Yoder Newsletter Online
Issue Number 31 - - - April 1998
ABRAHAM N. YODER - MONTANA SECRETARY OF STATE
In earlier issues of the YNL, we have shared information about
several Yoder politicians. The only Yoder Congressman (to date),
the Hon. Samuel S. Yoder of Ohio, was featured in YNL 8. US Senate
candidate John C. Yoder of West Virginia, was introduced in YNL
17. Montana is another state which had it's own Yoder politician.
Abraham N. Yoder was elected Montana Secretary of State in 1904.
photo
Abraham was born July 8, 1856, into the Mennonite Yoder line which
originated generations before with immigrant "Hans Yoder
of Great Swamp" (See YNL 3). Abraham attended school in Lebanon,
Ohio and in 1877 Mount Union College, near Alliance,Oh. For two
years after that he taught school, and then clerked eighteen months
in Columbiana, Oh. The biography written of him in Progressive
Men of Montana tells:
"In 1881, at the age of twenty five he went to Denver, Colo.,
where his first employment was that of a helper in a machine shop
for a year. Subsequently he went to Salt Lake City, engaged in
the livery business and also worked in a smelter. During his trip
from Denver to Salt Lake they had to ford the Platte river, then
overflowing its banks. The party lost everything except the teams
and wagons, and were forced to sleep without blankets on the bare
ground. The rest of the way, 200 miles, was traversed afoot."
"Mr. Yoder went from Salt Lake to Blackfoot, Idaho, where
for six months he was employed in railroad work and in the spring
of 1883 he came to Glendale, Mont., and thense to the Sheep Mountains,
where for several months he prospected and worked in various wood
camps. Coming to Butte, for ten months he was employed in the
grocery of Alexander Cohen. Following this he was employed in
the grocery of York and Anderson and was then with John Stanley
and he then engaged in the loan business with J. M. Albiez as
his partner. On February 24, 1898, Mr. Yoder was united in marriage
to Miss Hattie C. Libby, who was called from the earth on June
10, 1899.
"In 1895 he was elected treasurer of Butte, and served two
years.During the 1890s Mr. Yoder was interested in mining operations
and in 1900 made a trip to Cape Nome, Alaska. Being a steadfast
Republican, he had continued his political activity, and while
away in Alaska he was nominated for Montana secretary of state,
but defeated by a very small margin at the polls during a Democrat
landslide. Following the death of his first wife, Abraham married
in 1902 to Lillian Alice Greiner. In November 1904, Abraham was
first elected secretary of state, taking office in January 1905.
He was subsequently reelected for three successive terms. "
The announcement in the "Butte Miner" indicated that
at the time of his sudden death in Helena, Dec. 7, 1911, a boom
had just been launched propelling him for the Republican gubernatorial
nomination in 1912. The "Anaconda Standard" mentioned
his close personal friendships with former U.S. Senator Lee Mantle
and many prominent businessmen.. many of whom had been active
on his behalf in a preliminary gubernatorial effort and maintained
that "It was confidently expected he would land the Republican
nomination." The "Montana Daily Record" carried
tributes from Governor E.L. Norris and other dignitaries. State
Auditor Cunningham said "In all my experience in public affairs,
I have never met a man who was so intensely loyal to his concept
of duty .I have never known a man who I regarded as so steadfastly
honest, especially with regard to the little things which many
of us, regarding them as of minor importance, sometimes do not
like to hear about."
Abraham left a wife, but no children. Testament is born him however
by a memorial plaque in the "new" wing of the Montana
State Capital building in Helena which was completed in 1912.
THE MENNONITE YODER FAMILY IN OHIO
Abraham (YB13727) came from a prominent and distinguished Ohio
Mennonite family. His father and namesake Abraham Yoder was born
in Upper Saucon Twp, Lehigh Co., Pa. on July 7, 1819, the child
of Peter Yoder and wife Elizabeth Brunner. In 1826 the family
moved to Ohio, settling in the western part of Beaver township,
Columbiana County. On Oct. 6, 1842 Abraham senior married Elizabeth
Nold, and by 1856 or 57 became the owner of a 153 acre farm near
Leetonia where he was to live the rest of his life. In addition
to farming, Abraham senior also mined and sold coal from deposits
on his property.
Abraham and Elizabeth were to become the parents of eleven children:
Katharin, who married Isaac Flohr; Anna, who died at age twelve;
William, who moved to Nebraska in 1881 becoming a carpenter and
contractor; Noah, who bought a farm in Wadsworth, Medina County,
OH and served as a County Commissioner; Jacob, for eighteen years
a grocer in Toledo, OH and subsequently retired in Los Angeles;
Owen, a farmer at Jefferson, OH who died early, age 32 years;
Abraham (the subject of this article); Peter, businessman and
like brother Abraham a public servant (serving as Medina County
Coroner 1897-1901, three terms as Medina County Treasurer at the
advanced age of 80 years elected state representative); Enos,
a merchant in East Palatine, OH; Sarah, who married Eli Blosser
of North Lima, OH; and John, who first taught school, then founded
a flourishing gardening and florist business, and served as an
official in Beaver Township.
--------PHOTO---
The children of Abraham and Elizabeth Nold Yoder, North Lima,
Ohio in 1888- Back row: Jacob, Enos, Noah, Katharin, Abraham (the
focus of this article); Front row: Peter, John, Sarah, and William.
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Credits: One of Abraham's nephews, Lester A. Yoder of Leesburg
Florida, did extensive research into this family and it is thanks
to him that we have much of the reference material. Thanks also
to Carl E. Yoder of Wilton, CT for sharing his photograph of the
children of Abraham and Elizabeth Nold Yoder. The YNL would also
thanks Mr. Mike Cooney, the current Montana Secretary of State
for sharing material from the state historical society about Abraham
Yoder
The Yoder Settlement of Wayne County, OH
Wayne County, Ohio became an assembly point for a diverse mix
of Yoder lines. The book Creative Congregationalism, a history
of the Oak Grove Mennonite Church by James O. Lehman, is an exceptional
source of information on the Anabaptist settlement of Wayne county.
It describes how the first white settlers came to Green Twp. in
1811 and to neighboring Milton Twp. in 1813. The Amish congregation
of Somerset County, Pa. sent out land scouts in the summer of
1807. These folk travelled down the Ohio river and up to Iowa,
returning overland through Ohio. It is believed they brought back
word about lands in Wayne and other Ohio counties. By 1813 and
1814, Yoders from Mifflin and Somerset Counties in Pennsylvania
and from neighboring Tuscarawas County in Ohio filed for land
grants in Wayne County.
From Somerset Co., Oh. From Tuscarawas Co, Oh.
11-12-1813 Jacob Yoder 12-1-1813 Stephen Yoder
11-12-1813 Joseph Yoder* From Mifflin Co, Pa.
5-19-1814 Christian Yoder 10-21-1814 Christian Yoder*
5-19-1814 John Yoder
Although some of these applicants did not follow through on their
grants (marked as *), several Yoder purchases are recorded before
1820 and the census lists four Yoder families in the county:
1820- Ohio Census
Wayne Co., Page 147, Wayne, Jacob Yoter (YR162)
Wayne Co., Page 159, Greene, John Yoter (?)
Wayne Co., Page 160, Greene, George Yoter ( believed YR1271)
Wayne Co., Page 160, Greene, Solomon Yoder (YR23b)
In the summer of 1817 a group of Amish came from Switzerland to
Somerset County, Pa. In 1818 they settled in Wayne County, where
it is speculated that there may already have been a congregation
of American Amish in place. David Zook of Mifflin County is reported
as the first bishop in this community. From this early date, members
from diverse backgrounds joined this community and brought a special
flavor unique from many of their more insular brethren in Pennsylvania
and other locations. Over the next 30 years, members were to come
here from Mifflin and Somerset Counties in Pa, Holmes and Stark
Counties in Ohio, the Alsace, Canton Bern in Switzerland, the
German Palatinate, and from "Prussia".
Yoder farms in Green and bordering Milton Twps. as of 1826
include:map here
By the 1830 Census, Yoders in Wayne Twp included: Daniel Yoder
(YR2517); John Yoder (YR251); Jacob Yoder (YR162); and in Green
Twp.: John Yoder (?);Jacob Yoder (YR2512);Yost Yoder (YR23b2);
Solomon Yoder (YR23b); Peter Yoder (YRB6); Isaac Yoder (YRB4);
Peter Yoder (YR23b4); Christian Yoder (?YA3); John Yoder (?);George
Yoder (?YR1271).
Such a varied community brought with it varied ideas. The first
identified major Amish controversy in the U.S. came with a member
of the Swiss group named Hans Burkholder. He had been baptized
in Europe as a Mennonite, settled for a while with the Amish in
Mifflin County. In 1820 when he asked for membership with them
the brethren there asked him to be rebaptized. He refused and
moved to Wayne County where the congregation accepted him without
condition. This act led to open conflict. Somerset County bishop
Christian Yoder Sr. (YR233) twice came to the county trying to
effect a peace, to no effect. Ministers meetings were held in
1826 and 1827, and accomplished little. A large conference of
ministers was held 10/3/1830 hosted by Bishop Yoder's congregation
in Pa. Although this agreed that Mennonite baptism could not be
recognized, the Wayne County delegates were not able to effect
this decision within their community. In 5/25/1831 another conference
was held in Wayne County, recorded by Hannes Yoder "an elder
minister of Ohio" (YR251), which resulted in concessions
on the point of baptism.
This broader tolerance for ideas which was found from the beginning
of this congregation was a natural outgrowth of the diversity
of its members. The early dispute appears a natural precursor
to the split into Amish and "Amish-Mennonite" which
occurred several decades later. Jacob D. Yoder (YR16241) who came
from Mifflin County, Pa. and married in Wayne County around 1841
held a strong belief in favor of stream baptism. When he was selected
by lot as bishop of the Oak Grove Congregation in 1850, a great
controversy arose. John Yoder (YRB11) and Emanuel Hochstetler
withdrew with a small group from the congregation. After John
Yoder died in 1855, the rest of this group gradually returned
to fellowship.
The congregation began to erect tombstones in the 1830's, another
sign of their "progressive" nature. Thanks to the help
of Jackie Mitchell of Norton, Ohio, we've added a listing of Yoder
burials to our web archives. Some of the more senior Yoder burials
are highlighted below:
Paradise Cemetery, Green Twp:
YODER, Magdalena 11-7-1878 74-7-27(YR1628)
Jacob died March 1837 A ed 75 yrs.(YR162) (Jacob Yoder wife Barbara
Hooley--received assessments in 1820 in 3 twps. settled in Wayne
but also had land in Green and East Union.)
Barbar.y. d. Dec. 1832 65 yrs.(w/o YR162)
Jacob Jr. d. Feb. 1846 aged 51 yrs.(YR1625)
Christian 9-6-1850 54-1-0 (YA3) (Alsatian immigrant)
John 6-23-1855 69-9-8 (YRB11)
Mary w/o John 8-29-1866 76-4-26? (w/o YRB11)
YOUDER, John 12-17-1849 aged 75.yrs. (YR1621)
PHOTO- Jacob Yoder (YR162) and his wife Barbara Hooley Yoder -
tombstones
Oak Grove Church Cemetery, Green Twp:
YODER, Christian J. 2 September 1827-6 April 1909 (YA33)
Catherine (wife)18 August 1829---29 March 1901 (w/oYA33)
David P. 7 September 1923 92-9-25 (YR23b4)
his wife Barbara Zook died 15 May 1904 71-9-13 (w/oYR23b4)
Elizabeth d. Nov 8 1882 82-10-26
Joash d. 23 May 1899 79 yrs, 11 months (YR12a32)
Catherina d Jan 12, 1889 70 yrs, 5 months (w2 YR12a32)
Jonathon d. 1866 (?YA34)
Joseph July 26, 1801- May 1, 1886 (YR23b3)
Maria w/o Joseph March 26, 1811-May 18, 1897 (w/o YR23b3)
Maria (Yoder) Yoder w/o Christian Nov. 25, 1790--Apr. 9 1882 91y
(w/oYA3) (husband at Paradise Cemetery)
Simon, d. May 21, 1870 80 yr. ( prob. bro. of YA3)
Maria, w/o, Simon, d. Dec. 20, 1865 62-3-10d (w/o above)(per Huckel-
Marie Ann Stucky, m1 __ Schlatter, d/o Barbara Stucky)
Peter, d. Oct. 29, 1849 45-3-7 (YR23b4)
Fanny, d. Jan. 10, 1855 46-6-14
Samuel, d. May 31,1878 70 y.?(YR162a)
Samuel D. s/o I.S. & C. Yoder, d. June
Yost, d. Oct. 13, 1878 (YR23b2)
Rachel, d. Mar. 9, 1871 (w/oYR23b2)
PHOTO- Simon Yoder and his wife Marie Ann Stucky Yoder - tombstones
President's Cemetery, Wayne Twp (also called Plank's cemetery):
YODER,Anna d.6/18/1877 91y3m8d (YR2515-w/o YR2613)
Barbara, d.1/6/1870, age 81y 10m 26d (YR2516- w/oYR12a1)
Barbara Yoder, no date (w/o John Yoder) (w/o YR251)
Catherine, w/o Stepen Yoder, d.7/12/1850 age 25y 7d (w/o 2511g)
Henry , d/ 3/21/1866 age 78y 9m 21d (YR2613)
John, h/o Barbara d. 1839 (no other info available) (YR251)
Two interesting revelations appear from these records: 1) In YNL
28, page 6 we speculated that the Simon Yoder found in the 1850
Adams County, Ind. census could be the brother of YA3. This appears
supported by finding that Simon and his wife left Indiana and
are buried with the family of YA3. 2) Dates of death appear to
have been found for John Yoder (YR251) (born c1754) and his wife
Barbara Rickenbach (born c1755).
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Thanks to Jackie Mitchell of Norton, OH for sharing information
and photos to support this article.
A Yoder Indian Massacre?
Many Yoders of Amish ancestry share a connection to the Hochstetler
family. The most famous immigrant ancestor of that family has
to be Jacob Hochstetler, subject of the 1912 classic Descendants
of Jacob Hochstetler2. DJH documents the exciting saga of the
Hochstetler family as it was visited in 1757 by a hostile band
of 8 or 10 Delaware Indians3. Mrs. Hochstetler, one son and one
daughter were killed and scalped. Jacob and sons Joseph and Christian
were taken into captivity.
An obscure reference offers a curious tale of an early Yoder family
wiped out by Indians. This record was first pointed out to the
YNL by reader C. J. Kurtz who identified Annals of the Penn Square4
by J. Bennett Nolan. Keith Yoder of Ft. Wayne was able to review
a copy and provide details of the content, he writes:
The work is a series of seven: "episodes in the romantic
history of an old Pennsylvania Square. The Square, like the historic
town of Reading which it dominates, owes its origin to Thomas
Penn, son of the Proprietor, who journeyed up through the wilderness
from Philadelphia in the forgotten days of King George II and
selected the site." (quote from the introduction).
In the first of these unconnected "episodes" , titled
"The day of wrath", the author, without giving any dates,
tells of a pre revolutionary military company who captures a French
lieutenant from the regiment of Rousillon whose party comprised
of half French soldiers and half Onondaga warriors had been out
six weeks and "had taken many scalps and burned many dwellings."
This officer had lost his party during a moonlight crossing of
the Susquehanna and was captured by Captain Busse's men.
During interrogation, the French officer warned the captors that
"for any indignity that I may suffer my countrymen who come
after me will exact retribution. We are as numerous as the leaves
on the trees, and the fate of Braddock will be that of those who
seek to gainsay us. At Quebec our regiments are mustering - Look
! There is our star." With dramatic gesture he pointed through
the window to where great Arcturus hung in the western sky, red,
malevolent, and menacing."
The councillors and militia were sobered by this threat and subsequent
conversation ensued wherein they decided they would not "abandon
this town of Reading, as it would not likely ever again be rebuilt".
One of the leaders, Henry Haller spoke: "If you are all bent
upon this madness it shall not be said that I drew back for fear
of my own skin. If you will indeed abide, then let the able-bodied
men be mustered. Send a messenger at once to Governor Morris at
Philadelphia. As for ammunition--------" "His import
was lost in shrill outcry from the street, and the lights of the
candles paled in a strange sudden glare as a frightened servant
rushed into the council chamber shrieking, "Up! Your worships!
The Mohawks are upon us!" Without was a scene of wild alarm.
The villagers were gathered in the middle of the Square, gesticulating
towards the further side of Schuylkill where lurid tongues of
flame shot up against the skyline. There was a quavering chorus:
"It is the barn of Caspar Yoder on the Tulpehocken. The red
devils have burned his home and scalped the family. Woe to us
that we remain here for a like fate!"
The glow of the distant conflagration lit up the great Square,
shining upon the group of dismayed councillors, upon the awed
faces of the militia escort and the derisive sneer of the French
lieutenant. High in the wintry heavens burned the evil arrogant
star, and the Interpreter glancing from it to the blaze on the
western horizon knew that the Day of Wrath was come. (End of the
episode.)What could we decipher from this text? Penn Square is
in the center of the town of Reading. Tulpehocken Creek runs into
the Schuylkill River just north of Reading. Gen. Braddock died
in 1755, so for Nolan to say "the fate of Braddock will be
that of those" must mean this episode took place later than
that. There was a Governor Morris---in New Jersey, not Pa, and
he served from 1738 to 1746. We turned to our expert in Berks
County land and estate records, Mr. Richard H. Yoder of Bechtelsville,
Pa. He writes5:
"I have been unable to find the name of Casper Yoder in any
documents. I looked in the index of the wills and administrations
and checked a number of them looking for Casper but no luck....I've
checked the letters I, J, Y for various spelling. I also went
to the Recorder of Deeds and went thru the grantor and grantee
indexes and also the misc. indexes but found nothing. Being that
the location was on the west side of the Schuykill River it is
possible that the records may be in Lancaster since that is the
county that the west side came from.
"Penn Square (in Reading) is the section of Penn street between
4th and 6th street. Fourth St. is only 4 blocks from the river
and at that period of time I doubt that many buildings were tall
enough to block the view of a fire across the river. The Indians
murdered about 150 in northern Berks county and the names of many
of the victims are listed in Morton Montgomery's 1909 edition
of Berks County History and no Yoder names are listed but that
doesn't say they were not victims since some are not identified.
There were several Indian tribes in the general area but the Mohawks
were not one of them. There was a section in northern Berks that
was abandoned for approximately 20 years (now Schuylkill County)
due to the Indians, in fact there were 6 or 7 forts erected for
the settlers protection if they had enough time to escape to there
safely.
"There was a major Indian trail crossing the Schuylkill just
south of the Penn Street location and there was some concern that
the Indians might attack the Village of reading which was founded
in 1747 so it could not have been large when this problem took
place."
There were three known Caspers in colonial America, but these
were in the Mennonite line, living further east in Bucks County.
Casper Yoder of Milford Twp., Bucks Co., Pa. (YB2- c1720-1781);
his son Casper Jr of Milford Twp. (YB23-c1750-4/1843); & Casper
Yoder of Northampton Co (YB11-c1745-9/1798).
Casper is a name which appears frequently among the Joders of
Steffisburg. One Casper which makes for interesting speculation
is the brother of Oley immigrants Hans and Yost.
c74- Adam Joder m 1/9/1671 Barbli Ochsenbein
c741- Hans b 3/10/1672 (see OleyHans)
c742- Niclaus b 10/5/1673
c743- Barbara b 4/9/1676
c744- Jost b 10/5/1679 (see OleyYost)
c745- Caspar b 9/9/1683
Karl Joder and Ottmar Jotter write of this Caspar and the brother
Niclaus as both going east to Romania, but present no documentation
on this. By the late 1750s, being over 70 by the time of this
episode, you would expect that this Caspar would have left a grown
and dispersed family. It would have been natural for either Hans
or Jost to name a child after their brother, but as both died
by 1742 and left wills, one would think such a living Casper would
be mentioned.
A final possibility, and one we'll tend to believe until some
evidence arises that there may be a Casper Yoder at that location,
is that the whole story is a bit apocryphal and that a fictional
name was selected for some reason we'll never learn. That there
are other items in the story which appear not to be factual, may
give some credence to this conclusion. It's fun to speculate about
this, however. Perhaps one of our readers will find some proof?
**********************************************************
1. Sketch from a flier on the Hochstetler massacre published years
ago by "Roadside America", in Derks Co, Pa.
2. Descendants of Jacob Hochstetler, by Rev. Harvey Hostetler,
1912 (reprinted several times).
3. Various dates are given for the Hochstetler to include Aug.
17, 1757 and several dates in September 1757. YNL editor Chris
Yoder's g-g-grand Reuben Yoder, whose grandmother was Anna Miller,
granddaughter of Jacob Hochstetler gave the August 17 date.
4. Annals of the Penn Square by J. Bennett Nolan , p15.
5. Letter from Richard H.Yoder, Bechtelville, Pa, dated 11/28/
1997.
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; Esther E. Yoder, Mail Manager, Goshen, IN;
Donald Kauffman, YNL Homepage Webmaster, Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada. Other Contributors: 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
**********************************************************
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 CORRESPONDENCE- 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").
**********************************************************
YNL PRICE INFORMATION $$$$
-The YNL subscription is on an annual basis-two issues for $3.
-BACK ISSUES of the YNL are $1 per issue.
-Yoder Newsletter Issues 1 Through 25 - bound 240 page volume
includes a topical index of major articles, an "every name
index".
(Price $28 post paid).
Order from: The Yoder Newsletter, P.O.Box 594, Goshen, IN 46527.
**********************************************************
Letter to the Editor
I am also sending along photos and negatives of our namesake St.
Joder wine which we discovered last year while travelling in Switzerland
not far from the St. Joder Chapel at Grafenort. We picked up several
bottles at a local grocery store. The label carries the story
of St. Joder saving the grape harvest, certainly a sound basis
for sainthood. We would characterize the wine as an unpretentious
(judging from the fact that it has a screw top rather than a cork)
yet stalwart white table wine befitting the hand work and dedication
of our forebears. Following the instructions from a past issue
of YNL, we ascended the winding road from Grafenort through the
beautiful farms to the St. Joder Chapel. The road is now fully
paved, though still quite narrow. The Chapel is an absolute jewel,
in many ways no less grand, notwithstanding it's small scale,
than the great cathedrals we were able to visit in other parts
of Europe. Those cathedrals are monuments to wealth and power
while the Chapel is a monument to the common people who still
farm that exquisitely beautiful valley. My father, Joseph B. Yoder
of the Yoder, Oregon, Yoders, would have relished the view from
that hillside for its simple beauty as well as its significance
to the Yoder heritage. I would encourage anyone travelling in
that part of Switzerland to make the pilgrimage. And it's right
on the way to Mt. Titless with some of the most spectacular mountain
vistas in the Swiss Alps.--Douglas Yoder, Coral Gables,FL
PHOTO-wine bottle
**********************************************************
SWISS DATA THANKS TO HUBERT A. YODER
Andreas Joder of Bumpliz , Canton Bern, married Lucia Gerig in
Muri March 27, 1727. The following children were baptized in Muri:
Niklaus------------04 Feb 1731
Johanna Esther-----07 Jan 1735
Rosina------------19 Jan 1738
***********************************************************Thanks
to DALE NOFZINGER of Adrian, MI for sending in a copy of his Fulton
County Ancestral Charts which outlines the descent of Alsatian
Christian Yoder (YA2) & Barbara Schott. Excellent Work!
******************************************************
Folks submitting family information:William F Yoder, Jr, Paso
Robles, Ca.-Wm F.Yoder, Sr (OY433816)James Miller <alvinmiller@hotmail.com>--Barbara
Yoder (YR2343) Anna Belle Yoder Emery <annab@azstarnet.com>-
Rev. Edwin Stanton Yoder (YB13994)Marian Y Payne <mpayne@crosslink.net>-John
E Yoder -YR253613Barbara Taurinsky <taurinsky@juno.com>-Catherine
Yoder (YR11)Shirley Platt <Aaadeaf@aol.com> Jacob Yoder
(YR233852)Jean Scarlett <JScarl1070@aol.com> Thornton L.
Yoder (YRB693)Dale Nafzinger, Adrian, MI- Christian Yoder (YA2)
*********************************************************
Report from the Oley Yoder Association -report by Richard B. Yoder
We decided on a leadership format that will alter leadership roles
without losing continuity. I will remain the President and will
take-on the role as Past-President next year. Joe Yoder was selected
as president-elect and will automatically become President next
year. Nancy Yoder will remain our secretary, with Marie being
selected as Assistant Secretary. George Yoder will remain as our
Treasurer. We allocated $500.00 to a Tombstone Restoration outfit
to will restore the 12-13 Grave markers that need immediate repair.
Because of this expense we allocated only $500.00 to the Bank
as invested money's for long range Cemetery Maintenance. We established
a meeting schedule for the next year and will have an annual (
regional) reunion in July. I am particularly happy about the spirit
to continue the organization and hold a annual reunion. We are
considering another National reunion either 2001 or 2002. Nice
plan. We will try to get a group to attend the Carolina Reunion
in 2000. Richard H. is working with Eleanor Shaner, daughter of
Stan and Alice Yoder Trout as his historical assistant. Dick ,
of course, will remain as our Historian ( Permanent position).
All went well . The Cookbook team is really excited about the
endeavor. (See separate solicitation for recipes).
*****************************************************
MAJOR CORRECTION!!!: In the YNL 30 feature on the "Hamburg
Christian" line, we made a major error! Under YR127- Joseph
Yoder who married Elizabeth Jutzi we listed Joseph W. Yoder, author
of Rosanna of the Amish as a descendant. This was an error! He
is really a descendant of the line of Yost Yoder (YR26). (Thanks
to Jess Yoder of Akron, OH for catching this!)
*************************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
**********************************************************
Still seeking info. on Casper Yoder Sr, born 1720, died 1780's
or 1790's and married a Barbara. Lived in the Great Swamp area,
Pennsylvania. Ellen J. Chestnutt, 718 Pioneer Lane, Colorado Springs,
CO 80904
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Trying to locate Warren Yoder, who was working as an engineer
in Iran in the 1960's. The Peabody Museum currently holds a collection
of Iranian antiquities made by Mr. Yoder between approximately
1963 and 1977. We would like to locate Mr. Yoder or his heirs
in order to resolve questions of ownership to this collection.
Can be reached by phone at 617-495-4298 or by e-mail at gfisher@husc.harvard.edu.--Genevieve
Fisher, Registrar, Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology,
Harvard University, 11 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
*********************************************************
Looking for living (and dead) relatives from Allentown PA, Father
was James Allen Yoder (B) 01-18-08, his father was Ira S Yoder
born sometime in 1886 I believe, married Grace Haines from Fleetwood
PA. Last known address was Allentown PA, believe there was another
son, possibly Robert who moved to Florida. Jaydine Yoder Knight,
4982 Jasper Rd, Springfield OR 97478 <djknight@ix.netcom.com>
Springfield, Or
*********************************************************
Can you post a query and see if anyone knows where Jacob and Barbara
Yoder (YA8) are buried? I do not believe they died in Stark County.
They do not have a record and the records are really quite complete
for that time period. Thanks Jackie Mitchell, 5238 Taylor Rd.,
Norton, Oh 44203
**********************************************************
Frances (Vroni) Yoder, b: abt 1680, d: abt 1735, daughter of Daniel
Yoder, m: Michael Denlinger, b: abt 1685, d: Feb. 1735 in Lancaster
Co., son of Jakob Denlinger (?). They came from Ibersheim, Germany,
to America. I am descended from Michael and Vroni's son Jacob
Denlinger, married to Anna Schenk. I would also appreciate hearing
any further information. Joe Miller, P.O. Box 885, Southeastern,
PA 19399
*******************************************************
Trying to locate any information about the above named Veronica
YODER and Michael DENLINGER. They are supposed to be the parents
of Mary DENLINGER b 1728 Lancaster Co,PA who mar Jacob HOCKMAN,
Joseph FUNK and Michael KLIPPLE in Shenandoah Co, VA per From
the Rhine to the Shenandoah by Daniel W. BLY. Mike Judd, 21623
Nesting Court, Lutz, FL 33549
*******************************************************
In my line I have:Anna Yoder (that's all I know about her) married
to Andrew Steiner Sr. their daughter was Sophia Steiner born Jan.
23, 1866 She married Rev. Solomon Virkler. Charmaine Virkler Campany
<cjcamp@northnet.org> POBOX 376 Brewery Hill Road, Croghan,
New York 13327
*******************************************************
Looking for childhood friend..Tim Yoder...born 1960-1963. He lived
in Midland, Michigan in 70s-80s. Parents officers in the Salvation
Army. His father passed away sometime around 1984-1987,on the
date of December 21st, the same day my own mother died. I would
like very much to contact Tim Yoder. You can contact me at the
following e-mail address: Kimberly Walker, Hesperia Unified School
District, 9144 Third Ave., Hesperia, CA 92345 Kimberly_Walker@eee.org
********************************************************
QUERY: Ref. 1860 Census; Jackson Twp., (Andrew) MO, #714: Conrad
YODER (66/NC); wife, Mary (60/NC) & sons, David (37/IN) &
Phillip (20/IN). Need info for Rebecca "DWYER" DUIRER
(14/IN) who was also living in household. Other DWYER children
lived with nearby families of John and Melinda (ROBERTS) TOWNSEND;
Peter & Luannie WELLS; and Marion and Sarah WELLS. Is YODER
family related to the DWYER, ROBERTS, TOWNSEND or WELLS families?
F. M. Miller, 8500 Evanston Ave., Raytown, MO 64138-3347 <ceagle52@earthlink.net>
********************************************************
G-Grandfather Harvey Yoder m. Maraget Shepley, had son Claude
Yoder b. 1922, Claude & wife Charlotte lived in Detroit, MI.
Would like to trace back my Yoder ancestry. Write: Josephine Leone,
38850 Gainsborough Drive, Clinton Twp, MI 48038<leone@c3net.net>
********************************************************
Seeking info re John Yordy who md Catherine Reeser, sister of
my 3GGF, born 8 Feb. 1801- d. 12 July 1871- Lower Augusta twp.
Northumberland Co. PA. and any descendants. Thanks !!Marshall
W. McCoy <mccoym@wndi.com> Seattle, WA USA
*********************************************************
Descendants of Christian Mueller b. Switzerland and lived inBerks
Co, PA include: Anna Yoder who married Jacob Stutzman and Madgalena
Yoder who married Abraham Gerber. Any information on these Yoders
would be greatly appreciated. I am most interested in information
about the MILLER family from Westover, Somerset, MD & Holmes
Co, OH. Nancy Schiebert,900 N. Lilac Lane, Midwest City, OK 73110.
<NSchiebert@aol.com>
**********************************************************
Would like to hear from anyone who knows origin of Helen Yoder
of Liberty, Pa..married to a Bailey--Robert Yoder<Redoy@MSN.COM>
Duquesne, Pa
**********************************************************
My g-grandmother-Emily Kitory Evelyne Yoder married Alexander
Pounds September 15, 1899 but I don't know where. She was born
April 6, 1879 and died on February 10, 1925. I think maybe in
the Corning, Arkansas area. She was buried in Nelson Cemetery
in Datto, Arkansas so I am told. There is no marker on her grave,
and no one seems to be able to find it. Any information on how
I can go about finding this information out. Emily's father's
name was Layfette Yoder (Con235) and her mother was Caroline.
