STEPHEN YODER

STEPHEN YODER has been a resident of Harlan Township since 1881. He was born in Centre County, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1821, and is a son of Yost Yoder, Ii native of Pennsylvania; his father was also a native of Pennsylvania, and they were of German ancestry. The mother of Stephen Yoder was Sarah Yoder, and although bearing the same name as her husband, was not related to him. Our subject lived in Centre County, Pennsylvania, until he was seventeen years of age. He was reared a farmer, and received his education in the subscription schools, and by diligent reading at home.

In 1833 the family moved to Juniata County, Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1845, when he removed to Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. Yoder was married January, 1846, to Miss Catharine Miller, a native of Ohio. By this union two children were born, one of whom, John 0., is living; Jeremiah was drowned in Skunk River, Iowa, when he was fourteen years old. Catharine Yoder died July 12, 1850. Mr. Yoder was married again October 15, 1852, to Miss Margaret Shoemaker, a native of Wayne County, Ohio. By this union ten children were born-Rufus A., Stephen S., Samuel E., Mary Ann, Emma Jane, Joseph P., Sarah F., Maggie A., Hattie S. and W. Alonzo. Mrs. Margaret Yoder died October 27, 1880. Mr.Yoder was again married February 11, 1883, to Mrs. Sarah Terwilliger, whose maiden name was Erb. She was born in Wayne County, Ohio. Mr. Yoder resided in Wayne County, Ohio, until 1859, when he came to Washington County, Iowa, where he improved a farm and lived until 1881. As before stated, he then came to Shelby County and bought his present farm of Washington Wyland, which is known as Windy Knoll farm; the place contains 160 acres of land, and is one of the best in the township. Mr. Yoder has spent $1,400 in making improvements; he has built a good residence, a large barn, and has a windmill and a steam-cooker for food for stock.

Politically he is independent, and is a strong temperance man. He is a member of the German Baptist church, and he and his son Rufus have charge of the church in this township. Mr. Yoder's membership in the church began forty-one years ago. He has given his children a good education, and three daughters and one son are successful teachers. All enterprises of a religious or educational character have ever found a hearty support in Mr. Yoder.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 376. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs