Other Events:

• AFN: OH1328
• Reference Number: 5527
• _UID: F5AA49FC10574E8AAEF614B2293B3DD30131

Notes:

Moved to Schuylkill County, had seven children.
Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002
OH1328- George Yoder Jr. m. Elizabeth Reinart (12/16/1794-1/3/1888)
d. 2/1/1826 bur. Howerters Cem.
George Yoder and wf Elisabeth [Reiner]
Wilhelm Yoder-19 Dec 1812/7 Feb 1813-L christening
- Jacob Reiner and wf Elisabeth [Wagner] witnesses

George Yoder Jr and his brother Abraham were the first of the Yoder's to settle in Schuylkill county, locating in what is now Eldred township. where they secured large tracts of land and engaged in farming. Abraham also built a saw and grist mill, one of the first in the county, and this mill is still standing. George Yoder Jr married Elizabeth Reiner of Berks county, and they had six children- Mary, Sallie, Hattie, Elizabeth, William, and Charles-all now deceased.

NOTE: George Sr. of Berks County was a wealthy farmer and bought a farm for each of his children. George Jr and Abraham Yoder's gifted farms were located in Schuykill County where they settled with their families.

THE MAHANTONGO YODERS
By Don Yoder
The Pennsylvania Dutch area in Eastern Pennsylvania known as Mahantongo, renowned for its decorated furniture which now commands major attention in the world of antique collecting and museum curatorship, centers about the valley of the Mahantongo Creek. This historic stream with its Indian name meaning "where we had plenty of meat to eat," rises in the mountains of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, and joins the Susquehanna River twenty-five miles west near the towns of Malta and Dalmatia. The Mahantongo culture area is much more extensive than the creek valley itself. It straddles Schuylkill, Northumberland, and Dauphin Counties, including several adjoining valleys, among them the Lykens or Hegins Valley to the South, and the Swabian Creek and Mahanoy Valleys to the North. The part of this area that is now included in Schuylkill County was in the first decade of the nineteenth century a huge township called Mahantongo Township. Until 1811, when Schuylkill County was set off, it was part of Berks County, and was later divided into Upper and Lower Mahantongo Townships, which in turn were divided into smaller subdivisions.
After 1800 the Mahantongo area in Schuylkill and Northumberland Counties became an important settlement point and distribution center for Yoder families. Some of these have stayed in the area to the present day, others moved further west, especially to Armstrong, Clarion, and Jefferson Counties in Western Pennsylvania, where dozens of Mahantongo families, including Yoder's settled before the Civil War. A second movement from Mahantongo took many Yoder families into the new industrial towns that were growing up in the anthracite coal region to the north - including Shamokin, Mt. Carmel, and other centers.
The Yoder's who settled in the Mahantongo area were all from the Oley Valley clan, hence were all related. The Mahantongo Yoder's were descendants of two brothers, George Jr, and Abraham Yoder. These were sons of Samuel Yoder, who was in turn the son of Hans Yoder, Jr., and grandson of the emigrant, Hans Yoder, Sr. (1672-1742).
George Yoder, Sr. (1752-1833) of Oley Valley, lived and died on the Samuel Yoder farm between Pleasantville and the Oley churches, on part of the original Yoder tract. There are lengthy deeds in the Berks County Courthouse at Reading going into the transfers of this land to Hans, Jr. and Samuel, and eventually to George Yoder. George's large stone house is still standing, as enlarged by his oldest son, William Yoder (1783-1858), who inherited the home farm. However, the older buildings, including a three-room stone cabin from the pre-revolutionary era that I photographed about forty years ago, have been torn down by the present owners.
After serving in the Revolution and establishing himself as a well-to-do farmer and township official in Oley Township, George Yoder, Sr., invested in lands in Upper Bern Township, Berks County, and in Mahantongo Township, north of the Blue Mountain in what is now Schuylkill County. I have several huge parchment deeds to the Mahantongo land that he bought for two of his sons, Abraham Yoder (1785-1868) and George Yoder, Jr. (1787-1827), both of whom moved to Mahantongo. George Yoder, Jr., my grandfather's grandfather, was a farmer and wheelwright, and died in Mahantongo, but his brother Abraham, after operating the Yoder Gristmill and Sawmill (still standing) for at least two decades, eventually moved back to Oley, settling in Pike Township on land he got from his father-in-law, Soloman Yerger. Abraham and his wife, Elizabeth Yerger, are buried at the St. Joseph's or Oley Hills Church. Abraham's great grandson, Guldin Yoder, whom I knew, was historian of that branch of the family, and I have copies of some of his family charts. His letters to me always began with the words, "Dear Kinsman," which I liked, and in one of them he made the statement, only too true, that our Yoder history is a "chic saw puzzle".
George Yoder, Sr., also provided farms for three of his daughters. Two of these, Elizabeth Yoder (1784-1852), wife of Samuel Moyer, and Esther Yoder, wife of Henry Schreckengast, got Mahantongo Valley farms. The third daughter, Mary Yoder, wife of Abraham Ritter, by codicil dated December 14, 1833, received a farm in Upper Bern Township, Berks County.
In addition to these George Yoder family members, other Yoder's, closely related--first cousins in fact--came from Oley to settle in Mahantongo at about the same time. These were the children of Peter Yoder (born 1763), brother of George, Sr. Peter is said to have married Catherine Trout and himself to have settled in Mahantongo Valley. (I have never located his grave; possibly he moved on further west.) At any rate his children--Solomon, Anthony, George, David, Jeremiah, Charles, and two daughters--appear in the following list of Yoder baptisms and baptismal sponsors.
The oldest church in the Mahantongo Valley, at least in the upper end where the Yoder's settled, was the St. Jacob's or Howerters Lutheran and Reformed Union Church. Until 1943, when the second church building burned and the union arrangement broke up with the two congregations erecting separate churches elsewhere, the church was located at Line Mountain, in Upper Mahanoy Township, Northumberland County, immediately across the Schuylkill County border. The huge cemetery, its oldest stone bearing the date 1802, marks the site of the church, and contains many early Yoder graves with fine carved tombstones bearing Pennsylvania Dutch designs.
All the old Mahantongo families, including the Yoder's, originally belonged to this church, which was operated jointly by the Lutherans and the Reformed. There were Yoder's in both wings of the church, although the majority of them appear to have been Lutheran. In 1984 the Northumberland County Historical Society, in its Proceedings, Volume XXIX, published my translation of the records of this church, 1803-1869, with a detailed history of the congregation, its people, pastors, and traditions. It is from this record that I offer the readers of the Yoder Newsletter the following Yoder baptisms. The names are spelled exactly as they were in the original German record book. Hence do not be disturbed when "Georg" has no final "e" and that "Yoder' was spelled seven different ways in addition to our present spelling. These forms include JODER, JODDER, JOTTER, YOTTER, JOTER, JOTHER, AND JORDER. Several of these, including the last one, reflect the way in which "Yoder" was pronounced in Pennsylvania Dutch dialect.
Will readers please note that we need information on many of these persons, especially those from the Peter Yoder line--where they lived, whom they married, names of their children, etc., and where they died and are buried. A Mahantongo cousin of mine, Avice Hepler Morgan, who is also a descendant of the Yoder's, will be joining me in preparing a history and genealogy of the Oley and Mahantongo Yoder's. This project should develop into a book that may match Cousin Avice's Hepler Book of a thousand pages that she published in 1986, and her even larger Morgan Book of 1989. It is our hope, therefore, that with the help of the Yoder Newsletter we will be able at last to assemble all the pieces of the Oley-Mahantongo Yoder "chic saw puzzle".
Will Yoder's descended from these Yoder families, Oley or Mahantongo or both, please get in touch either with AVICE HEPLER MORGAN, Box 164, Pitman PA 17964, or myself, DON YODER, Box 515, Devon PA 19333

George married Elisabeth REINHART Abt 1811. Elisabeth was born 16 Dec 1794; died 3 Jan 1888; was buried Jacobs Cemetery Line Mountain Northumberland Co Pennsylvania. [Group Sheet]

1. William (Wilhelm) YODER was born 19 Dec 1812, Hegins Twp, Schuylkill Co, PA; died 13 Jun 1854, Hegins Twp, Schuylkill Co, PA; was buried Jacobs Cemetery Line Mountain Northumberland Co Pennsylvania.
2. George YODER was born 18 May 1815, Lockhill, PA; died 1820, PA.
3. Maria YODER was born 6 Jun 1816, PA; died 1888.
4. Esther YODER was born 31 May 1818, PA; died Yes, date unknown.
5. Charles (Aka: Carolus) YODER was born 17 Nov 1820, PA; died 21 May 1854; was buried Jacobs Cemetery Line Mountain Northumberland Co Pennsylvania.
6. Sarah (Sallie) YODER was born 29 Apr 1824, PA; died 9 Nov 1897, PA.
7. Elizabeth YODER was born 29 Aug 1826, PA; died 2 Jan 1894, Bur. Zion Cem. Pitman PA.

Other Events:

• AFN: OH132
• Reference Number: 12
• Will: 1833, Oley Twp, Berks Co, PA
• _UID: 94E79A1702DA4B209786E3C1511331864FC2

Notes:

Fought in Revolutionary War !!!
George and Esther had a second son that is unknown, probably an infant death. George's head stone is noted with a Revolutionary War marker.
Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002
"George was listed as an ensign and a courtmartial man in the 4th Comp. 1 st Battalion, Berks Co. Militia. " and was sent to Amboy. He often mentioned that whilein battle the shrill whistling of the cannon balls was always heard before the report. He served as a militia soldier in some battles and many skirmishes in the Jerseys."

George married Mary(Maria) WEIDNER 5 Sep 1782. Mary(Maria) (daughter of Lazarus WEIDNER and Elizabeth YODER) was born 14 Nov 1751, Oley Township, Berks Co., PA; died 4 Jan 1846, Oley Township, Berks Co., PA; was buried Christ Church Cem Or Oley Cemetery, Spangsville, PA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 11
• _UID: C9BA541DB399479292B063899B2B34488962

Notes:

This Granddaughter of Yost Yoder married the Greatgrandson of Hans Yoder, the two Swiss emigrant brothers.
Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002

Other Events:

• AFN: OH13
• Reference Number: 5506
• _UID: 36FB04043EE54F5B8EDFA659BC8E10996506

Notes:

Served in the French and Indian War and was gone from home for ten years.
Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002
A YODER SERVES IN THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR
Samuel Yoder (c1726-1771), son of John, the son of Oley immigrant Hans Joder, was a
soldier in the French and Indian War. He served with General Wolfe on the Heights of Abraham in the capture of Quebec.. According to Bertolet ' s Fragments of the Past:
"He was gone ten years, and meanwhile endured a great many hardships and privations. (Everybody had given him up for lost, and as the years rolled on no one thought that he would ever return, save his ever faithful wife, who remained constant to him. Her hope was finally realized, to the surprise of all in has safe return.) He came back as one of the wretched examples generally the fruit of war, and finally died outdoors. "His wife was a daughter of Mr. Oyster...and a sister to Mrs.John Yoder---Two children were born to them after his return. His son George was a soldier in the Revolution."
OH13- Samuel m. Elizabeth (Miss Oyster) sister to wife of OY1
Served in the French and Indian War, gone from home 10 years
"TWO (sic) children born after his return" d. 1771
Orphans Court record-1774- Elizabeth, widow of Samuel Late of Oley- left 7 children, three under 14- Peter,David,Abraham; Reg. of Wills-payments to minors lists a John Yoder, Rachel Kreider notes cite on account which names third child as a Daniel)
OH131- Maria b. 1750 d. 1812
+OH132- George b. Nov.17,1752
+OH133- Peter b. 1763
+OH134- David b. 1765
OH135- Abraham b. 1768
(? Abraham Jotter m. 18 Nov 1792 Hanna Lies of Oley , Schwartzwald
Luth Church by Rev. Boos )
OH136- ?John b. <1760
OH137- ? Daniel b. <1760

Samuel married Elizabeth OYSTER Abt 1749. Elizabeth (daughter of Johan George OYSTER and Catharine ARENDTS) was born Abt 1728, District Township, PA; died Oley, PA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 5507
• _UID: 6A944C0A4C8B435BA05DE83AAAB849C0538F

Notes:

Yoder web site data says she is Elizabeth and a sister of Catherine Oyster, wife of Johan Yost Yoder. The Eyster Family quoted has her married to John Yoder.

Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002
Sister to wife of OY1
OYSTER, JOHN, District. September 23, 1788 - August 31, 1789. Vol. 3-90. Executors to sell plantation and divide proceeds equally among children, viz: George, children of Samuel, deceased, Jacob, Daniel, Elisabeth Catharina, Magdalena, Susanna Maria, Margaret and Barbara. To Jacob, son of my wife Catharine, deceased, 1 shilling and no more. Exrs: Son-in-law Daniel YODER and son George. Wits: John ARENTZ, Jacob ARENTZ and John RORBACH.
last name shown in parenthises as if possible doubt
possibly later a widow ofSamuel Late of Oley Valley, PA

Note - I have Elisabeth as a child of GeorgeOyster. The
notes under George describe some of the issues and confusion
with this family.

