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Tobias Yoder, Civil War hero
Tobias Yoder
(Photo submined by Donald Ike" Walker of Somerset)
By SANDRA LEPLEY--Staff Writer
(Thanks to Milton H.Walker of Somerset, Pa. and Mayla Yoder of Berlin, Pa. for submitting this article and thanks to the Somerset Daily American for giving its permission for us to reprint--Tobias was YR23972, son of David Yoder and Sarah Lehman)
The life of Civil War veteran Tobias Yoder could almost be made into a television miniseries. The Somerset County soldier not only served in the Union Army with fervor but also cheated death on more than one occasion.
Born in Shade Township be 1827, Yoder was one of four brothers who enlisted in the Union Army. John was killed; Henry died of disease, and Moses returned from the war and took up residency in Stonycreek Township.
Growing up on a farm and being a woodsman ultimately caused Yoder to develop strong muscles and a powerful stature. He was well known in this area as the champion wrestler of Somerset County.
According to Yoder's death notice in Tlte Somerset Herald, March 31, 1897: "No more perfect specimen of physical manhood or braver warrior ever shouldered a musket."
Before he ever became a soldier, Yoder cheated death two times. He was run over by a hand car on the railroad one time, which resulted in several broken ribs. On another occasion, a coal mine collapsed on him, killing the dog alongside of him and requiring unbelievable strength on his part to dig to the surface.
At the time of his enlistment in July 1861, he measured 42 inches across the chest and was 34 years old, an unusual age to become a soldier because many who served were in their teens. He enlisted in the Co. A, 10th Regiment, the very first company from the county to march off to war.
On June 30, 1862, at New Market Crossroads near Richmond, Va, Yoder's company got caught in a crossfire from regiments belonging to Stonewall Jackson and A.P. Hill and once again, Yoder cheated death.
Seven bullets hit him in what he termed "less than a man could count to five." (Somerset Herald). Two balls went through his chest, one of which crushed his left shoulder blade. One hit him in the side and landed under the hip bone and the other lodged close to the spine near his kidneys. Three other bullets also wounded him. All this never knocked the man down but eventually two comrades pulled him to the rear of battle
Afterwards, he and other wounded Union soldiers were left in the hands of the Confederates, who tended to their own wounded first and occasionally gave Yoder water from a nearby brook. Three days after he was wounded, a Confederate wagon drove within 20 feet of him. They told him if he could get up and get on the wagon, they would wait. "I'm a little stiff," said Yoder, who was eventually grabbed by the impatient Confederates and pitched into the wagon (Somerset Herald)
He became a prisoner at Libby Prison but refused medical attention. Fearing that maggots would infest his wounds, he used a window stop with a nail in it to reach out his cell window and pull some tobacco leaves loose so he could plug up his bullet holes.
However, the tobacco theft was discovered and he was reported to the authorities. He spent 16 days in solitary confinement at Belle Isle.
He spent 40 days in prison altogether, going from 180 pounds to 116. He was then exchanged and sent to Chester Hospital near Philadelphia, where doctors gave him 48 hours to live. Those doctors, however. were not aware of Yoder's unbelievable resiliency. His recovery astounded the medical community so much that the surgeon-in-chief in Washington D.C. made a special trip to Chester to study his case.
In January 1863, Yoder returned home to Somerset County. But after hearing in March that his regiment was recruiting again, he was ready to go back to service, traveling to Washington D.C. to join up. Even though officials refused to let him join, he fought anyway and was at the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1, 2 and 3 of 1863.
When his enlistment was up, doctors were not going to approve his request for reenlistment. "After I had stripped for examination, I kicked up my heels and executed a little dance on my way out of the room to show them how lively I was," said Yoder, who did not want to be left behind (Sometset Herald). He stayed in the army until the end of the war and was there the day Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Va.
Yoder died on March 24, 1897. while visiting his son, Grant, in Waterloo, lowa. He and his wife are buried in Husband Cemetery. He died at 70 years of age and had never lost a tooth in his lifetime. His stature remained "hale and a hearty," (Somerset Herald)
For some years prior to his death, he was having some problems with the bullet near his kidney but because an operation to remove it was too risky, he carried it and another bullet to the grave.
According to his death notice in the Somerset Herald: "One of the strangest features of this remarkable man's experience is that he felt no pain whatsoever during the time that he received the wounds and their subsequent healing, and was able to eat any food that he could secure. He seemed literally a man devoid of nerves or the sense of feeling. He was a thoroughly upright, conscientious, Christian man and was highly esteemed by all who knew him."
