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Oley Yoder National Tour
On July 20th, the Oley Yoders energetically hosted over 300 proud
cousins from 25 different states. The day long "Hans and Yost Joder Heritage
Trail Reunion" had as a theme "where it all started". Seven buses took the
attendees to 11 historical sites in the Pleasantville (Yodertown/Yoderville) area,
Oley Valley, Berks Co., Pa.
The feature tour event was the unveiling of a stone marker in the
historic Pleasantville Union Cemetery, honoring the Swiss brothers Johannes
and Yost Jodder, who as early as 1714 settled in the Oley Valley. The brothers
and their families, first Yoders to come to America, are logically buried in the
rear of the cemetery in unmarked graves. The cost of the memorial was raised
by donations solicited during the unveiling ceremonies, plus revenues produced
by sale of bus group photos during each cemetery visit. The Yoder reunion
Association has dedicated all proceeds from the reunion tour toward the
maintenance of the cemetery property.
At the cemetery the attendees were given the opportunity to use
devining rods and "douse" for unmarked graves. On previous visits, 17 burial
sites were discovered using the dousing method, and these findings were a
guide in placement of the marker. The cemetery contains the headstone of
Daniel Yoder, youngest son of Hans the immigrant, which is the oldest (1747)
known Yoder gravestone in America.
Highlights at the Hans homestead were: the actual location of the
original log cabin; the first section of the primary house built in 1737; wash
house; cold cellar; pig barn; and the mill (saw, grist, linseed oil). Other stops
were the homesteads of: Hans Jr. (OH1); Samuel Yoder (OH13); and the Marie
Keim/Jacob Yoder (OY4) .
At the beautifully restored Lobachsville Mill, owner Steve Kendig, a
nationally recognized mill historian, hosted each bustled of visitors. He traced
how water power was harnessed by the early millers operating their Grist Mills,
Saw Mills, Paper and Linseed Oil Mills in the Berks County area. The mill was
last operated by a Clarence Yoder. Another special "thank you" is due to Fred
J. Moll, historian of the Theodore Burr Covered Bridge Society of
Pennsylvania, for his presentations reviewing the significance of the Griesemer
Covered Bridge, on the Great Road to Philadelphia in Pleasantville, one of the
most unusual covered bridges in existence.
Over 275 people celebrated an evening banquet at The Inn at Reading.
Virgil Yoder of Irwin, Pa. narrated his marvelous slide show of the religious
evolution, development and history of the Joders in Steffisburg, Switzerland
prior to their Migration to America. Also, Joseph Joder entertained the
audience with a humorous monologue of the language and idiosyncrasies of the
traditional "Pennsylvania Dutch" speech. Lastly, a panel headed by Dick
H.Yoder, the tour historian and scriptwriter, took questions about Yoder history
from the audience. Panel members included: Chris Yoder, Richard A. Yoder,
Alice Griesemer Trout, Laurel Miller and Helen Yoder.
At the end of the dinner, a large mounted collage of etchings of the
tour's historical sites, by artist Lynn Lorah, was presented to Dick H. Yoder of
Bechtelsville for his dedicated historical documentation of the Oley Yoders and
the Oley Valley geographic region. In addition to the formal program,
memorial displays were shared by the attendees.
Finally we want to thank the present day property owners, who
without their cooperation the tour would have been impossible. We owe an
indebtedness to Steve Kindig, Jeff Gorrin, Susan Fetteroff, Richard A. Yoder,
Joseph Griffin, Ken Levan, Lloyd and Ruth Zook, and Paul Lechner.
The tour and program was the culmination of one and a half years on
preparation and planning by the Yoder Reunion Association's Advisory
Committee. This group is made up of over 25 dedicated Yoders and cousins
from the Oley region and nearby communities. President Richard B. Yoder
gives special acknowledgement to- Dick H. Yoder, vice-president and historian;
Nancy Yoder, secretary; George Yoder, treasurer; and committee chairpersons-
Robert Keller, Eleanor Shaner, Alice Trout, Joseph Yoder, Grace Yoder and
Donald W. Yoder. Other committee members include: Mary Jane Yoder Gofus,
Alice E. Yoder, Edna Yoder Dierolf, Glenn F. Yoder, William E. Yoder,
Rosalia Yoder, William E. Yoder Jr., Mollie Yoder, Dr. Morris L. Yoder, Kay
Yoder, Stanley Trout, Sarah Dengler, Daniel A. Yoder, Fay Yoder, Frances M.
Yoder, and Walter S. Yoder.
Coffee mugs commemorating the reunion are still available (for
$5.00) by writing: the Yoder Reunion Association, 415 State St., Pottstown,
Pa. 19464.