Pat Becker311 Meece Avenue, Nancy, Kentucky 42544 <beckep@som-uky.campus.mci.net>
**********************************************************
Trying to locate any information about the above named Veronica
YODER and Michael DENLINGER. Supposed parents of Mary DENLINGER
b 1728 Lancaster Co,PA who mar Jacob HOCKMAN, Joseph FUNK and
Michael KLIPPLE in Shenandoah Co, VA per From the Rhine to the
Shenandoah by Daniel W. BLY. Mike Judd ,21623 Nesting Court, Lutz,
FL 33549 <Elaphe2@aol.com>
**********************************************************
My grandmother was Lillie May Yother m. John McAdams. Theylived
in Texarkana, AR all of their married lives. I believe that Lillie
was born in Little River Co, AR. in 1889. Lillie's father was
Isaac Yother m. Martha Adeline Williams. He was born in GA about
1865 and Martha was born in MO. around 1868. Isaac's mother was
Nellie Melinda (last name unknown). Nellie Melinda must have been
widowed by 1888 because she is listed in AR land records in 1888.
I do not know the county though. Isaac left Martha when the children
were very young so I my grandmother didn't know much about him.WStrip@aol.com,
Joan Striplin, 1236 Thornhill St.,Alma, AR 72921
**********************************************************
My Grandmother was Barbara Yoder out of Franklintown, Pa. I was
born in Harrisburg, Pa to Robbie Parker. Lost all contact with
my father's family (Yoders) about 7 years ago. Would like to know
about my relatives. --Jamie Bonnett, 4019 N. 60th St, Omaha, NE
68104
**********************************************************
LOOKING FOR MY FATHER: William Eli Yoder, born about 1922 around
Hartville, OH. Son of David Yoder and Catherine Sommers. Wm. m
Ruby Shortridge. William has a sister who lived at one time around
Sugar Creek. He and brothers at one point drove trucks out of
Detroit area. Donna Leaser, 10516 Burrows Rd, Berlin Heights,
OH 44814(216) 965-5652.
**********************************************************
YODER MUMS EXCEL!
From the Toronto Star, Sat Oct 4, 1997--"Yoder
Brothers Inc of Barberton, Ohio, a little south of Cleveland,
must be happy, though. [that few gardeners propagate future mums
from those on hand] Of the millions of garden mums sold across
North America every fall, more than two thirds, including all
of the top 10 bestsellers, are from the Prophet series that Yoder
introduced just a little more than 10 years ago. (A Yoder operation
in Leamington, Ont., breeds for Canada.) Their Number 1 bestseller
is an early-September blooming red mum called Helen. . . "
contrib by-ekjohnson@worldnet.att.net
GLENN O & ALLIE CARPENTER YODER REUNION
The Glenn O. and Allie Yoder family had their fifth bi-annual
reunion in Coconully, Washington on Jul 25-27, 1997. In 1920 Glenn
and Allie brought their four older children (Carl, Grace, and
Irma) from the Holden, Mo. region to this community in north central
Washington state, forty miles from the Canadian border. Glenn
worked on the construction of the two Concoully dams while awaiting
the birth of their fourth child, Von, in July of 1920. In 1921
the family settled in the town of Riverside where Glenn established
a dairy with home delivery in 1923. The company continued under
the Yoder name into the 1960s. Two more children, Ena and Joseph,
were born in 1928 and 1930.
Fifty-two members of the family attended a potluck supper on the
26th, followed by an evening exchange of memories over s'mores
and campfire. On Sunday, 30 members of the family expanded the
attendance of the local church, to the amazement of the pastor.
The next reunion will be in 1999. Anyone wishing to share with
this Yoder family is invited to contact: Joe Yoder, 15430 S. W.
114 Ct-#86, Tigard, Or, 97224.
Highlights from the House of Yoder-by Lonnie Yoder
Thirty-one persons from Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia,
Virginia, and Indiana gathered on Nov. 8, 1997 at Penn Alps in
Grantsville, MD for the second annual meeting of House of Yoder,
Inc. Those who attended were treated to an update on the Yoder
House project (pre-1750 style house), a tour of the building under
construction, and an informative slide presentation by Jan Gleysteen
on Yoder origins in Europe. The tour of the building under construction
was highlighted by exploring the unique root cellar on the lower
level of the house which will serve as the archives for Yoder
genealogical materials.
It was decided to set a fund-raising goal of $125,000 to complete
the construction and contribute towards the ongoing operation
of the Yoder House. There are currently 73 active members of House
of Yoder, Inc. The next (3rd) annual meeting will be held Saturday,
November 14, 1998. Persons interested in contributing to this
effort are encouraged to contact: Lonnie Yoder, Publicity/ Membership
Coordinator, Yoder House Project, 1066 Smith Avenue, Harrisonburg,
VA 22802, phone (540-432-6467), e-mail (ltby@shentel.net). One
year, five year, and lifetime memberships are available as well
as several other ways to contribute to the building of this unique
house dedicated to the Yoder name and history.
***********************************************************
Jacob Hochstetler Descendants Plan Big Gathering
The third continent-wide gathering of the descendants of JacobHochstetler
is planned for July 18, 1998. For a free copy of the quarterly
family newsletter and more information about the planned gathering,
write H/H/H Family Newsletter, 1008 College Avenue, Goshen, IN
46526, or e-mail DHochstetler@CompuServe.Com .
***********************************************************
RECIPES WANTED! PLEASE SEND NOW !
The Oley Yoders have launched a "new" project of collecting,editing
and publishing a Yoder Cookbook of favorite recipes. We arerequesting
Yoders and family members everywhere, to send us yourcherished
culinary specialties. The responses to date has been limited,hence
we are asking for your direct help.
The Cookbook edition will be sold as a fund raiser for the long
term maintenance of the Pleasantville Union ( Yoder Family) Cemetery.
This historic cemetery is the original burial grounds of the Hans
and Yost Joder (Yoder) family, who came to America as early as
1709 and settled in the Oley Valley.
So, we are soliciting your help now! Send us your 2 or 3 specialrecipes
for publication. The committee of Alice Yoder, Nancy Yoder, Rose
Yoder and Mary Jane Gofus will ensure that the name of the author/sender
will appear in the publication. The deadline for submission of
recipes will be July 18 th, the day of the annual Oley Yoder 1998
Reunion. The cookbook edition will be completed in time for purchase
as a Christmas gift. The fall edition of the YNL will contain
purchase details.