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 5552
• _UID: ABF901F5E54A49F8B4E472083A644B969B32

Notes:

Lazarus Weidner will written 3 May 1797, proven 26 November 1802. Left something to Elizabeth Lobach, daughter of John Lobach. Left 1/10th of estate to children: Catharine Siesholtz; Abraham; Mary Yoder; Susanna Yoder; Jacob; Daniel (and 30 hour clock); Isaac; David; John and grandchildren issue of Elizabeth Preiss. Executors Jacob and son-in-laws George Yoder and John Preiss. Lazarus is reported to be a Mennonite Missionary. Lazarus and Tychicus owned adjoining properties, separated by a lane, which became a public road. Lazarus was noted on 1767 Tax List as having 20 acres in East District Twp.

Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002

Lazarus married Elizabeth YODER Abt 1744. Elizabeth (daughter of Yost JODER and Elizabeth KUHLWEIN) was born 1720, Berks Co, PA; died 5 Dec 1782, Berks Co, PA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• AFN: OY2
• Reference Number: 3437
• _UID: E8799EE2333A44F4A00BC77D4D295A0D52AB

Notes:

Died of Dropsy. Had 9 children with husband Lazarius.
Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002
Some of Yost's family were rough and ready frontier types as well. An old by-word in Oley was "like YostNannes"-i.e.,rough and uncouth.
The Yoder ghost story, as related by Elizabeth Yoder, Yost's daughter, in 1743, tells how her father's spirit returned to visit her. It seems that like most ghosts, he had a message for his daughter which he was unable to give her before his death. It was to "scorn and despise not the Frenchman," i.e.:Dr. George deBenneville (1703-1793), who was the pioneer preacher of the Universalist gospel in America. He lived in Germantown but also had a base in Oley. On being asked by his daughter where he was, Yost Yoder's ghost answered that he was "at a good place," and his beloved brother (Hans) was there too. This story appeared in a bestseller volume of ghost appearances, with religious commentary, published by Christopher Sauer in Germantown in 1744. It was reprinted in 1748,1755, and 1792.
Parents: Adam JODER and Barbara OCHSENBEIN .

Other Events:

• AFN: OH1
• _UID: 3FAFA2D1A1434BFB9BCEFE7A46B56F52280F

Notes:

Johan was married first to a Barbara. Do not know what happened or if any issue resulted. For my records I'm assuming all children were by second wife, and her last name was Keim. Although if Hans birth of 1700 is correct, then I would guess the daughter Maria was by first wife. Hans purchased the Yoder homestead from his step mother Rosina.

Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002

Wills: John Yoder, 1779: Oley Twp, Berks County File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Tim Conrad. tconrad@lucent.com USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free informationon the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material.These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. ____________________________________________________________ Will of John Yoder, 1779 In the Name of God, Amen I John Yoder of Oley Township in the County of Berks and State of Pennsylvania, Yeoman, being at present of Sound Memory and Understanding, God be praised: And putting to Mind the Mortality of my Body, make and publish this my last Will and Testament this 8th Day of March Anno Domini 1779 in Manner following, viz. Imprimis it is my Will that all my just Debts shall be paid off. And I give and bequeth to my Son Daniel Yoder, One Shilling Silver Money. Also I give to my Son Peter Yoder, One Shilling Silver, having each of them considerably received of me in my Life time. Item, I give and bequeth to my Grand Daughter Barbara Morgon the Sum of Five pounds lawfull Money of Pennsylvania; And to my Grand daughter Hanna Vogt, I give the Sum of Five pounds of like Money. Item, I give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Elisabeth Yoder, all and singular my Houshold Goods and Furniture, Bedding and Linnen of whatsoever Denomination to her my said Wife Elisabeth and to her heirs and assigns forever. All the Remainder or Residue of my Estate I do give and bequeath unto my grand Children, their Heirs and Assigns for ever, that is to say: One equal part of the same I give to the Children of my Son John Yoder in ______ amongst them. Another equal third of the same I give to the Children of my Son Peter Yoder likewise for an equal Partition amongst them. The remaining equal third Part of the Same I give to the Children of my Son Samuel Yoder deceased for equal Portions amongst them. And it is my Will that such Part of my Estate as by such Division Shall come to minor Children shall be put in Interest if possible by my Executors hereafter named, until each of them attain his or her lawfull Age. And in Case any of the said Children should Die under Age, then his or their Share Shall come to the Survivors in that Family, Share and Share alike. And lastly I nominate Constitute and appoint my loving Friend John Pott of Rockland township in the County aforesaid and my Step Son George Keim of Oley Township to be Executors of this my last Will and Testament in Trust for the Intents and Purposes in thie my Will contained. In Witness whereof I the Said John Yoder have to this my last Will and Testament set my Hand and Seal the Day and Year first above written. Signed Sealed and declared by the Said Testator John Yoder for his last will and Testament in the Presents of us, and at his Request have as wittnesses thereto Subscribed. Jacob Schneider Philip ³H² Hartman signed John Yoder