He was married to the former Mary Catheran Whipkey. They had 11 children: Henry H. of Brothersvalley Township; Mrs. F.B. Colborn of Bayard, W.Va;. Jacob of Columbus Ohio; Mrs. John Fisher of Garrett; George, Bayard. W.Va.; Milton, Somerset Township; Mrs. Emma Burkett of Somerset; Grant, Waterloo, Iowa; Francis, Somerset Township; Susan (husband's name unknown) and Mrs. Ida Haupt, Somerset.
One of Yoder's descendants, Clark Brocht of Rockwood RD 3, who is also an area historian, believes his great-great-great grandfather Tobias Yoder survived insurmountable circumstances for a purpose.
"A normal person would have died from such an ordeal but I suppose it just wasn't his time yet," said Brocht, who is descended from Yoder's daughter Mrs. Sarah Fisher. "It's a wonder the minnie balls never hit any major arteries and that Tobias did not die from infection."
Another descendant of Yoder's was his daughter Ida's son, the late Dr. Earl O. Haupt, who was a general practitioner in Somerset and also a well-known historian.
According to Brocht. Dr. Haupt's wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Haupt, a former director of the Somerset Historical Center, told him that Tobias's image was used for the Civil War monument at the Somerset County Courthouse. Her mother-in-law Ida (one of Tobias's younger daughter) told her this family story.
Although Brocht believes the soldier on the monument looks like Tobias Yoder, he has never found any documentation on the subject.
"'Once you start studying your roots, it makes you appreciate your own life.Our ancestors lived very hard lives. I'm proud Tobias Yoder is a prime example of a courageous American soldier". Brocht said.
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Yoder House Groundbreaking Draws a Crowd
The Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Yoder House was held
Saturday, October 21, 1995 at the Spruce Artisan Village/Penn Alps,
Grantsville, Md. A goodly crowd from several states assembled for
this event. The opening ceremony was moderated by Lowell Bender,
and remarks were made by Jack Dueck and Kenneth L.Yoder. Pastor
Johnny Crist -a 12th generation Yoder from Atlanta, Ga. gave the
Ground Breaking message. Singing was led by Doris Ours.
This was followed by the actual ground breaking, in which
representatives of three different Yoder families jointly performed the
honors: Ray Yount from the Conrad Yoder line of NC; Carl Yoders of
the "Yoders" family of SW Pa (YNL 24), and Doris Ours of the Amish
line which settled in the Somerset County, Pa-Grantsville, Md area
(YR261 Line). They used a "Rutter Spade" made for the occasion by
10th generation Yoder descendant Dwight Yoder.
Reports were given on the progress, vision, and financial status
of the Yoder House. An added report was furnished on the Yoder
Reunion in held in Hickory, North Carolina last August. The "Widow
Barbara Yoder Bible", a Yoder rocker & coverlet, and a hinge and
stone from the Joderhubel (Yoder Hill) in Switzerland were on display
along with other Yoder memorabilia.
For further information contact: Yoder House Project, Spruce
Forest Artisan Village, 177 Casselman Road, Grantsville, Md 21536.
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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, Battle Creek,MI; John W. Yoder, Circulation
Manager, Middlebury,IN; Rachel Kreider, Senior Contributing
Editor, Goshen,IN. Other Contributors: John W. Yoder; Richard H.
Yoder, Bechtelsville, PA; Hubert A. Yoder, Charlotte, NC; Dorothy
Yoder Coffman, Malvern, PA; Dr. Don Yoder, Devon, PA; Neil
Wilfong, Cleveland, NC; and Dr. Delbert Gratz, Bluffton, OH
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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 46527-0594.
-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, 203
Lakeshire Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015 (or by electronic mail to
"75757.3371@compuserve.com").
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YNL PRICE INFORMATION $$$$
The YNL subscription is on an annual basis-two issues for $3.
BACK ISSUES of the YNL are $1 per issue. A bound set of back
issues 1-25 is available for $25 plus $3 postage and handling). These
may be ordered from the Goshen YNL address.
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YODER RELATED BOOKS
Yoder Newsletter Issues 1 Through 25 - bound 240 page
volume includes a topical index of major articles, an "every name
index". Order from: The Yoder Newsletter, P.O.Box 594, Goshen, IN
46527. (Price $25 plus $3 postage and handling for each book).
Reuben Yoder Family and it's Ancestry by Chris Yoder, 1983.
Reuben Yoder was the son of two generations of Amish Bishops in
Somerset County,Pa... both named Christian Yoder. Copies have
recently come out of storage and are again available. $7 each postage
paid from: Chris Yoder, 203 Lakeshire Rd., Battle Creek,MI 49015.
Amish Immigrants of Waldeck and Hesse by John Byler.
Special Offer for YNL Readers- Amish Immigrants of Waldeck and
Hesse, 231pgs. 263 Amish immigrants-including several Yoders, 52
different surnames. Regular price $22 (inc. P&H)...for YNL readers
only $17.50. (in quantity- 6 for $75-postpaid).Order from John M
Byler, 5845-B CR 80 Rt 3, Frederickstown, OH 43019.
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SWISS MENNONITE HERITAGE TOUR
DO YOU WANT TO CLIMB THE JODERHORN?
Noted historian Dr. Delbert Gratz will be leading another of his Swiss
Mennonite Heritage Tours from 16 Sep to 7 Oct 1996. If there is
sufficient interest, he has offered to add a special visit to and "climb"
(up walking paths) of the Joderhorn. (See YNL 25 for more details on
the location and naming of this 9,960 ft Alpine mountain). Dr. Gratz's
tour will arrive in Zurich and include visits to the Oberland, Thun,
Bern, Basel, Geneva, the Jura, Alsace and the German Palatinate. Dr.
Gratz would need to hear by mid May to arrange the special
Joderhorn climb. For information about a Joderhorn adventure or
just to get more information about the tour, Contact: Dr. Delbert
Gratz, phone (419) 358-7431, 8990 Augsburger Rd., Bluffton, OH
45817-9513.
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You Might Be A Yoder If...
As a part of his message for the Yoder House ground breaking, Pastor
Johnny D. Crist gave the following quiz, patterned after the "TOP
TEN LIST" of David Letterman:
You might be a Yoder if:
... you meet a stranger from Ohio, Indiana, or Virginia and spend 20
minutes trying to figure out if you're related.
... you serve your most elegant meal to your guests in your home and
conclude with cherry pie, rather than cherry tort.
... you've ever subscribed to the Gospel Herald.
... you can spell Stoltzfus, Gingrich, Hostetler or Smucker without
thing twice about it.
... if you know that coverings were made for women's heads before
they were made for floors.
... if you've ever eaten smearcase and apple butter on bread.
... if you know that a wet bottom is better on Shofly pie than kids.
... if the words MDS, EMC and VS are terms of endearment.
... if you've ever corrected someone for calling Lancaster, Lanca'ster.
.. if it somewhat bothers you that a Crist from Atlanta is offering this
Ground Breaking address rather than a Yoder from Ohio.
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Eli Yoder (1810-1891) (Con35). A grandson of Conrad Yoder who
moved to Tennessee. Ruth Adams Minter of Maryland, a descendant
of Levi's Tennessee children, sent this photo by Priority Mail to the
Yoder Reunion in Hickory where it could be seen by others. It arrived
just in time to be shared with Leon Yoder, a descendant of Levi's
son's Calvin who moved to West Virginia after the Civil War and
whose line lives there still.
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The 45th Isaiah Yoder Family Reunion was held Jun.24-25, 1995 at
the Sycamore Grove Mennonite Church in Garden City, Missouri.
People interested in future events should contact: Margie & Dick
Ross, 1001 Terry Rd., Augusta, MO 63332, phone (314) 482-4885
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Moses H. Yoder Family History Published
Moses H. Yoder (1833-1912)(YR25149)
By Ernest and Willa Yoder
Moses H.Yoder, the ninth child and youngest son of Christian
"Keefer Christ" and Esther Hertzler, was born in Mifflin County, PA
on May 27, 1883.
Mose's first marriage was to Barbara Kauffman, the daughter
of Christian Kauffman and Martha Kurtz. After Barbara's death in
1874, Moses married Elizabeth Slabaugh, the daughter of John
Slabaugh and Susan Nisley.
Mose suffered from what the family terms as "itchy feet". he
and Barbara moved from Lawrence County, PA to Cass Co., MI
around the mid 1860's. By 1871 they had moved to LaGrange
County, IN where Barbara died in October, 1874.
After his marriage to Elizabeth Slabaugh, he moved his family
to McPherson County, KS where he is said to have had one of the best
farms in that area. But about 1890, Mose's feet began to itch gain and
he took his family mineral prospecting in Missouri. After a couple of
bad years, he returned to Kansas.
His last move was to Oklahoma. He and two of his sons, Ezra
and Hiram, took part in the Cherokee Run. He homesteaded near
Manchester, OK. He and Elizabeth are buried in the Mennonite
Cemetery near Manchester.
We are still searching for Barbara's grave but can only assume
that it is one of the many unmarked graves in LaGrange Co., In. We
are also searching for Mose and Barbara's marriage record, which we
feel was about 1854 or 1855 in Pennsylvania. If anyone has further
information about this family, we would be happy to hear from them.
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The Moses H. Yoder Family History, 340 pages including 60 pages of
pictures. $35 postpaid. Order from: Ernest & Willa Yoder, 513 Jean
Ave.,Sturgis, MI 49091.
**************************Queries***************************
The YNL will publish Yoder related inquiries or exchanges at no
charge. Please limit as possible to include a full return address. All
inquiries are checked against our records to see if we can help too. If
you receive added info, please share it with the YNL for our files.
Send to: Chris Yoder, 203 Lakeshire Rd., Battle Creek,Mi 49015
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Zella Hielman (Hileman) married a RICHARD YODER about 1923
perhaps in Wayne or Ashland Co. in Ohio. She may have come from
Lancaster Co.,Pa- Her father was Harvey Heilman (Hileman). Can
anyone tell me about this lady? Reply to: Eva May Yoder, 220 Tioga
Ave., Findlay, OH 45840-4363, phone (419) 423-1124.
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Helping Pat (Simmers) Bondic of Columbia, Ill find her friend Tris
Yoder (Mrs. Ed. Opinsky) 68 of Ohio- daughter of Rosie Justice and
Ira Yoder of Southern,Il. If you have info, reply to- June Yoder, 1484
State Hwy 47, Bonne Terre, Mo. 63628
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Seeking any info on: Katherine Yoder b. 1782-5 d. July 10,1859
married John Baker b. 1775, applied for a marriage license on May 8,
17981798 in Lincoln Co, NC. His parents were: John Becker and
Elizabeth-no known dates. Please reply to: Carrie Mixon, 162
Kohutek Rd., Victoria, Tx 77904-2986. (YNL Note-this is Con7).
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Who was Catherine Yoder (1720-1798) who married Anthony Sell
(1712-3 Feb 1792 in Huntington Co., Pa). On Jun.7,1751 he applied to
the land records of Frederick Co.,Md for a deed to the land of his
deceased father, Hendrick Sell. Some of their children reportedly born
in York Co, Pa. in 1740's and 50's. Reply to: Shawn Gray, 1119 W.
10th St., Muncie, IN 47302, email 03slgray@bsuvc.bsu.edu.
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Hatfield Township Mystery
NancyEmery of Spokane, Washington is trying to determine if
Margaret, wife of Joseph (Yost) Wiles (Will), was a daughter of a
Jacob Yoder who died prior to 1780. Yost Will was on the 1780 tax
list charged for Jacob Yeoder's estate in Hatfield Township,
Philadelphia County. An original tax assessment microfilm, undated
(ref: Hist. Soc.Of Montgomery Co) shows in one section "Yost Wile
____ ____ (?Nancy thinks these words are "Yeador Jacob", but they
are unclear, do not match the lettering for the later 'Jacob Yeoder'
text and on other records on the page this place following the name is
held by the occupation of the person) occupat-6,000, 2 horses-960, 2
cows, 240; Payed 20 rent hard to Jacob Yeoder and for Jacob Yeoders
Est. 100 acres & Dwelling-6,000".
It's interesting to note that several records away on the same
microfilm page is "Melchior Yeoder, 131 acres, 2 horses, 4 cows". (See
YNL 16 page 6 for discussion and speculation on this early line).
Melchior is also only several entries away in the 1780 tax record.
Joseph Wiles was born about 1744 in Germany, came to
America in 1754, married Margaret/Margaretha ____ about 1775.
Around 1785 he moved to Westmoreland Co, and in 1796 he
purchased land in Armstrong Co., Pa where he died in 1826--
survived by 9 children.
Anyone with further information on this family or its Yoder links,
please write: Nancy Emery, 4301 E. 16th Ave., Spokane, Wa 99223.
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Tobias Yoder-Civil War Hero
reprint from Somerset Co. Newspaper
Thanks to Milton H. Walker of Somerset, Pa and Mayla Yoder of
Berlin, Pa for submitting this article, and thanks to the Somerset
Daily American for giving its permission for us to reprint.
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Grandchildren & Great-grandchild of Reuben Yoder (YR2337a) Die:
Iva Yoder Burkhard, age 100, died Nov.6, 1995 (a month and
22 days short of her 101st birthday). Reuben Yoder, her brother died
in Texas, aged 91, later that same month while visiting his daughter.
(See photo in YNL 25, page 8). Reuben has been a strong supporter
of the Yoder Newsletter since it's founding and contributed to the
restoration of the Bishop Christian C. Yoder Cemetery in Somerset
County, Pa.
The son of their cousin Ray S Yoder and Lettie Dillon, Otho B.
Yoder of Saugatuck, Michigan, died Dec. 6,1995 at the Holland
Michigan Community Hospital, age 87. Otho was the father of Yoder
Newsletter Editor Chris Yoder, and the husband of Phyllis Pamperien
Yoder. He worked for ALCOA as a metalurgist for 43 years, serving
in Pa., Tn., Iowa, Japan, and Netherlands. He was a member of the
state record setting Elkhart High relay team of 1926 which held the
Indiana record for over 40 years. He was an avid golfer who shot a
hole in one at the West Shore Golf Course, Douglas, Mi. He shot a
hole in one in life, as well.
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YODER HUMOR- While waiting with my daughter and
granddaughter at the doctor's office, my 4 year old granddaughter,
Jillian Yoder, wanted pencil and paper to practice her ABC's.
Writing down letters at random , she showed her Mommy
"Mommy,what does this say?". "Nothing", her mommy replied.
Excitedly, Jillian huried to me to show her work saying "Look
grandma, mommy says I spelled 'nothing'!" I couldn't help but
laugh.-submitted by June Yoder of Bonne Terre,Mo.
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Swiss Joder Miss Wants Pen-Pal
Dear Sir,
Our daughter Ursula is now fifteen years old and she is very
interested in other peoples life. So she would like to have a girl friend
or a boy friend in the age of fifteen to eighteen years to write letters in
English. It would be very nice if you could write some words in the
Yoder Newsletter to find anybody who would like to answer her. We
are looking forward to your answer and wish you a Merry Christmas
and a happy New Year.-- with best wishes, K. Joder
(Write this address:
Ursula Joder, Astrastrasse 1, 3612 Steffisburg, Switzerland)
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Esther Yoder Lambertson, Elkhart, Indiana- the First Subscriber to
the YNL (see YNL 2, page 2) and also the First to Resubscribe, died
Oct.4, 1995, following a stroke. Her husband Frank wrote that Esther
had a serious earlier stroke in July of 1994:
"I know she enjoyed the letters she received over the years and
would tell me about things she found in them. She spent a lot of time
on her families genealogy and would read from them as part of her
way of using time. Thank you. Continue the good work with the letter.
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PLANS FOR HANS AND YOST YODER REUNION FINALIZED
July 20,1996, Oley Valley,Pleasantville,Pa
Over 400 Yoder cousins, from 25 different states, responded to
the Hans and Yoder Family Trail Reunion announcement that
appeared in the October YNL. In March, registration packets were
mailed to all who responded. If you have failed to register as yet, and
wish to do so, write to the Yoder Reunion Association, 413 State St.,
Pottstown, PA, 19464.
The heritage trail tour will visit 11 historical sites in the Oley
Valley where, as early as 1714, the brothers Hans and Yost Yoder
settled. Hans Yoder, the first Yoder to come to America in 1709, built
and settled in what is today "The Yoder Homestead". The current
building's oldest section was constructed in 1737. The day-long bus
tour will also visit the sites of the original Yost Yoder home, Hans
Jr.'s original house, the Jacob Yoder (Yost's son) and Marie Keim
home, and other historical locations, including: the Oley Forge,
Griesemer's Mill, the Samuel Yoder house, the Lobachsville Mill, the
Crooked Dam, Daniel Yoder's Papermill, and the original Yoder
Family Cemetery.
At the end of the day, there will be a Yoder Family banquet
program examining the historical significance of the tour sites and
the, later opportunities for Yoder Clan meetings.
During the Yoder Cemetery visits, there will be an unveiling of
a marker to honor Hans and Yost Yoder and their families.
For those interested and not registered, the deadline for
registration is June 1,1996--NO REGISTRATION during the day of
the event- write immediately.
Yoders Dowsing For Ancestors
Rich B. Yoder, of West Chester, and Dick H.Yoder, of
Bechtelsville, President and Vice-president respectively of the Yoder
Reunion Association, have been dowsing for their ancestors in the
Yoder Family Cemetery, Pleasantville, Pennsylvania.
Dowsing is an activity that has played a part in the everyday
life of people for a very long time. Historically, ancient drawings and
sculptures have been found scattered throughout the world. The
world dowse means "to locate, to find". The difficulty in the case of
dowsing is that there are no ready-made or readily understood ways
to answer the question, "What makes it work?".
Using dowsing rods (L-rods), the Richard's found 19 places in
the rear of the cemetery where 'the rods crossed', indicating possible
locations of grave sites. The individual sites' locations are in perfect
alignment with the oldest permanent grave markers, which are facing
due-east.
It is presumed that the immigrants Hans and Yost Joder, the
first Yoders to settle in America from Switzerland, and their families
are buried in the Pleasantville Union Cemetery, (Original Yoder
Family Cemetery). Hence, we feel fairly certain that these sites are the
burial places of Hans and Yost Joder and their families.
The Yoder Reunion Association is hosting a national reunion
on July 20,1996. During the tour, registrants will have the opportunity
to dowse for the grave sites when they visit the original Yoder
Cemetery .
Richard H. Yoder has written Pleasantville Union Cemetery-A
Photographic Review. This book contains photographs of all
remaining Yoder stones and considerable research on the descendants
of Hans and Yost who are buried there. Copies will be available
during the reunion or write Richard at: 47 Bause Road, Bechtelsville,
PA 19505. ($6 plus $1 for postage and handling).
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Yoder Reunion to Honor Ancestor
On July 20, 1996, the day of the Oley Yoder Family Heritage
Trail Reunion, a permanent marker will be unveiled at the rear of the
Pleasantville Union Cemetery in honor of immigrants Hans and Yost
Joder. This bronze plaque will be mounted either on an old mill stone
or a field stone. Donations for the erection of the plaque will be
accepted during the unveiling. Any surplus will be applied to the
cemetery maintenance and preservation. Individual and group
photos, with the marker, will be available during the cemetery tour.
1996 Yoder Data On Disk Update Announced!
The Yoder data on Disk has grown to 85 documents totalling
over 2.7 megabytes of family group, baptismal, courthouse and other
Yoder records from the US and Europe. Our 1996 update adds one
generation of family group data for Oley, Mennonite and Amish
Yoder lines, expanding the families to include those who had their
first child by 1880. It also updates the corresponding spousal index,
adds Courthouse information from Berks Co,Pa and Elkhart and
LaGrange Co.,In., and two new directories with Yoder Census data
from: PA- 1790 thru 1850, 1870; OH- 1820-1860 ; IN- 1820-1860;
and with Yoder Newsletter text and index from issues #20-26.
Thanks to David Yoder of Evanston,Il. for help with the
typing, and to Dorothy Yoder Coffman, whose Census work was the
major source of the new census subdirectory.
The two disk set may be ordered from the YNL for $5.
Will you help in a YODER "Gutenberg Project?
The "Gutenberg Project", named after the first mass printer of
the Bible, is a "cyberspace" project started by a professor at Illinois
Benedictine College. His goal is to convert 10,000 of the most used
classical works from paper into "digital" form (meaning to make them
readable on a computer) by the year 2001.
The Yoder Newsletter has taken great and continuing efforts to
assemble reference information about the Yoder family and to make it
available (virtually for free) to one and all. We intend to continue
these efforts in data gathering and conversion. The "Yoder Data on
Disk" represents a large amount of information, but it is only a
fraction of what could be made available from our files should we
have more volunteer help to do the typing/ or scanning. In order to
expand these Yoder files, the YNL is launching the "Yoder
Gutenberg Project".... it's success will be directly proportional to the
level of assistance which rises from you our readers.
To offer your help contact Chris Yoder, 203 Lakeshire Rd., Battle
Creek,MI 49015 or 75757.3371@compuserve.com.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED! DO YOU TYPE?
ADVENTURES IN CYBERSPACE ...
The Yoder Archive at "Genealogy On-Line" continues to
thrive. The Yoder Archive is located in directory
"/pub/genealogy/surnames/YODER". All 85 files found in the "Yoder
Data On Disk" are available to be accessed and copied at no charge.
In addition, we have established two sub-directories "/YNL" and
"/CENSUS". Internet access is available either by www, or by
anonymous ftp at emcee.com. There is also a "/incoming"
subdirectory established into which Yoder researchers can upload
their own Yoder research documents.
Through the month of February 1996, over 2700 individual file
copies have been downloaded by people around the world. People
have accessed the archives from the United States, Canada, Japan and
Denmark.
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Searching for the parents of Anna Maria Yoder b.9/19/1822 Basel,
Switzerland, m. 4/17/1842 in Stark Co.,OH to Christian Conrad,
d. 10/22/1875 Green Twp., Wayne Co., bur. Oak Grove Mennonite
Cemetery, Wayne Co.,OH. Her sisters were Francis (Veronica) (1826-
1876) who m. Peter Schmucker and Barbara (1829-1903) who m.
Michael Schloneger Jr. Reply to Mrs. Glenn Mitchell, 5238 Taylor
Rd., Norton, OH 44203 (YNL Note- see YA8)
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LORENZO THOMAS YODER CANDY CRIMPER
by Elcy D. Brooks
I'm enclosing a copy of an ad for a candy crimper which was
invented by my grandfather, Lorenzo Thomas Yoder. Today we call
the confection made by the machine "ribbon candy". Grandfather
sold his candy is a store in Pittsburgh and mother remembered him
distributing his wares by horse and buggy in smaller communities
surrounding Pittsburgh.