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New Alsatian Research Links American Yoders
Thanks to the efforts of Robert Geiser of Apple Creek, OH and his
father, Roger Geiser, three research data bases compiled by French
Genealogists the late Jean Huckel and his wife Renee are now available over
the Internet at :
"http://www.bright.net/~swisstea/"-then go to the databses.
The Huckels extensively researched the Anabaptist families near the French
and Swiss border.
We at the YNL have for years had Alsatian Yoder data collected by
the late Edith Joder and others. The Huckel data generally matches and adds to
this and goes farther with establishing linkages between different identified
families. An analysis of this data allows the YNL to connect a number of
additional Alsatian Yoder lines to their origin points, and to identify previously
unknown (to us) relationships between these lines. The Huckels also trace two
branches in Alsace back to their Swiss origins... which is likewise a revelation.
Without seeing the basis for all their conclusions, we at the YNL have a few
reservations about some of the earliest information; however, and will explain
these reservations as we discuss the data.
Transatlantic connections
In YNL 4 (page 5) we reviewed the foreign born Yoders of the 1850
censuses in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. This presents a fair starting point to
reference against this article. You should also take some time to review the
accompanying chart and to refer to it as you read through this discussion.
In YNL 7 we delved into the Alsatian Amish Cemetery in Stark Co.,
OH and introduced Capt. Joseph Yoder (YA1) and a Christian who we
speculated might be his brother (YA7). The Alsatian data has firmly identified
the origin of "Capt. Joseph" AND identifies a known brother Christian of the
exact age to be YA7.
Christian Yoder (YA3) and his wife Marie Yoder, immigrants of 1828
were covered in YNL 5 (page 1) along with identified parental connections.
The Huckel data restates what we knew before and continues the links back
several more generations.
On page 2 of YNL 4 we refer to the Adams County, IN immigrant
Jonathan Yoder (YA4) (b.5/11/1795 Fr) and his wife Mary "Schmucker".
Family records refer to his wife as having died "on the ocean" in 1841. "John"
hasn't been found in the 1850 census, but is shown in the 1860 census with no
wife. As we try to see where this Jonathan fits within the Alsatian data, we find
a "Jean", the only one born 1795, son of Joseph Yoder and Marie Stucky. It is
also identified that Jean married a Marie Conrad in 1822. The children of
Jonathan were born beginning in 1823. Do the children match? Not quite,
but.... Only one child is listed for the Huckel records of French "Jean", a son
Christian b. 1830. The American John has known children born 1823, 1825,
1826 and 1828...then there is a gap until a son Christian born 1838. Joseph,
father of Jean, was in turn listed as the son of a "Hans Yoder and Vreni
Zimmerman".
Jacob Yoder (YA8) found in Stark County with wife Barbara, can be
matched to Jacques (Jacob) of Grandvilliers, husband of Barbara Liechty and
son of Joseph Yoder and Marie Stucky (thus a brother the "Jean" compared
against the Adams County Jonathan). There is no speculation here, however.
Jacob has daughters Barbara, Mary Ann, and Feronica who match exactly the
children and their birth dates of Jacques in Hirtzbach, Fr.
Another firm link is to Joseph Yoder (YA5) who married Anna
Klopfenstein, and who we've presented in an article on page 1 of YNL 4.
French records fully match the birth and marriage of this son of Christian
Yoder and Elizabeth Klopfenstein. Christian we show as the son of Yuste
Yoder who married Elizabeth Guemann. A possible father for this Yuste is the
Jost (b.c1717 d.1795 at Etobon) who married Anneli Kropf..but this is
somewhat speculative.
Lastly, Michael Yoder of Fulton Co., OH. (YA6) who is also presented
in YNL 4 page 1. This Michael (b. 1825) is proven to be the son of Joseph
Yoder of Montbeliard (b.1788) who married Anne Stucky. Joseph is the son of
a Jean, who in turn is reported to be the son of a Christ Yoder and Anne Gerig.
Another 1860 Alsatian in Williams County is found in Brady Twp.
His name is John Yoder, age 41, with wife Elizabeth, age 40, with three
adopted Stuckey children (ages 9-14). This John matches "Jean" (b. 1819) son
of Joseph Joder and Anne Stucky who were the parents of Michael (suspected
YA6) in adjoining Fulton Co. One of the known daughters of this Joseph and
Anne was a Catherine who married Pierre (Peter) Stucky in Morvillars in 1831
(the source of the adopted children-one of whom is named "Peter Stuckey"?).
An added family we looked for was that of Joseph Yoder who came to
Fulton Co., OH and who is the subject of a query in this issue. According to
the census records, Joseph was born in April of 1848 in "Germany". We did
find a Joseph, born in 1848 who was the son of Christ Joder (b c1815) who m.