HISTORY: Early furnaces and forges of Berks County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Banja Copyright 2001. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/berksp/ _________________________________________ Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography. Vol. VIII. Philadelphia: Publication Fund of the Historical society of Pennsylvania, No. 1300 Locust Street, 1884. Page 56 Early furnaces and forges of Berks County, Penna. EARLY FURNACES AND FORGES OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. BY MORTON L. MONTGOMERY.

OLEY FORGE. The Oley forge was situated on the Manatawny Creek, about ten miles from its confluence with the Schuylkill, and about a half-mile south of the "Oley Churches." It continued in active operation for one hundred and twenty years. In 1744 John Ross(Betsy Ross's husband), gentleman, of Philadelphia, and John Yoder and John Lesher, of Oley, entered into a joint partnership for erecting a forge for manufacturing pig metal into bar iron. They then purchased from Sebastian Graeff a tract of one hundred and ninety-seven acres of land, situated in Oley Township, on the Manatawny Creek, adjoining lands of Robert Stapleton and John Yoder, and the "Great Road" leading to Philadelphia; and thereon erected a forge, constructed a water pond, water courses, and the necessary buildings, and supplied the utensils for the business of making bar iron; and they also purchased warrants for taking up land on the hills adjacent to the forge in order to supply it with charcoal. In 1750 John Yoder sold to John Lesher his one-third interest "of said tract and of the forge, working gears, tools, implements, dams, etc." Lesher and Ross held their respective interests in the forge till Ross's death. In the settlement of the partnership affairs litigation arose between Lesher and the Ross estate. This was being conducted in 1784, when Lesher sold his two-thirds to his son Jacob Lesher, an iron-master, and his sons-in-law, John Potts, a miller, and Jacob Morgan, a merchant. In 1794 Frederick Spang, an iron-master of Oley, obtained an interest in this forge property, and some years afterward secured all the interests. He, and, after his decease, his son Jacob, and grandson of the same name, carried on the iron business here for seventy years, until the close of the Rebellion. During this long interval, especially for fifty years, the forge was

(Medical):Only son of Hans Joder to servive journy to America.

Johannas married Elizabeth KEIM Abt 1720. Elizabeth was born Aft 1700, Berks Co, PA; died Abt 1781, Berks Co, PA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 5556
• _UID: C75B4CF310F646D7B3B8E1B83F05865CAED2

Notes:

Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 225
• _UID: D8B569F398A74237B90304546491C6DF4F47

Notes:

Arrived in America about 1717 with his father Johann Jacob Aister. His signature is found on a Petition for protection against the indians in 1728. On various deeds he signed his name as Johannes Aister or Oyster. It is thought he must have married his first wife about 1728, her name is unknown. He had acquired 200 acres of land in Oley Township in 1739, and later a piece of land in District Township. The District Township land became the Oyster Plantation. Johann George during his life acquired various tracts of land in different counties, all were sold after his death. The homestead passed to his son George, who died soon after his father, and it passed to the grandson George. For my records I have all children listed with his second wife, the widow Catharine Arendts. To date no one has uncovered the marriage dates of the wifes.

His father, Johann Jacob, had a 76 acre farm located beside New Hanover Lutheran Church. Johann Jacob was buried in the church cemetery on 31 March 1745.

Johan George also had a brother Christian, who married Margaret Schmeiser and moved to York County.

Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002

OYSTER, JOHN, District. September 23, 1788 - August 31, 1789. Vol. 3-90. Executors to sell plantation and divide proceeds equally among children, viz: George, children of Samuel, deceased, Jacob, Daniel, Elisabeth Catharina, Magdalena, Susanna Maria, Margaret and Barbara. To Jacob, son of my wife Catharine, deceased, 1 shilling and no more. Exrs: Son-in-law Daniel YODER and son George. Wits: John ARENTZ, Jacob ARENTZ and John RORBACH.