Please mail all recipes with your name and address to : Alice
E. Yoder, 433 Manor House Lane, Souderton, Pa. 18964-2802 or e-mail
to: ryoder@wcupa.edu or jyoder@bellatlantic.net.
Thank you for your help.
Oley Yoder Annual Reunion
July 18,1998 has been established as the date for the annual Oley
Yoders Reunion. The occasion will include an opportunity to socialize
with family members, a luncheon and an informational program presented
by Eleanor Shaner, who will review historical data researched
by Dick H. Yoder, the Associationís Oley Yoder historian.
The event will take place at the Oley Fire House, route 662 &
73, in Oley, Pa. Registration starts at 10:30 am. For further
information and details write: Yoder Reunion Association, 415
State Street, Pottstown, Pa. 19464.
The Oley Yoders are setting aside July 2001 as the Second National
Oley Yoder Reunion. In 1996, over 400 people attended a National
Reunion of the Oley Valley and visited several historical sites
located in the region.
Other association news- The Association donated $500 to thePleasantville
Union ( Yoder Family ) Cemetery maintenance fund. Another $500
was ear marked for restoration of several cemetery historical
stone markers. The Yoder Cookbook project was establish as a fund
raiser for the cemetery long term maintenance endowed funding.
Deadline for submission of recipes is the day of the July reunion.
The 1998 Officers were chosen: Joseph O. Yoder was selected as
President-Elect; Rich B. Yoder , President ; Nancy A. Yoder ,
Secretary; George R. Yoder , Treasurer and Richard H. Yoder continues
as Historian. The Executive Committee is comprised of: Alice Trout,
Stanley Trout, Mollie Yoder, Sarah Manwiller, Mary Jane Gofus,
Fay Yoder, Eleanor Trout Shaner, Alice Yoder, Donald W. Yoder,
Marie Yoder, Emma Gift, Forrest Gift, Edna D. Yoder and Rick Yoder.
***********************************************************
NEW OLEY YODER IDENTIFIED!!A real estate settlement dated 12 Jan
1785 identifies Barbara Joder, wife of Jacob Barr, residing in
District Twp, Berks County, Pa. as being the daughter of OH1.
It cited the settlement between "said Daniel Joder"
(OH12) "and his sister Barbara (Daughter of the said above
named John Joder now deceased)"-(John Yoder who d. 1779 (will
made 3/8/1779 proved 10/20/1779) -Thanks to R.H.Yoder for the
news and also for a "new" marriage record: Isaac Yoder
(OH1452) married widow Lydia Yeager 5/6/1835 by Rev. Roller.
***********************************************************
WWII HISTORY BY HATTEN S. YODER JR.
The U.S. Navy MOKO expedition was sent to Siberian in August of
1945 to forecast the weather in support of the planned invasion
of Japan. In his book Planned Invasion of Japan, 1945: The Siberian
Weather Advantage , Hatten S. Yoder Jr (see YNL 3) presents his
personal memoirs of this important and unique expedition. Dr.
Yoder served as a meteorologists on this expedition and was its
designated historian. He is currently an active research scientist
at the Carnegie Institution of Washington, after serving as Director
of its Geophysical Laboratory for fifteen years. Order from: American
Philosophical Society. P.O. Box 40098, Philadelphia, Pa 19106.
($25 post paid is U.S.)
***********************************************************
Parents of THE IOWA SEPTUPLETS have signed with Wes Yoder of the
Nashville Ambassador Agency as their agent for commercial endorsements.
Seven in college at one time! Wow! Good luck!
***********************************************************
The Diaries of R.A.Yoder, founder of Lenoir-Rhyne College are
featured in the Fall 1997 issue of the college magazine "Profile"
.
***********************************************************
THE "YODERS" OF SOUTHWEST, PA. & THE "YODERS"
OF WAYNESBURG, PA.This nicely edited family work by Carl Miller
Yoders and wife Mary Alice Suydam Yoders focuses on the portion
of the Melchior Yoder family which settled in Southwestern Pa.
and which we featured in YNL 24. Carl and Mary lovingly include
photos, clippings and family group sheets on his immediate and
extended family and also the known Melchior descent as of his
compilation. Many family photos and details particularly on the
family of M234 George W. Yoders who married Elizabeth (Zehring)
Pendleberry. Copies of this attractively bound hardback may be
ordered for $55 (post paid) from: Carl Yoder, Flemington Gardens
Apt. #4A, Flemington, NJ 08822.
***********************************************************
CHARITY: For information on the long-standing Christian Charities
work of the Lowell Yoder family (see YNL 19) write: FOHO- Volunteers
in Service Abroad, P.O. Box 222-P, Holland, OH 43528
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YODER SKETCHES BY LYNN LORAH
sketch
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. For further information
contact: Lynn Lorah, RD2, Box 144, Oley, Pa 19547.
**********************************************************
YODER LISTSERVER UP TO 108 MEMBERS: The Yoder
"listserver" is an electronic mail discussion group
focused on the
Yoder family. If you have "email" you can subscribe
by sending a
message to "yoder-l-request@rootsweb.com" and put "subscribe"
on
the first line of the body of the message (not the subject line
-
anything you put in the subject line is ignored).
*********************************************************
YODER DATA UPDATE- Updated to the Homepage and data Disk- 1) Several
hundred family group sheets for Yoders married and with children
between 1880-1900. Special thanks to Rachel Kreider for hours
and hours of review and annotations! 2) Yoder Cemetery data from
Wayne Co., OH--thanks to Jackie Mitchell of Norton, OH. 3) Several
new files of Karl Joder and Ottmar Jotter works--Translations
thanks to Fred Haines. 4) New and Detailed files from Bruce Yetter
on the Desc. of Samuel Yetter of Columbia Co., Pa.
*********************************************************
ERIC YODER FAMILY TREE--SOLID YODERS! photoEVERY ONE A YODER!!
Yoders married to Yoders on both sides. front row: Harley, Letha,
Eric, Maude, Wendy, Ola, Ira; back row: Merv, JoAnn, Judy, Randy,
Lois, and Robert---photo submitted by Roger Slagle, of Shipshewana,
IN-- Definitely a "Yoder Capital of the World!" (With
Thanks to Leonard Kreider)
*********************************************************
BELATED ELECTION RETURNS: West Virginia State Sen. John C. Yoder
(see YNL 17 & 21) ran last November as a Republican Candidate
for State Supreme Court. In this heavily Democratic state, John
received 172,776 votes to 290,390 for his opponent.