Barbara Goldschmidt (b. c1815). The location of residence is not listed in the
Huckel data, but it does show three other children in the family: Barbara
(b.1847);Christ (b.1850); and Catherine (b.1851). The 1860 Williams County,
OH census gives us another supporting clue..showing a Barbara Yoder (age
45!) (apparent widow living with Benedict Stuckey and his wife Mary in Mill
Creek Twp) with a son Joseph, age 11 (all born in France) and no other Yoder
children living.
One interesting sideline in the Huckel data is the first European
incidence we are aware of a Yoder named "Melchior". This gentleman, (1792-
1817 Belfort) was a son of Christ Yoder and Elizabeth Lehman and a brother of
YA3. Another brother had the unusual name of "Simon" and was b. 1789...he
could be the "German" born "Simon" Yoder, age 62 in the 1850 Adams Co, IN
census (later censuses show these folk as b. France).
Swiss Connections:
The Huckels give two connections from the families they researched to
the Joder families in Steffisburg, Switzerland. Both of these are through
descendants of Jost Joder (b.1607) who married Anna Trachsel in 1642 (see
chart in YNL 26 for reference). The first of these is through Jost and Anna's
son Hans Joder (b.1644) who m. Catherine Risser (Katherine Reusser) and
whose son Jost (b.1675) is known to have married a Magdalena Gerber. The
Huckels add a second wife named Madeleine Reiss and give a number of
children..three sons of whom are shown as ancestors of Yoder Alsatian lines.
The Huckels give this information with great certainly, BUT we at the YNL
would advise readers to accept it with some qualification, until we can see the
source data.
Also in this first line, the descendants of Christian Yoder who married
Anne Hochstetler seem fairly believable, as does the linkage in the Hans Yoder
and Freni Zimmerman line. The Jost Yoder and Anneli Kropf descent is
somewhat speculative on the part of the YNL and have been qualified with
question marks"?".
The second link drawn by the Huckels is through Casper Yoder
(b.1664) who m. Verena Stauffer, and their son Christian (b.1691) who m.
Anna Marie Claus and who had a son Christian (b.1732) who is shown by the
Hukel's to have married an Elizabeth Gunt. Christian and Elizabeth, in turn,
had a daughter Madeleine who was recorded as being born in Montbeliard in
1773, married a Johannes Liechty in 1793 in Friesen, and died in 1839 in
"CAN" (Canada?). (Liechty was a common name among US Alsatian Amish
immigrants-connecting a number of times with Yoders).
Going upward in other Huckel data we come to a Christian Yoder (b
c1734) who wife is given as Anne Gerig. His children were born about 15-20
years before the child of Elizabeth Gunt...and we present the possibility that he
may have been the same man with a second marriage. One problem comes in
when we look at the Huckel's claim that he is a son of Christian who married
Anna Marie Klaus---information which has been well documented for the
descendants of this couple in Germany includes a well defined son Christian
(b.1732), who was an Amish minister, married Maria Steinmann and had
children from 1760-1776 --all in Germany.
- - - - - - - - -
-
NOTE: The full file of Yoder Huckel data will be added to the 1997 Yoder
archives update....both the disk and cyberspace versions.-CKY
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The Yoder Newsletter- Founded 1983 by
Ben F Yoder (1913-1992); Chris Yoder & Rachel Kreider
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:
-FOR CIRCULATION ISSUES ONLY such as new or renewed
subscriptions, changes of address, orders for back issues to: Yoder Newsletter,
P.O. Box 594, Goshen, IN 46527-0594.
- ALL OTHER- 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 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).
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Greetings from ours Swiss Cousins!
In YNL 27, Swiss teen Ursula Joder invited English correspondents of her age
group. She has sent us this photograph of herself flanked by parents Mr. and
Mrs. Karl Joder of Steffisburg. Switzerland. (Ursula Joder, Astrastrasse 1,
3612 Steffisburg, Switzerland)
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DOES ANYONE KNOW ABOUT THIS "YODER FOOD MIXER"?
Richard A. Yoder, 47 Bause Rd., Bechtelsville, Pa. 19505, bought this food
mixer at an area flea market. It was made by the Yoder Manufacturing
Company in Los Angeles. Can anyone tell us about this mixer or about this
company? (Photo is complements of Richard's brother David Yoder).
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WORK IN PROCESS
Pending Input to the Yoder Archives
- Medina County, OH Yoder Courthouse records -submitted by Dianne
C.Peterson
- 1860 and 1880 Pennsylvania Census- being validated and proofed by
Dorothy Yoder Coffman
- Oley Valley Yoder historical texts- being typed by Marli Yoder
- Berks County History-Biographical Sketches- being typed by ______
- Hans and Yost Wills- submitted by Richard B. Yoder
Other Efforts
- Virgil Yoder is working to turn his wonderful slide show of Yoder origins
and immigration into a video which will be available to all.
- Dick H. Yoder, with sponsorship from the YNL, is working to develop his
"Oley Tour" script into a formal publication, with photos.
The YNL will keep you posted on the progress of all of these efforts.
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VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED
-Typists, with a computer.
-Data Collectors for local Yoder info (courthouse, cems., obits., etc)
-Listserver- Volunteer wanted to administer a Yoder "listserver"
-Webmaster/Author- We'd like to convert our present text based
Online archives to a formal Web Page. Need technical help!!
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House Of Yoder Annual Meeting Called
The House of Yoder steering committee has announced their annual
meeting to be held at Penn Alps, Grantsville, Maryland, Nov. 16, 1996. The
meeting will open at 1030 am and close no later than 3 pm. There will be a
business meeting, an election of officers, a "dutch treat" brunch, and a
noteworthy guest speaker.
John Mark Slabaugh, a noted historian of Amish immigrant lines from
Uniontown, OH will speak about the different lines of immigrants, of their
origin, of missing generations, of Christian Yoder (YR2) and his son
"Schweitzer Christian". John Mark has published two books on his paternal
grandparents (both Yoders), numerous articles, and detailed work on early
Amish homestead sites.
The excavation of the Yoder House will begin after Labor day. To
register for the annual meeting, write by Nov.1, 1996 to: Paul H. Yoder, 507
Hemlock Dr., Grantsville, Md. 21536. Local lodging includes: Holiday Inn
(301) 895-5993 and Casselman (301) 895-5055.
**************************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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Seeking parents of George D. Yoder b. ca 1832 PA d. 1871 Freeport, IL m.
1852 Mary Ann Miller children: Maggie C. b. 1861 m. Wm. Cronkrite,
Effingham Lincoln b. 1863 m. Minnie A. Place. After George's death, his
widow m. Wm. Lloyd 1873. Had son Erving Lloyd b. 1875 d. 1901 Hunt
County, TX. Left widow Bettie and 2 young sons. Any info greatly
appreciated. Terry R. Yoder, 8242 Potter Rd., Davison, MI 48423
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Who were the parents of Christopher Columbus Yoder who m. Ann Cannon.
Had son John Reed Yoder b. 30 Nov 1859 near Columbus, Oh-m. 5 Jul 1882
Mary Elizabeth Lauer in Winterset, Ia. Another son George Washington Yoder
b. 16 Oct 1853, Columbus, Oh- m. Pauline Lauer 2 Oct 187_ in Mo. Reply to:
William A. Johnson, 885 NE 52nd Ave, Des Moines, Ia 50313-1942. (YNL
note- seems a possibility that this C.C. could have been a son of John Luther
Yoder of the SW Pa Yoders- see YNL 24, 1849 tax list for Morgan Twp)
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Who were parents of Gideon N.Yoder (7/24/1872-4/3/1930) bur. Steam Valley
(Trout Run) ,Pa.m. Mamie Naylor on 9/17/1895? Reply to Patricia A. Clark,
1840 Settle Road, Newark Valley, NY 13811.
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I'm looking for information on 3 of Cyrus Yoder's (OH1331bc) 4 sons.
They are Norman, Clinton, and Earl. I believe Norman moved to CA in the
'50's. Norman's wife's name is Myra and I believe she is still living. They had
a daughter who I think was named "Mariah". I don't know if there were any
other children. Reply to : James Huratiak, 969 Rt. 113, Sellersville, PA 18960
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Who were parents of Morgan Yoders, b. c1860 found in Greene Co, Pa in 1870
census in family of Morgan Tilton, Center Twp. Reply to:
Don Yoder, 19 Sharilyn Dr., Shalamar, Fl 32579-1035
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Ancestry wanted for Joseph Yoder b. Alsace m. Maria Beaverson. Had
children: Amos (b 1873 Fulton Co., Oh) m. Paulding Co., Oh and died in
Sandsprings,Ok; Samuel; Edward; Mary and Rose. These children moved to
Oklahoma. Reply to: Wm. Ream Jr., 1166 Bay Circle Dr., Lima, Oh 45801. Per
1880 Census: Joseph b. 4/1848 GY (see comment in the Alsatian article).
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My g-grandfather Edward Yoder from Germany or France- settled in Ohio,
married Amanda Lucas and moved to Tulsa,Ok, where he became Chief of
Police at the turn of the century. (Per YNL possible Edward in 1880 Williams
Co, OH listed as 5 year old grandson in family of John and Elizabeth Yoder-
both born in France)Reply to : Mark S. Yoder, email at:
msyoder@prairienet.org.
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Want information on family of John Grieser/Greaser who married Mary,
daughter of Peter Yoder (YRB6). Reply to: Nancy Rike, 2308 Chetwood Cir.
#303, Timonium, Md. 21093.
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Would like to hear more details on Maria Yoder m. 12/6/1768 to Daniel
Bertolet, son of Abraham Bertolete and Esther de Turk. (Maria was OY12).
reply to: Ralph L. Fry, 2734 Edgewood Dr., Rockford, Il. 61114.
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Annual Zachariah H. Yoder Reunion held, July 28, 1996 in the Civic Center,
North Canton, Oh. Z.H. was a great grandson of Jacob Yoders of Southwestern
Pa (see YNL 24) through John Y who m. Martha Whitlach. For more
information on this family and it's gatherings, contact: Cheryl Thokey, 50
Chaplen Dr., Trotwood,OH 45426.
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Reunion held 23 June,1996, Harter park, Union City, IN by family of Forrest
and Ellie Yoder. For info on this family contact:Linda Yoder, 463 park Ave.,
W.Milton,OH 45383 or Ruby Edgar, 6743 New Madison-Coletown Rd.,
Greenville, OH 45331.
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Esther Yoder Van Pelt of Columbiana, OH writes to tell of the very enjoyable
reunion last December of the descendants of John Yoder (1777-1866) (YB134)
who moved to Ohio in 1817. The event was organized by Randy and Tim
George and the meal was catered by a local church group. Many folk met each
other for the first time, and have been exchanging old pictures and family
information ever since.
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YODER POLITICIAN SEEKS ADVANCEMENT
State Senator John C. Yoder of West Virginia (see YNL 21) is the Republican
nominee for one of two state Supreme Court seats up for a vote this October. In
a four man race, the top two vote getters from either party will be elected. John
led the balloting in his party primary.
Donations are welcome at: Yoder for Supreme Court Committee, P.O. Box
11180, Charleston, W.Va. 25339.
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Folks submitting Family Group Information:
Sterling N. Yoder Jr, Norfolk, VA- Jacob Eschbach Yoder (YB2568)
Eugene F. Yoder, Easton, Pa- Joel Yoder (YR261134)
William A. Johnson, Des Moines, Ia- Christopher C.Yoder (?M22-)
Richard A. Yoder, Lady Lake, Fl- Henry Samuel Yoder (OH14526)
James Huratiak, jhuratiak@p3.net- Cyrus Yoder (OH1331bd)
Jim Yoder, Tracy, Ca- Jacob H. Yoder (YR23449711)
Mrs.Harveen Hockman, Sprague River, Or-Isaac Yoder (OH13381)
Mark S. Yoder, msyoder@prairienet.org, Edward Yoder .m. Amanda Lucas
Fred Haines, ac813@lafn.org,Thomas J. Yoder (Con297)
Brian K. Yoder, byoder@netcom.com, Peter M. Yoder (YR261162)
Bernice Yoder, BYoder.Midsummer@worldnet.att.net , Solomon Yoder
(YR1464b)
Irene Yoder Best, library@sedona.net- Ira N. Yoder (YR1462711)
Jim Yoder, JEYoder@worldnet.att.net- Zachariah H. Yoder (M2631)
Andrew Yoder, ayoder@andrew.cmu.edu, Levi Yoder (YR1253c6)
Barbara McCleneghan, riverrun@colorado.net, Bertolette Yoder
(OH111324)
Michael L. Yoder, 71020.1603@compuserve.com, Solomon Yoder
(YRB69) and Gideon Yoder (YR239b8)
Eugene F. Yoder, Easton,Pa, Joel Yoder (YR261134)
Pam Yoder, NY,NY- Joseph C. Yoder (YR21442)
Jacqueline Kay Yoder, Salem, Or- Jonathan Samuel Yoder (YR12a331)
Carole Yoder Gabel, Independance, Or- Henry S. Yoder (OH14526)
Max L. Dinges, Mountville, Pa- Elias Yoder (?OH13334)
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Mentioned at the Oley reunion- A statue at the Fairbanks Alaska Visitors
Center lists on a bronze plaque the names of the Founders of Fairbanks. Names
include: Dale and Gene Yoder 1898. Can anyone confirm this and tell us about
these folks?
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In Heartfelt Sympathy- To the family of :
Michelle Yoder of Webster Grove, Mo. -died April 28, 1996 age 17.
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Corrections to YNL 27- pg 1- continuation of Tobias article was to Page 4; pg
5- year of marriage for Henry S Yoder and wife was 1860 not 1960; pg 6- Eli
Yoder was referred to in one place as "Levi"; pg 8- Year of death for Iva
Burkhard, O.B. & Reuben Yoder was 1995.
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SARAH H. YODER DAY DECLARED
IN LINCOLNTON, NC on May 26,1996
Sarah H. Yoder, 86, daughter of William Michael and Sarah Ross Yoder was
the second recipient of the Lincoln County Historical Association "Heritage
Award". At a special ceremony, the Mayor of Lincolnton read a proclamation
from the City Council declaring it her "day" in appreciation for her
contributions to the cultural and historical heritage of Lincoln County. Ms.
Yoder taught science and art for 28 years at the local High School and is an
active volunteer in many community activities. Congrats to you, Sarah, from
the YNL!
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Yoder Popcorn Company Closes Its Doors
We have frequently mentioned the Yoder Popcorn Company over the years, and
are sad to announce that it closed its doors this past summer. The Yoder Store
in Oregon (YNL 23) and Yoder Hardware in Indiana (YNL 24) and Yoder
Feeds in Iowa (YNL 22) are still open for business and the source of Yoder
name memorabilia.
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CHARITY CONTINUES-The Lowell Yoder Family continues its efforts (see
YNL 19) in churchbuilding and stewardship. Those interested in learning more
about their excellent work should contact: Volunteers in Service Abroad, P.O.
Box 222-P, Holland, Oh 43528.
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GREAT FIND IN NORTH CAROLINA!
Ted Yoder has recently notified us that the original deeds and grants to Conrad
Yoder have turned up in a box of papers which formerly was held by the North
Carolina Yoder historian Col. George Yoder. Watch for more news on this in a
future issue of the YNL.
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Beautiful Sketches of Oley Yoder Sites Available
Sawmill at the Hans Yoder (OH1) Homestead
Talented area sketch artist Lynn Lorah created a number of original works to
commemorate the Oley Valley "Heritage Tour". These beautiful sketches are
still available. The following themes and prices apply:
11x14 prints: Hans Yoder Homestead
Hans Yoder Jr. Homestead
Griesemer's Covered Bridge
Lobachsville Mill
8x10 prints: Jacob and Marie Yoder Homestead
Sawmill at Hans Yoder Homestead
Pigpen at Hans Yoder Homestead
All prints are unframed. The 11x14s are $16, and the 8x10 are $12. Add $2.50
postage and handling for one print. Add $1 for each additional. Order from:
Lynn Lorah, RD2, Box 144, Oley, Pa 19547.
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Letter to the editor:
We conquered JoderHorn (well almost).
Since my son Douglas has been living and working in Switzerland for
nearly three years, we decided to visit him and pay a pilgrimage to our
ancestral homeland. We, of course, made the mandatory stop at the village
church in Steffisberg wherein a giant decalogue is appended to the northern
inside wall of the church. This decalogue was attached a year after the
renovation and reconstruction of the church in 1681. The names of Casper
Joder and Yost Joder and their respective coats of arms appear on left and lower
periphery of the
giant decalogue as they were apparently among the leaders of the church at that
time. The church was again renovated in 1980-1983 and today appears as a
very modern, but scantly furnished, church. As is all things Swiss, it is
immaculately neat and clean.
Joderhorn is a mountain that marks the border between Southern
Switzerland and northern Italy. We read in the Yoder Newsletter that there is
no known Yoder ancestor on or near this mountain, but we decided to see it
anyway. Departing Steffisburg by auto, we traveled south to Speiz and
continued south to Kandersteg where we boarded an auto train south to
Goppenstein. The tunnel through which the electrically propelled auto train
traveled was not a ventilated tunnel, so the air was not fresh; auto exhausts
would have been intolerable. At Goppenstein we had to make a decision as to
whether to continue south to Saas Almagell (about 12 kilometers from
JoderHorn) or to approach JoderHorn from the Italian side where a cable car
takes one to within 1.2 kilometers of JoderHorn. Since the 12 km trek requires
about a day by foot each way and we had no camping gear, we decided to
approach from the Italian side.
We entered Italy north and west of Domodossola. About 11 km south
of Domodossola, we headed west towards the Italian village of Macugnado.
This is the Ossola section of Italy, or more specifically, the Valle Anzasca.
Along the 80 km route through Italy we passed through many typical Italian
villages -- everything brown or grey and challenged for cleanliness. Arriving at
Macugnado just south of the Swiss border (and JoderHorn), we thought at first
that we had re-entered Switzerland as everything was immaculately clean and
very colorful -- the people here are known as Walser. We arrived there on 27
July -- just before the tourist season and without any hotel reservations.
Fortunately, we found a nice, clean, and modestly priced hotel. We were told
that had we arrived a week later, there would have been no room in the Inn as
August is prime tourist time.
The cable car to the base of JoderHorn is in two segments as the
rise is from the 1000 meter elevation of Macugnado to 2900 meter elevation
near JoderHorn. At the foot of the cable car is a small Catholic church and an
old cemetery wherein are buried many would-be conquerors of JoderHorn and
surrounding peaks -- most of which met their demise much before the advent of
the cable car. At the tourist information house in Macugnado we inquired as to
the naming of JoderHorn, but there seemed to be no explanation.
Unfortunately, very few people in Macugnado speak English or German, so we
were never quite certain if we were being understood with our two semester 30-
year-ago-study knowledge of the Italian language. Near the entrance to the
cable car was Joder Bar. The bartender, was able to communicate a bit better,
and we were told that the first person to conquer JoderHorn was a man name
Joder. We were unable to determine when this happened or Joder's first name.
The Swiss list JoderHorn as being 3040 meters above sea level and the Italians
list it as 3036 meters above sea level. To the immediate west of JoderHorn is
Monto Moro at 2984 meters and to the west of that is Mt. Corno Roso at 3230
meters. It is this peak that shows on most major maps -- not JoderHorn.
Within sight is Monte Rosa whcih at 4635 meters is one of the highest of the
Alps. While dwarfed by Monte Rosa, JoderHorn is taller than most American
mountains. We marvelled at these masterpieces of nature from our cable car
as we approached the summit. Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side.
Within 30 minutes of our arrival at the cable car summit, the clouds completely
covered JoderHorn and hid it from view. In another 30 minutes the clouds
were beginning to surround us and we were cautioned that if we did not return
to the cable car soon, we could be stuck there in dense fog until the weather
cleared in two days. Since we had no camping gear or provisions, we heeded
the advice and returned for the cable car descent. During July, one must pass
through snow that can be over a foot deep on the route between the cable car
summit and JoderHorn. There is no path and the route is not steep, but
nevertheless difficult. During August, the prices of lodging soar in
Macugnado. For those intent on conquering JoderHorn, the best time would
appear to be early September when most of the snow has melted and the
tourists have left the area. A coat and hat are necessary at any time.
-Max N. Yoder, Falls Church, Virginia
(native of Berne,Indiana, descendent of the Alsacian Yoders, and
5th generation american)
- - - - - - - - -
Dear Editor,
My family is the Oley Yoder group. I have married into a Mennonite
family which has Amish roots. It has been interesting to me to learn of the
many family groups with the Yoder name. Last year an Oley Yoder, my
daughter Kristin, was co-president of the Eastern Mennonite University
graduating class. Sometimes the connections with this are amazing.
-Ruth H. Umble, Coatsville, Pa.
************************************************************
Amish Genealogies recommended by Michael L. Yoder: Masthof Book Store,
Route 1, Box 20, Mill Road, Morgantown, PA 19543-9701.Masthof offers
extensive catalog (70+pages) of Amish/Mennonite genealogical books and
publications. Would highly recommend anyone interested to check out their
catalog. Phone is (610)-286-0258.
*************************************************************
I'm looking for information on 3 of Cyrus Yoder's (OH1331bc) 4 sons.
They are Norman, Clinton, and Earl. I believe Norman moved to CA in the
'50's. Norman's wife's name is Myra and I believe she is still living. They had
a daughter who I think was named "Mariah". I don't know if there were any
other children. Reply to : James Huratiak, 969 Rt. 113, Sellersville, PA 18960
************************************************************
WORK IN PROCESS
Pending Input to the Yoder Archives
- Medina County, OH Yoder Courthouse records -submitted by Dianne
C.Peterson
- 1860 and 1880 Pennsylvania Census- being validated and proofed by
Dorothy Yoder Coffman
- Oley Valley Yoder historical texts- being typed by Marli Yoder
- Berks County History-Biographical Sketches- being typed by Pam Yoder
- Hans and Yost Wills- submitted by Richard B. Yoder
Other Efforts
- Virgil Yoder is working to turn his wonderful slide show of Yoder origins
and immigration into a video which will be available to all.
- Dick H. Yoder, with sponsorship from the YNL, is working to develop his
"Oley Tour" script into a formal publication, with photos.
The YNL will keep you posted on the progress of all of these efforts.
************************************************************
Who can tell us about this family?
BI- Jacob Yuter b c1783 PA farmer m ?
(1850 Knox Co,O-Pike Twp)
BI--David b c1822 PA m Elizabeth (c1828 OH- )
children- William b c1848 Margaret b c1850
BI--John b c1824 OH
Reply to: Chris Yoder, 203 Lakeshire Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015
******************************************************
Yoder Family Gathers
HICKORY DAILY RECORD--
Developed around the theme "A Celebration of Life and Life Eternal," the annual reunion of the N.C. Yoder family was held recently at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church south of Hickory.
Rachael Hahn Kennedy, president of the N. C. Yoder clan, welcomed approximately 140 people to the 46th annual gathering. An invocation and prayer were offered by the Rev W. Edward Harper Jr, pastor of the church.
During a covered-dish luncheon in the parish hall, the Yoderlers performed several musical selections. The ensemble included Rachael H. Kennedy, Neal D Wilfong, J. Larry Yoder, Regina Y. Hoyle, W.A "Bill" Yoder, Ted M Yoder and Joyce Yoder Cockman on guitar. An a cappella rendition of "Amazing Grace" was performed by Michael B. Huffman and dedicated to his mother, Nellie P. Settlemyre of Hildebran.