Grandfather had a sweet tooth and loved fresh coconut. Derby
hats were also a passion, and he wore one whereever he went. On a
particularly windy and rainy day, he had purchased a coconut which
he carried in a bag in one hand, holding an umbrella in the other to
protect his favorite hat. A gust of wind threatened to remove his
Derby, and throwing his hand up to catch it- forgetting the bag with
the coconut- he knocked himself out at the corner of Smithfield and
Fifth Avenues in Pittsburgh! Mother always said her father was a bit
absent minded when he was thinking about an invention, and I have
often wondered if it was the candy crimper which precipitated the
incident.
By the way, Lorenzo T. Yoder was the younger brother of
Major Charles Theodore Yoder who was featured in YNL #18
(Oct.91). His picture appears on page 4 of that issue, seated on the
right.
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YODER NEWS NOTES:
-Michael L.Yoder is Executive Assistant to Indianapolis Mayor
and Gubernatorial candidate Stephen Goldsmith.(Contrib.by Galen
Yoder)
-Heidi Yoder, San Francisco, displays an African Sunburst on
her lower back, in an Associated Press story on the new fad of "body
branding".
-The Yoder addition to the Music Hall at Bluffton College will
be dedicated before long. It was the result of a large contribution by
Allen Yoder Jr. Mr. Yoder (YR2338362a), former president of Jayco
Inc., was 1993 Recreational Vehicle Industry "Executive of the Year"
(contrib, by Rachel Kreider)
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Tennessee Yoder Chairs
"My Name is R. Yoder, 1874"
is what's carved into the cross-piece on this chair. The chair was
purchased at a flea market in Alabama by William Yoder, 505
Woodlawn Ave., Sylacauga, Al 35150. William was told by the seller
that the chair had come from Tennessee and would like to know who
this "R. Yoder" was. The YNL has checked the 1880 Tennessee census
and a prime candidate seems to be Con3931, Robert Yoder , b 5/1861,
s/o Marcus s/o Eli and the only R. Yoder visible (besides an 11 month
old). Interesting enough, in 1900 this Robert (then in Knox Co.) is
listed as being a carpenter. Can anyone tell us more?
Chair Made by Eli Yoder in 1838
and still in his family. Presently owned by Donald Adams of
Cleveland, TN. Thanks to Hubert Yoder of Charlotte for furnishing
this photo several years ago. Who would have thunk we'd have
featured this photo with that of a possible grandson?
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Tennessee Yoders
From far and yon, across the US we've received a variety of items
about the Eli Yoder family of Tennessee. With the exception of the
contribution of Hubert Yoder, which arrived in 1990, the rest of these
items have all come in over the course of the past year. We have been
so struck by the timing of these arrivals that we've decided to dedicate
a whole page to them. Hope you find the coincidences as interesting as
we do.
Eli Yoder, (1810-1891) Grandson of Conrad
WHO ARE THESE FOLK?
Becky Perkins, 1404 Ryan St., Flint, Mich 48532, sent this family
group of her relatives in Tennessee. Her great Aunt Alice Adams
Wilson had them and now that she has passed on, the identity of the
group is also lost. From the photo submitted separately by Mrs.
Minter in Maryland, it looks fairly certain that the patriarch in the
middle is the same Eli Yoder. Can any of our readers identify the
remaining folk?
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An Oley Yoder Reunion---about 90 years ago
Yoder Family Reunion, Friday Aug. 19,1905/6 or
'10/11,Pleasantville,Pa at the Home of Mr. & Mrs. Henry
S.Yoder(OH14526). Henry S. Yoder (1839-1917) was married on
Mar.24,1860 to Hannah Cleaver (1843-1930). They had a family of 17
children born between 1861 and 1887. (Thanks to Mrs. Evelyn
Buchholtz of Santa Fe, New Mexico for this high quality photo and to
Richard H. Yoder of Bechtelsville, Rich B. Yoder of West Chester and
Holly Griffith for help in identifying the folks included). Back row: 1-
William Yoder (s/o 13); 2-Ralph Stout (h/o 8); 3- Walter Greisemer
(h/o 23); 4-Marie Stoudt; 5- Edward Yoder; 6-Anna Yoder; 7-
Charles Swavely (h/o 14); 8- Kate (Yoder) Stoudt; 9-Henry Yoder;
10-??? ; 11-Jim Stoudt); 12-Annie (Yoder) Jackson; 13- Isaac Yoder;
14-Laura (Yoder) Swavely; 15-William Yoder; 16-Debbie (Yoder)
Dunlap; 17-Walter Yoder; 18-Mayme (w/o 17); 19-Cleaver Yoder; 20-
Virgie (w/o 19); 21-Jim Yoder. Second row: 22- Margie (d/o 13 or12);
23-Florence (d/o 13); 24-Roy; 25-Stella; 26-Naomi; 27- Norma (d/o
13); 28-Jennie (d/o 13);29-Grandfather Henry Yoder; 30-
Grandmother Hannah Cleaver Yoder; 31-Aunt Hannah; 32-Nora
(w/o 9); 33-Olga (w/o 15)(she was Swedish); 34-Hannah Tea (w/o 13).