Johan married Catharine ARENDTS Abt 1728. Catharine was born Abt 1708; died Bef 1789, District Township, PA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 226
• _UID: D7F8CC6E762741B0994A44E285451BAA2F38

Notes:

Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 9917
• _UID: 9D6BA474F6754A3C8184B3EC2A1D6E1B85E8

Notes:

Hans Adam was the son of Hans Adam Weidner Sr. and Catharina Herringer. His parents were married in Geisselhardt, Wurtemberg on 23 August 1675. Hans Adam the son was married at least two times, the name of the first wife is unknown.

The Weidners are believed to be originally from Switzerland, driven from Switzerland to Germany, and thence America, because of religious persecution. His signature first appears as Adam Weittner in 1740, on a petition to establish the County of Berks. In 1725 he was listed as a member of the Church of the Brethren. This is the community at Ephrata where Caterine Weidner, mother of Heinrich Weidner, was also a member. Records indicate he was listed as a taxpayer in Philadelphia County records in 1734, and was naturalized by 1743. He was a potter by trade of great skill, making unglazed earthenware of which several samples survive. The oldest unglazed piece of pottery in Pennsylvania is a cake mold with hearts and a floral motif he did. He also made roof tiles in the European manner, the most noted of which are at the Ephrata Cloister, and some other structures in Oley township in Pennsylvania.

Adam settled in the Oley Valley prior to 1744, in which year he bought a tract of land from Benjamin Lee. Land was in the vicinity of Pleasantville.

Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002

Birth:
His birth is recorded in the Parish records at Mainhardt.

Hans married Anna Maria HAAS 15 May 1714, Geisselhardt, Wurtemberg. Anna was born Abt 1695, Wurtemberg; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 5601
• _UID: DABEB88E308A43AA891D3E80D8435363BA07

Notes:

Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002

Other Events:

• AFN: OY
• Reference Number: 3436
• _UID: 60618AD82BB3473D808BCF9CAC60258FBB2F

Notes:

He was married to Elizabeth Catherine KUHLWEIN before 1709. Elizabeth Catherine Kuhlwien and that she and her husband Yost departed Europe on March 1, 1709 along with Yost's brother Hans, his wife Fronica Isylman (who died on the passage to America), Philip Kuhlwein, Maria Schutz and daughters, Christoph and Anna Mayer with a son and daughters, LeDee and Bertolet families
Yost (Jost) Yoder was a disciple of Nimrod, for he was "a mighty hunter." As a frontiersman his chief occupation is said to have been hunting and trapping. It seems to have been his pastime between clearing the forest and cultivating the soil. Will signed May 29, 1741, probated Jan 14, 1742.
Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002
Some of Yost's family were rough and ready frontier types as well. An old by-word in Oley was "like YostNannes"-i.e.,rough and uncouth.
The Yoder ghost story, as related by Elizabeth Yoder, Yost's daughter, in 1743, tells how her father's spirit returned to visit her. It seems that like most ghosts, he had a message for his daughter which he was unable to give her before his death. It was to "scorn and despise not the Frenchman," i.e.:Dr. George deBenneville (1703-1793), who was the pioneer preacher of the Universalist gospel in America. He lived in Germantown but also had a base in Oley. On being asked by his daughter where he was, Yost Yoder's ghost answered that he was "at a good place," and his beloved brother (Hans) was there too. This story appeared in a bestseller volume of ghost appearances, with religious commentary, published by Christopher Sauer in Germantown in 1744. It was reprinted in 1748,1755, and 1792.
Parents: Adam JODER and Barbara OCHSENBEIN .
CHURCH RECORD 10/5/1679---Jost-Joder------Adam-Joder-and------Anna-Kolb
----------------------------------Barbara-Ochsenbein--Hans-Walder
------------------------------------------------------------Niclaus-Moser
OY- Yost Yoder b. 5 Oct. 1679 Steiffisburg,Switzerland
m. Elizabeth__________
d. 1741/2 (son of Adam Joder and Barbara Ochsenbein of
Steiffisburg)
(References: Dr. Don Yoder-YNL article, YNL#5; Hist. of Berks
Co-Montgomery;
Yoder Reunion Book-Dr. Don Yoder; DJH 9185; Annals in the Oley
Valley-Bertolett;
Karl Joder letter;Fragments of the Past-Bertolett; Notes and
Queries-Eagle; Notes
and letters from Helen V Yoder, Lester Yoder, Jean Manning, Helen
Weidner)
+OY1- John Yost b. 1718 PA
OY2- Elizabeth b. 1720 m. (w1) Lazareth Weidner (c1723-5 - before 11/26/1802) d. 12/5/1782 "at 7am of dropsy age 62 yrs" bur. 12/7/1782 had "visions" , 9 children
OY3- Samuel b. (where is he and did he have descendants???)
+OY4- Jacob b. 1735
OY4- Jacob m. Maria Keim (Nov.1734- ) will made 3/12/1803 probated 3/14/1804 bur. private Cem. Lobachsville. Provincial Service 1757 for three years. Also in Revolution. (References: Helen V. Yoder Research -YNL#9; DAR lineage #14082; Jacob Yoder Will; Dorothy Y. Coffman collected Church data; Berks
Co. Marriages 1730-1800; Berks Co. Letters of Admin.)
+OY41- Daniel b. 1758
+OY42- Peter b. m. Ann Oyster
+OY43- Johannes b. 1763
+OY44- Abraham b. m. Sep.26,1784 by Rev. Boos d.> 1803
+OY45- Jacob b. Nov.6,1772
OY46- Elizabeth b. Feb.18,1755 m. Jul.21,1779 at New Goshenhoppen Reformed Church, Montgomery Co., PA. to Ludwig Graber d. Jan. 1842
OY47- Catharine b. 1766 m. Feb.20,1787 by Rev. Boos to Abraham Angstadt of Rockland Twp. d. May 12, 1837 Rockland Township, bur. Angstadt Cem.
OY48- Magdalena b. 1764 m. Apr.23,1788 by Rev. Boos, to Jacob Angstadt of District Twp. d. Sep.25,1857 age 93
OY49- Esther b. m. Jan.1,1794 (or Jan 14) by Rev. Boos at Schwartzwald Church, Exeter Twp. to Isaac Barto d. >1803
OY4a- Mary b. m. Feb.27,1798 by Rev. Philip Pauli, Ist Ref. Church Reading to John Nicholas Mensh d. >1803
OY4b- Susanna b. m. Apr.23,1783 by Rev. Boos to Heinrich Herner of Exeter Twp., d. <1803
OY4c- Barbara b. m. Jan.7, 1784 by Rev. Boos to Johannes Oyster (1755-1844) of Rockland Twp. d. <1803
OY43- Johannes m. 12/23/1788 Exeter Twp, Schwartzwald Ch. to Phronica Emmerich (christ. 12/15/1760 DeLongs Ref. Church, Bowers- d.? 9/19/1833) d. 10/26/1847 Richmond Twp. Berks Co.
OY431- Hanna b. Jun.30,1789 Rockland Twp bapt Christ (Mertz) Church.
OY432- Maria b. Aug.27,1790
OY433- Jacob b. Jun.27,1792
OY434- Johannes b. Jun.19,1794
OY435- Catherine b. Nov.15,1796 (?m. Daniel Biel)
OY436- Abraham b. 9/17/1799 d.3/10/1826 Kutztown Cem.
OY437- David b. 4/13/1804 Richmond Twp.
OY438- Christina b. 2/2/1807 bap.Moselem Zion's Luth Church by Rev. John Stoever, Richmond Twp. m. 1/18/1829 to Peter Merkel by Rev Charles Herman d. 8/30/1889

He was baptized on 5 Oct 1679 in Steffisburg, Berne, Switzerland. He lived in Oley Twp., Pennsylvania in 1734. Jost Joder paid taxes in 1734 He signed a will on 29 May 1741 in Philadelphia Co., Pennsylvania. From Philadelphia Registry of Wills
244, F267
(Typed and submitted by Richard B. and Rick Yoder of West Chester,Pa.)


In the Name of God amen

I Jost Yoder of the County of Philadelphia husbandman begin very sick and weake in body but of perfedt mind and memory Thanks be given unto god therefore calling unto mind and the mortality of my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men one to dye do make and ordain this my Last will and Testament; that is to say pemierally and first of ---- all I give and Recommend my Soul into the hands of god that gave it = and for my body I recommend it to the Earth to be buried in a Christian Life and decent manner at the discretion of my Executors, nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I Shall Receive the same again by the mighty power god = and as touching such worldly Estate where with it hath pleased god to bless me in this Life I give devise and dispose of the saem in the following manner and form.