*********************************************************
1880 OHIO YODER CENSUS by Keith Yoder..Thanks to Keith Yoder of
Ft.Wayne for his hard work collecting and typing this information.
(Now available in Yoder Data Disk and Homepage)
*********************************************************
SCHWEITZER CHRISTIAN YODER CEMETERY in Somerset Co.,Pa.- Collection
started for plaque & restoration. Send Conribution or Volunteer
for early summer "clean-up weekend": Chris Yoder, 203
Lakeshire Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49015
*********************************************************
JOHN S YODER HOME- Sugarcreek, OH. Falling behind on fundraising.
Your support appreciated. Tax deductible. Write: The Amish heritage
Foundation, Box 704, Sugarcreek, OH 44681.
*********************************************************
YNL CONTRIBUTION TO "YODER HOUSE" MATCHED- Our YNL contrbution
of $500 to the "Yoder House" has been matched by a matching
donor gift...for a total of $1,000.
*********************************************************
HERITAGE TOURS: We've had a couple of notes asking that we mention
heritage tours which are planned for this year...both from very
reliable and well reputed folk. --Chris Yoder, Editor,YNL
The first is by Lemar and Lois Ann Mast of Mennonite Family History
magazine accompanied by Leroy Beachy. This yearly Mennonite Heritage
Tour visits Switzerland, Germany, France, Holland, and Belgium.
For information call (610) 286-0258.
The second tour is by Dr. Delbert Gratz, retired from Bluffton
College and YNL Contributing Editor. You can learn the dates and
itinerary, or request a brochure by calling 1-800-635-0963 and
asking to speak to Tara Slaven. Dr. Gratz, like the Masts, has
led heritage tours yearly and has developed excellent contacts
and schedule. He also has offered that if enough folks are interested
in a "Yoder Tour"...say a group of 25 to 35 people,
he could orchestrate a special tour which concentrates on the
points of Yoder heritage. He has done this twice for the Smucker
family and once for the Hochstetler, Ramseyer and Kreihbiel families.
*********************************************************
1900 PA Yoder Census by Dorothy Coffman Dorothy summarizes: "In
1880 there were 42 pages of entries. In 1900 there are 86! And
here I felt all the Yoders had "gone west". Shows what
I know. Just for your info, there were 152 listings in Berks Co.
and 138 in Mifflin Co. For the given names of heads of households,
JOHN is the winner with 51. William had 40, and Samuel was next
with 40. One of the Williams married a gal born in Sweden--Her
name was Olga, what else." (Added to Yoder Data & Homepage
files).
*********************************************************
Death of Lester Leo Yoder
Marjorie Yoder Mitchell of Wallington, Pa has sent word that her
father Lester Leo Yoder passed away in Leesburg, Florida on July
21, 1997. He was 96 years of age. Lester was born on Sep.13, 1900
and was the son of Enos Yoder (1861-1944)(YB13729)of East Palestine,OH
and Rose Ann Greiner. Lester had done extensive research into
the Ohio Mennonite Yoders...in his own words, written in 1983:
"At the time our children were born and we got baby books
for them in which we had to fill in names of ancestors, my father,
Enos Yoder, could not give me any information except that his
father and mother had visited relatives in Pennsylvania when he
was still at home...."
That was the beginning of his efforts...over a period of years
he gathered family data including information which was subsequently
made into a family descendant tree on a blueprint stock, by his
cousin Leonard A. Yoder. Other cousins, Harvey and Carl Yoder
sponsored family reunions for many years for descendants of their
grandparents Abraham and Elizabeth (Nold) Yoder (Abraham b.1819
d. 9/8/1888 Midway,OH- YB1372).
The work by such folks as Lester has provided the foundation we
are building upon today...we join his family in their sorrow,
and rejoice at his life and his contributions.
**********************************************************
OBITUARY FOR JOHN HOWARD YODER- Newspaper article
ELKHARDT, Ind. - Memorial services for John Howard Yoder, 70,
3100 Benham Avenue, who died Tuesday, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday
at College Mennonite Church, Goshen. The Rev. Dan Miller will
officiate. Private graveside services will be at the church cemetery.
Friends may call at Prairie Street Mennonite Church, Elkhart,
today from 6 to 9 p.m. and from 8:30 to,10:30 a.m. Saturday.
He was born Dec. 29, 1927, in Smithville, Ohio, to Howard C. and
Ethel (Good) Yoder. He received his undergraduate degree from
Goshen College and his Doctorate in theology from the University
of Basel, Switzerland in 1962.
He directed relief efforts in Europe for Mennonite Central Committee
after World War II. There he married Anne Marie Guth July 12,
1952 in France.
A noted Mennonite scholar, Yoder was a professor at the University
of Notre Dame at the time of his death. He was a professor of
theology at Goshen Biblical Seminary from 1965 to 1984 and served
as president there from 1970 to 1973. He was named a Fellow of
the Notre Dame Institute of International Peace Studies, and had
been a guest professor of graduate studies of theology in Argentina
and France.
He was a widely published author and was involved with a number
of organisations, among them American Academy of Religion, World
Council of Churches, Society for Christian Ethics (of which he
was president in 1987), the Fellowship of Reconciliation and Faculty
Senate of the University of Notre Dame, of which he was chairman.
He also served on the board of the South Bend Consumer Credit
Counselling agency and the Yoder Foundation.
Surviving are his wife: four daughters, Rebecca (Mrs. Thomas)
Yoder-Neufeld, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Martha(Mrs Rodney) Yoder-Maust,
Indianapolis, Elisabeth (Mrs Wahba) Ayyad, Cairo, Egypt, and Esther
(Mrs. Jeffery) Yoder-Strahan, Tifflin, Ohio; two sons, Daniel,
Knoxville, Tenn., and John-David, Bluffton, Ohio; 12 grandchildren;
a sister, Mary Ellen (Mrs. Albert) Meyer, Goshen.
A daughter, Rachel Yoder, and a brother, Charles, preceded him
in death.
Memorials may be directed to John Howard Yoder Memorial Fund in
care of Mennonite Foundation/Mennonite Mutual Aid, 1110 N. Main
St., Goshen, Ind. 46526
Yoder Newsletter - © Christopher K.
Yoder, 1992, 1994