Note YNL ID'd as YR25121 & YR12a3a)
*******************************************************
Allan L Yoder- Caleb descendants?
*******************************************************
SPECIAL EVENTS - a la Willard Scott
ELVA and NELLIE YODER of Topeka, Indiana will celebrate their
70th Wedding anniversary on Dec. 24, 1993. The parents of Jim Yoder
of Newton, KS, they both still drive. The family had a reunion to
celebrate the event. Elva (YR23443353) and Nellie were nominated for
the Topeka Golden Heart Award as a part of the Topeka, Ind.
Centennial celebrations last April.
LESTER LEO YODER of Leesburg Florida celebrated his 93rd
birthday on Sept. 13. Mr. Yoder helped research and document the
Ohio Mennonite Yoder line and shared his work with the YNL in it's
early days. Happy day, Lester!(and Eleanor too).
READER SERVICE!!!
We now have a CD/ROM (Compact Disk/Read-Only Memory)
containing over 70 million names and addresses of folk in the US.
As a service for YNL readers,
describe
You will be expected to reimburse postage costs.
Send your queries to Chris Yoder, Unit 61306, Box 56, APO AE
09803-1306.
******************************************************
OBITUARY
Darwin Pete Yoder, 82, of Bonne Terre, MO passed away
Mar.28,1993. He was the son of William Peter Yoder and Annie Jane
Ross, Grandson of Peter Yoder, great grandson of John Yoder, g-g-
grandson of North Carolina immigrant Conrad Yoder. He was a life
time resident of Bonne Terre and a retired carpenter from St. Joe Lead
Company. He was also known as "one of the best darn mule skinners
around". He married in 1941 to "Bobby" Baker Black who survives, as
do 2 sons, 1 step son and daughter, ten grandchildren, eight step
grandchildren, several great-garndchildren. Burial was at St. Francis
Memorial Park in Desloge, MO. (See YNL 6, page 5)
*******************************************************
RICHARD YODER
Word has been received of the death of Goshen College graduab Richard Yoder, 63, Morgantown,
W.Va. He died Feb. 16 in West Virginia of an apparent pulmonary embolism.
He was born Sept. 25, 1929, in Meyersdale, Pa., to George Ernest and Lena (Bender) Yoder. After graduating from Goshen College, he received a degree from Associated Biblical Seminaries, Goshen, as well as a degree from Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pa. He attended Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, Va.; Hartford Seminary, Hartford, Conn., and West Virginia University, Morgan
town, W.Va.
An active member of the building industry, he served as president of both the West Virginia Home Builders Association and North Central West Virginia Home Builders Association and was a life director of the National Association of home builders.
He was chairman of the board of trustees of West Run Watershed Improvement District and was a member of the board of directors of the Region Six Planning and Development Council. For nine years he served as a member of West Virginia Housing Development Fund.
He was president of Allegheny Development Corp., Maple View Realty Inc., Allegheny Real Estate Sales and served as vice president of Pineview Realty Inc. and Pineview Supply Corp.
Survivors include four sisters, Miriam Lindeman, Salisbury, Pa., Ida Yoder and Freda Yoder, both of Kensington, Md., and Eleanor Nucelli, Gettysburg; and two brothers, David, Morgantown, and Omar, Brussels, Belgium. A sister, Delilah Yoder, has been missing since May 1976. She disappeared while traveling in the foothills of the Andes Mountains hl Ecuador.
Services were Saturday at Springs Mennonite Church, Pa., of which he was a member. Burial was in Oakdale Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Goshen College or Spruce Forest Artisan Village, Yoder House, Route 2, Box 5, Grantsville, Md., 2l536. (YR26 line)
*******************************************************
CONFEDERATE YOTHER AT CAMP CHASE, OHIO
Photo
Traverse (Travis) J. Yother was the son of David Yother and
Missouri Rogers Yother. He was born in Georgia in about 1842. He
served in E Company 65th Reg Ga Infantry. He was captured by
Yankee forces and held prisoner at Camp Chase, Ohio. He died there
on Feb. 17, 1865 and is buried at the Camp Chase Confederate
Cemetery, in southeastern Columbus, OH. This cemetery is very well
maintained by the Federal Government. His grave number in 1318.
David Yother is believed to be the oldest son of Adam Yother, son of
Conrad Yoder of North Carolina. (see Yother chart in YNL 11)
*******************************************************
HICKORY DAILY RECORD--WED. August 18, 1993
(abbreviated)
Yoder Family Reunion Held
Plans were disclosed at the annual reunion of a county family that will result in that group serving as host site for the national convention of all Yoder branches throughout America.
Rachael Hahn Kennedy of Charlotte who heads the Yoder family announced recently that in 1995 the area clan has been challenged to serve as the central meeting place for the major Yoder families in the United States.
The local Yoder family descends from a Swiss immigrant Conrad Yoder who settled in the Hickory area In the late 1740s. He was a stone mason and farmer. The progenitor of the N.C. Yoder familiy the early settler married three times. Yoder produced eight children. He died In either April or May of 1790 .
The Yoder family assembled at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church south of Hickory. Approximately 250 people attended the annual event. The meeting opened with the "Yoderlers" performing the song "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?"
Members of the quartet included Grover Alley, Michael B. Hullman and Rachael Kennedy.
The hall was decorated with Swiss and American flags to symbolize the origin of the family and the quest for religious freedom in the New World.
Dr. J. Larry Yoder of Lenoir-Rhyne College read a selection of scripture from I Kings chapter 3. "Precious Memories" was sung by the crowd to the accompaniment of Grover Alley guitarist and Jean Brownlow, keyboardist.
First-lime guests were then recognized. Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Yoder Jr. and their children Todd and Marissa of New York and Anita and Joyce Baker of New Orleans were among those who had traveled great distances to attend the affair.
Vice president Michael Huffman of Hildebran spoke about the Yoder Popcorn Co. in Indiana. His display of sample products from the companv was exhibited.
Helen Yoder Hahn of Arden again displayed the precious German Bible of ancestor Conrad Yoder. A hand-written page between the testamentsListed the names and dates of birth of the pioneers children.
Caroline Elizabeth Cook Wilfong, 15 months, was the youngest visitor.
A handmade baby dress donated by Mrs. James Yoder Wilfong of Newton was given to a great-great-granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Yoder of Hildebran.
Tiffany Waters 12 of Hickory sang "Amazing Grace". The performer was a great-granddiughter of David and Louise Yoder.
Several tales from yesteryear were related by Gerald M.Yoder and Richard E. Yoder.
A retired Lutheran pastor Rev. Clement
Hahn delivered the benediction. The Yoder Reunion Song
written by J.W. Yoder was used to dismiss
the busines me4eting. The hymn had been used at the Amish
Mennonite gathering In Grantsville, Md.
The 1994 reunion of the Yoder family will occur at Zion Church
on the second Sunday in August.
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