Journeying the greatest distance were Kendall and Bonnie Yoder of Largo, Fla., and Sterling Yoder and children, Marissa and Todd, of Long Island, N.Y. A testimony was shared by Willis R. Yoder of Hickory.
Representatives of the sixth generatation descendants of the Swiss immigrant, Conrad Yoder, were acknowledged. Attending the gathering as members of the sixth generation were Ralph E Yoder of Hildebran, and Blanche Yoder Heilig of China Grove.
Floral tributes were presented to the oldest and youngest guests. Senior members were Hubert Yount 90, and Louie D. Baker 89 both of Hickory, and Blanche Y. Heilig, 89 of China Grove. Youngest members were Caroline E.C. Wilfong of Cleveland and Payton T. Hildebran of Hickory. Both are 4.
Dr. J. Larry Yoder professor of religion at Lenoir-Rhyne College, read a scriptural selection from the 10th chapter of the Gospel of John, and delivered a prayer.
Ted Yoder offered remarks about the origin of the family name. The speaker said the clan adapted its name from that of a beloved fourth century monk, Theodorus, who took the gospel across the Alps into southern Switzerland. After his death, Theodorus (or Theodor) was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. His name was shortened eventually to St. Joder. The Europeans who took the name of their revered saint became known as Joders. The surname occurs today a number of variations including Yother, Yothers, Yotter and Yoders as well as the more common spelling Yoder.
Several historically significant finds were described by the former president. Ted Yoder showed a fragmant of the original deed dated Dec 3, 1762, which records the transfer of land, from Heinrich Weidner (1717-1792) to Conrad Yoder. The Hickory man called the relic "maybe the earliest (written) artifact (extant) in Catawba County.
The speaker also recently rediscovered portions of the two deeds that describe real estate sold by David and Jacob Yoder to their older brother, John Yoder. The men were sons of pioneer Conrad Yoder by his first marriage to Christina Klien (Chine). A daughter of Sebastian Klien and his wife, Elizabeth Bieber (Beaver).
A color slide program narrated by Neal Wilfong, Bill Yoder, and Ted Yoder, who were among the local people who attended the Oley Valley Heritage Trail Reunion in Reading, Pa., on July 19-20, was shown to the group. Historic sites pertinent to the earliest members of the Yoder family to settle in America around 1710 included the home sites of brothers Johannes (Hans) and Yost Yoder. A bronze and stone memorial was unveiled during the tour and dedicated to the memory of the pioneers. Nine members of the N.C. branch of the Yoder family attending the second national reunion of the clan.
The N.C. family was host last year to the first national reunion at which descendants of more than seven distinctly diverse Yoder groups united forces in the Hickory and Newton areas for a three-day convention. Initial plans were disclosed at the recent reunion to sponsor another national reunion of the Yoder family in the year 2000. The local family will observe its 50th annual reunion.
Recipients of outstanding service awards were recognized A former president of the N.C. clan, Hubert A. Yoder of Charlotte, who now serves as a genealogical contributing editor to the national "Yoder Newsletter," was presented a service award by Rachael Kennedy. Other honorees included Michael Huffman, a former, vice president; Ralph Yoder, a member of the board of directors; and Louie Baker, a retired poultry man from the Reynolds estate in Winston-Salem who returned to live in his native Catawba County several years ago.
Observing their 5Oth wedding anniversary this past year were Harry and Florence Anthony Gallimore of Newton. Mrs.Gallimore served as vice president of the Yoder family many years ago. Dan and Margaret Setzer Yoder of Newton had recently celebrated 60 years of marriage.
The family recorded 38 deaths during the past year.
An abbreviated memorial service was held at dusk Aug. 10 at the old Yoder cemetery. Situated on a knoll above the waters of the Jacob's Fork River about two miles south of Zion Lutheran Church, the cemetery dates to about 1771. The program was opened with scripture and prayer by Ms. Kennedy. Ted Yoder offered remarks about the pioneer founder of the family and delivered the benediction. Secretary Neal Wilfong recited the German hymn "Nan Danket Alle Gott" as a prayer.The group sang "Amazing Grace" in unison.
Conrad Yoder immigrated to Pennsylvania
from Switzerland in the 1750s. He settled briefly in the Oley
Valley near Reading, Pa. On the urging of fellow adventurer Heinrich
Weidner, Yoder moved south to Carolina where he later bought property,
built a small home, married and started his family. A stone mason
and farmer, Yoder died in 1790 and was buried in the cemetery
on his land near the graves of two of his three wives and an infant
daughter It Is believed that probably 25 to 30 graves are contained
in the graveyard None of the plots are now Identifiable, as unmarked
field rocks were used to indicate the burial places.
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