First row: 35-Clarence (s/o 13); 36-David (s/o 19); 37-Raymond (s/o
16); 38-Sue (w/o 5);39-Victor (s/o 13); 40-Elizabeth (d/o 15); 41-Carl;
42-Edith (d/o 13); 43-Willie,Jr (s/o 15); 44-Ella (d/o 5); 45-Earl (s/o
13); 46-Arnold; 47-Jim (s/o 21); 48-Ada (d/o 9); 49-Walter (s/o 9); 50-
Charles (1901-died age 17); Ira (s/o 9) -faint image in lap between 31
and 32 (as Ira was b. 1906-and is no more than 2 yrs old... this appears to help date the photo).
- - - - - - - -
Folks submitting Family Group Information:
Linda Bacon, Carmel,IN- Abraham Y./Catherine Troutman (X)
RobertW. Yoder, Aristes,Pa- Abraham Y./Catherine Troutman (X)
Allen E.Yoder, Eureka,Mo- Wm.Brown Yoder (OH13414)
Wm.E.Yoder,Kutztown,Pa- Wm.D. Yoder (OY43456)
Edgar Yoder, Harrisburg,Pa- Alfred Yoder (B2)
Samuel G.Yoder, Shoemakersville,Pa- Jacob S.Yoder (B4)
Marvin W. Yoder, Reading, Pa- Manias K. Yoder (OH132542)
Margaret E. Stanley, Lewistown,Pa-Joseph P.Yoder (YR117722)
Eva Mae Barton & Eva Mae Crist, York,Pa- Solomon Yoder
(YR261191)&(YR121736)
Joan T. Herbanek, Jacksonville,Fl- Henry S Yoder (OH14526)
Gordon Yoder, Dallas, TX- Amos Yoder (YR12a36)
Fred A. Yoder, Fountain Hills, AZ- Denis P.Yoder (YR2512461)
Max L. Dinges, Marietta,Pa- Elias Yoder (?OH13334)
Alvan L.Miller, Aragon,Ga.-Reuben Yoder (YR2337a)
Sara Y.Sharadin, McClure,Pa- Henry S. Yoder (OH14526)
Hatten S.Yoder Jr.,Bethesda, MD- Andrew Klock Yoder (OH132852)
Robert E.Keller, Temple, Pa- ?Adam Yoder, (OY43321)
Carl Yoder, Wilton,Ct- John Yoder (YB1372b)
La Mae Perez, Annandale, NJ- Jacob Yoder (OY4379)
Gwen Yoder, Rahway, NJ- Abraham Y./Catherine Troutman(X)
Charles B. Yoder, Douglasville,Pa- Commodore K. Yoder (YB256b)
Maynard A.Yoder, Norristown,Pa- Henry K. Yoder (YB135134)
Marilyn Markley,Pennsburg,Pa-Benjamin Yoder
m. Brigitta Hausman (AR)
Ruth Yoder DeLong, Fleetwood,Pa- Henry S. Yoder (OH14526)
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Yothers Family Holds Reunion
The Bucks County Yothers family held their 71st Reunion on June 4 at the Haycock Mennonite Church Grove, Quakertown, with 54 people present.
Dan Hunsberger, Perkasie, president of the Yothers family awarded the following prizes: the oldest person present was Naomi Yothers, Souderton, age 90m years. The youngest person was Rebekah Hackman, age 11 months, daughter of Dennis and Ketrina (Miller) Hackman, Quakertown.
Chad Benner, Silverdale and Kelly Deily, Bath, were the winners of the traditional guessing games.
The immigrant of this family was Hans Yoder and 1717 is likely the year in which he settled at the Great Swamp, near Coopersburg. He purchased 99 acres from Jouph Krowden of Trevose in 1720 for 15 pounds.
The Yoders were Mennonites and Hans Yoder, his wife Anna and on Hans Jr donated tbe land to the Saucon Mennonite Meeting House which was erected circa 1738. Many of Hans Yoder's decendants are buried there.
Yoder's grandson, Jacob Yoder, changed his name to Yothers. All of the Bucks County Yothers families are hls descendants.
The officers are as follows President-Dan Hunsberger, Perkasie; Vice President- John M Hunsberger, Perkasie, SecretaryTreasurer-Alverna (Yothers) Hunsberger, Apple Butter Road, Perkasie and Secretary of Historical Records, Zenta Benner,Perkasie.
Pastor David Miller, Quakertown asked the blessing before the 5 p m meal The next reunion wlll be held the first Sunday in June 1991.
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