Inprimis it is my will and I do order that in the first place al my Just debts and funderall charges be paid and satisfied =

Item. It is my will that my dearly beloved wife Elizabeth Shall have the full power and authority over all my Estate both Real and personall what is Left after my decease of Pay to have the free power during her Life time = but if in cause my said wife Elisabath should marry again then she shall have the third part of my Estate both Real and personal;

Item. It is my will that my well beloved oldest Son John, Shall have my plantation land and Improvement thereon after my wifes decease to hold to him his heirs and assigns forever: But after the decease of my wife, my Land and Improvement thereon my will is Shall be prized by four Credible men what it is worth: and then the money what my Land is prized with all the moveables and Cattles shall be equally divided between my Sons and Daughters =further it is my will that when my Land is prized after my wifes decease as aforesaid my Said for John and his heirs shall pay favor four months after my wifes decease one hundred pounds lawful money of Pennsylvania to my other Sons and daughters: but he my Son John Shall have his part or Shear of the Said one hundred pounds, when it is equal divided back again=

Item. My said Sone John or his heirs shall pay one hundred pounds lawful money aforesiad two years after the above said time to my other Sons and daughters: put he shall have his part of aforesaid = and the Remainder of the money what the land is Prized for, Shall be divided into two payments and my Son John or his heirs Shall pay every year one payment after the Last Payment above said: to my Sons and daughters but Shall have his Equal part of it as afore mentioned=

Latest I do hearby Constitute make and ordain my Said wife Elizabeth and my family trusty friend gabriel boyer Executors of this my Last wil land Testament = hearby revoking and annulling all former wills by me made and this alone Do declare to be my Last will and Testament in the witness of may in the year of our Lord one thousand Seven hundred and forty one XXXXX

Declared by the Aforementioned Jost to be his Last will and Testament, in the presence of us

Abraham Eshmann
John Yoder
the marke of John 10 Yoder


Jost X Yoder

[No doubt this shows that Jost could not sign his name except with an X at this time. Also, John Yoder made his mark]

Inventory of Joas Jodders Deceas his Estate prizet by Peter Ballie John Jodder and Samuel Golden the first Day of Aug. Anno 1741, wis.

L Sh p

Cloats and Appearil 4
The Plantation containing 200 Acres 300
Rye and Wheat 20
Two Waggons 13
Plows, Iren Harrow and Iren of an Old Waggon 4
Ten Acresof Barlay, flax, and Oats 10
Five Workin Horses 30
Mares and Colts in the Woods 20
Hors Geers and Collars 2
four paire Chains and a Lockchain 2 1
Cows ad Cattles and Colts 56 5
Sheeps old and young 5 2
Hogs 3 1
Gees 10
Hows, tongforcks, axes, and Groben Hows 1 8 6
Hand Saws and other Tools 10 4
Flaxe Hachel 8
old Acelles 5
Tubbs and Barriles and Buttertubbs 1 2 4
Coppern Kettels 1 5
Iren Pots 1 11
Iren Panns and Symmers 12
Peuter Dishes and Plats 1 10
-- Spoons 4 6
Sprenglin Pot and fanil 2 6
Trassor and Table and Chars 2
Spinnen Wheels 1 10
Bedding 4 10

486 16 8
[second page or side two]

Gees Fadders 3 10
Bedticks 3 2
Plancket 9
Mor Betticks 1 6
Bed Cloats 2 3
Table Cloats 1 10
Smal Ticks 7
Linnen of Dobu 2
Bible and Books 2
Iren Lamps 3
Bills and Bonds 30 9
46 19
In Debts to workmen
486 16 8
533 15 8

Pastor Ballie
John Yoder

(Research): there is a record of seven of his nine children. These were in the order of their birth: (1) Johannes, often called Yost (1718-1812); (2) Jacob, (3) Samuel, (4) Mary, (5) Catharine, (6) Elizabeth, and (7) Esther. In addition to this, Yost's brother, Hans YODER, left four sons to give the YODER name and stock a good start. Their names were Hans, Samuel, Peter and Daniel.
These two immigrant brothers took up land on the Manatawny in 1714, the former where Pleasantville is now located. This village, first called "Yottersville," his eldest son, Johannes (John), founded and he is buried there. His tombstone inscription reads as follows: "Hier ruhet Johannes YODER. Er wurde geboren 1718. Verehlichte sich mit Catharine LYSTER (LESHER), 1747, und zeugte 4 sohne und 5 tochtern. Starb den 7 ten April, 1812, bach seiner 66 yahr in der ehe gelebet hatte. War alt worden 94 yahr und 14 tag."

Yost married Elizabeth KUHLWEIN Abt 1712. Elizabeth (daughter of Philip KUHLWEIN) was born Abt 1690, Steffisburg, Switzerland; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Reference Number: 3458
• _UID: DB44B0654CE54D39A885572058D6FAEEA528

Notes:

Oley Valley Ancestors - by Guy L. Bierman Rev. 6 Jan 2002