Person:Conrad Yoder (1)

[Stamps-Sites_TFS.FTW]

Their marriage and the birth of their five children are recorded in German in the family bible now at the Catawba Co. Historical Society Museum at the old courthouse in Newton.

(Rowan Co., NC marriage - "Conrad Yutter and Katharina Huffman," June 30, 1775 - info found by Roy Yount, Feb. 2001)

He is buried in the Old Yoder Cemetery on his original farm. The graves were never marked, but in 1958 descendants received permission from the present owner, Luther Bowman, to restore it. It was cleaned up and a monument erected. It can be reached by a footpath off Highway 1008, beginning at the bridge at Jacob's Fork, through the woods.

Information on the Yoder family is from the "History of the Yoder Family in North Carolina," by Fred R. Yoder, articles in Heritage of Catawba County, and brief mentions in other sources of North Carolina history. Conrad was born in Switzerland, but his family were apparently among the Anabaptists who fled to the Palatine in Germany, and thence to America. German was his native language, as he possessed a large German Bible still extant, and is also reported to have kept a Mennonite prayer book. The original spelling of the name was Yotter. He landed in Philadelphia Oct. 25, 1746, on the ship Neptune. For a while he lived in Berks County, Pa., as he maintained a correspondence with David Schultze of that area, according to Schultze's diary.

Conrad was an early settler of Catawba County, coming as a young man with or soon after Heinrich Weidner, who sold him 200 acres of land in 1762. He is described as somewhat short and stocky, with dark hair and brown eyes. He is not listed as a church member, but possibly attended Old St. Paul's Church near Newton, as most of his German neighbors did. He, Weidner, and George Wilfong decided early in the fight for independence to support the Revolution. He is reported to have served during the war at the Battle of Ramsour's Mill, but this may have been as a civilian volunteer because of its proximity, not as part of the organized militia. He is registered as a Patriot, and furnished supplies to the militia valued at 2230 pounds and fifteen shillings.

By his first wife, Christina Cline, he had John, Jacob and David. His second wife, Miss Seitz, died a year after marriage without a child. His third wife, Catherine Hoffman, had five children, Elizabeth, Elias, Daniel, Catherina, and Adam. At the time of his death he had accumulated 1022 acres, including 515 acres on what was then McBride Mountain which he left to his children. His sons, Elias, Daniel and Adam sold their shares to John Baker, who married his daughter Catherine. The name of the mountain was then changed to Baker's Mountain. Elias, Daniel, and Jacob moved to Indiana, Adam moved to Tennessee, but may have relocated to Georgia. Elizabeth died in infancy, John, David, and Catherine remained in the Catawba County area.

These records are from the Zion Lutheran Church near Hickory, N.C. and were published in Catawba Cousins.

Daniel Yoder and his wife Elizabetha a daughter Saloma, born 14 May 1809 baptized (no date). Sponsor Utilla Yoder.

Adam Yoder and his wife Sally a son John George born 9 July 1811.

Daniel Yoder and his wife Elizabeth a son Daniel born 27 July 1811.

Elias Yoder and his wife Utilla a son Simeon Jonas born 2 l September 1812 .

Adam Yoder and his wife Sally a son Adam born 12 December 1813.

1. ↑ Stamps-Sites TFS.FTW.

   Date of Import: May 13, 2004

2. ↑ Stamps-Sites TFS.FTW.

   Date of Import: May 13, 2004

3. ↑ Stamps-Sites TFS.FTW.

   Date of Import: May 13, 2004

4. ↑ Stamps-Sites TFS.FTW.

   Date of Import: May 13, 2004