Alfred Arthur Roeschley

Notes:

Obit: May 3, 1917 Gospel Herald
Roeschley. - Alfred A., oldest son of John and Elizabeth Roeschley, was born near Flanagan, Ill., Feb. 9, 1892. About three and a half years ago his health began to fail. He bore his sufferings patiently and was able to be about until the day before his death. He quietly passed away April 18, 1917, at the age of 25 y. 2 m. 8 d. When fourteen years old he united with the Amish Mennonite Church, to which he remained faithful. He was quiet and unassuming, but his painstaking attention to the everyday duties of life and the ability as a leader in song made him useful in his home life and in the community. He leaves grandparents, parents, 8 brothers, 4 sisters, and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services by A. H. Leaman and Geo. H. Summer. Interment at the Waldo Cemetery.

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite- Waldo Mennonite Church
• Census: 1910, Nebraska Twp., Livingston Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Roeschley.--John, son of John and Elizabeth Roeschley, was born in Woodford Co., Ill., Aug. 25, 1859; died at his home, Flanagan, Ill., Nov. 24, 1947; aged 88 y. 2 m. 29 d. His early boyhood was spent in the vicinity of Eureka, Ill. After his marriage to Elizabeth Orendorff on Jan. 18, 1891, they moved to Flanagan. Surviving are his widow, 9 children (Eli and Leo, Graymont, Ill.; Noah, Morton, Ill.; Lovina Slagell, Gridley, Ill.; Melvin, Roy, and Orie, of Flanagan; Freda and Harold, at home), one sister (Mrs. Elizabeth Yordy, of Eureka), and 18 grandchildren. Four children (Alfred, Amelia, Esther, and Ivan) preceded him in death. In his early youth he accepted Christ and united with the Mennonite Church. He lived a quiet but faithful life. Funeral services were conducted at the Waldo Church, in charge of J. D. Hartzler, assisted by A. C. Good. Interment was made in the Waldo Cemetery.

Census:
Listed with wife and eleven children. Lived near Salem Orphanage.

Died:
December? (Gary Yordy)

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

John married Elizabeth Orendorff on 18 Jan 1891 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Daniel Orendorff and Mary Yordy) was born on 24 Dec 1872 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; died on 26 Feb 1960 in Bloomington, McLean Co., IL; was buried on 29 Feb 1960 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald March 1, 1960 - Vol. LIII, No.9 - page 198,199,200
Roeschley, Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Mary (Yordy) Orendorff, was born Dec. 24, 1872; died Feb. 26, 1960, after being hospitalized for 4 days at the Mennonite Hospital, Bloomington, Ill.; aged 87 y. 2 m. 2 d. On Jan. 18, 1891, she was married to John Roeschley, who died Nov. 24, 1947. Surviving are 7 sons and 2 daughters (Eli and Leo, Graymont; Noah, Peoria; Melvin, Roy, and Ori, Flanagan; Harold, El Paso; Mrs. Lavina Slagell, and Freda, Flanagan), 22 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 sisters (Mrs. Emma Conrad and Mrs. Ada Good, Sterling). Two sons, 2 daughters, 2 brothers, and 2 sisters preceded her in death. She was a member of the Waldo Church, where funeral services were held Feb. 29, in charge of Edwin J. Stalter and J. D. Hartzler.

Died:
Mennonite Hospital

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery - Waldo Church. Services in charge of Edwin J. Stalter and J. D. Hartzler.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer And Miller
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: Spring Bay, Woodford Co., IL
• Immigration: 20 May 1854, Le Havre to New York
• Residence: 1863, Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL
• PURC: 27 Oct 1863, Woodford Co., IL
• PURC: 1866, Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL
• Naturalization: 12 Apr 1872, Woodford Co., IL
• Census: 1880, Washington, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

“John died May 19, 1881. His headstone in Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery says, "John Roeschley, starb. May 19, 1881, 69 Jahre, 5 Monat, und 11 Tag alt." This would yield a birth date Dec. 8, 1811. The longevity stated on the headstone must have been an incorrect guess made from the best available information. Someone who did not know his true date of birth simply took the date of his arrival in America (May 20, 1854) and deducted 43 years (the passenger list age) to guess his birth date, then calculated the longevity. Elizabeth's headstone in Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery says, "Elizabeth Roeschley, gest. d. 7 Jan. 1891, 60 Jahre alt."

There is a Warranty Deed dated 31 Aug 1866 recorded for land transferred from Josephus Burton to John Roeschley. And the Atlas of Woodford County (1873) shows John Roeschley as a farmer on 160 acres in Section 31 of Roanoke, Worth Township, Woodford County.

The 1880 census of Roanoke shows the family as retired farmer John Roschelz, 68, France; Elisabeth, 53, France; Jacob, 23; Lena, 22; John, 20; Elisabeth, 18; and Mary, 10; all children born in Illinois.

In the French records this child born in 1812 is listed as Joseph, but erroneous registrations were not rare at this time--but it is also possible that Jean was born around 1810 in a temporary residence to these parents during their stay at Mussig and Moussey. Records received from Maurice J. Yordy put John's birth date at Dec. 8, 1811, but records from Germany give his date as July 6, 1812. The difference could be attributed to the change in the calendar.

Johannes operated Hoser Mill at Spring Bay, IL, [1854 to 1863?] then farmed near Roanoke after 1863. The historical mill wheel now rests in front of the old courthouse in Metamora, IL, according to Maurice Yordy. https://www.historicmetamora.com/Mills.htm

The story is told of Johannes being excommunicated from the church for working on Sunday. A customer arrived from a number of miles away on a Saturday when it was too late to grind the grain before dark, so Johannes told him to come back early Sunday morning and he would grind the grain so the customer wouldn’t need to make a second trip. Word of this got to the elders of the church, who were very displeased. Johannes would not back down since he felt he had done nothing wrong--only helped someone in need. Eventually the elders softened and reinstated him.

[

Birth:
The name of the newborn was given as 'Joseph Richely' in the entry and the index. His parents were described as cultivator Jean Rechely, 45, and Elizabeth Vocker. (Moussey is 10 km west of Strasbourg)

Immigration:
Sailed on the Mercury, shown as Joh. Roschli, 43, along with sister Barbe, age 44.

Residence:
Moved with their two sons from Spring Bay to Roanoke Township.

PURC:
80 acres from John Stitt

PURC:
From Josephus Burton for $2,320.

Naturalization:
Vol. -A Pg. -317 (R - 240)

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Johannes married Elizabeth Saltzman on 28 Jan 1856 in Tazewell Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Jacques (Jacob) Salzmann and Catherine Sommer) was born on 11 Sep 1826 in Neufmaisons, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR; died on 7 Jan 1891 in IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 9 Jul 1855, Le Havre to New York

Notes:

Birth:
The birth entry name was Elisabeth Salsmann. Her parents were described as anabaptists farmer Jacob Salesman, 25, and Catherine Sommer. It was witnessed by farmer Uherlihe (Ulli) Sommer, 56.

Immigration:
On the passenger list of the Havre, the entire traveling party is Joseph Saltzmann, 56, France; Madel Sommer, 50; Andre, 12; Chretien, 7; and Elisabeth Saltzmann, 28.

Died:
Gravestone date. "Elizabeth Roeschley, gest. d. 7 Jan. 1891, 60 Jahre alt."

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
A /287 2689

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Occupation: Farmer, minister
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Ordained: 1890, Gridley Twp., McLean Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
ORENDORFF. - Daniel Orendorff was born near Spring Bay, Ill., Nov. 8, 1848; died at his late home near Flanagan, Ill., Jan. 14, 1918, where he has resided since 1873; aged 69y. 2m. 6d. He united with the A.M. Church in his youth. He served as Sunday school superintendent for a number of years, and in June, 1890, was ordained to the ministry. He performed his duties faithfully. He was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Mary Yordy near Roanoke, Ill., Feb. 15, 1872. They lived together happily for nearly 46 years. To this union were born 5 daughters and 2 sons. One daughter, 2 sons and 1 grandson preceded him to the spirit world. He leaves his faithful companion, 4 daughters (Lizzie Roeschley, Katie Conrad, Emma Conrad and Ada), 2 brothers (Jacob and Christian), 27 grandchildren, and many relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by the family, neighbors, and by the whole congregation, where his seat was seldom vacant. He was on time and with a kind word and smile for everyone. Funeral services at the house by A.H. Leaman and at the church by D.W. Stagell, A.H. Leaman, and Geo. Summer. He chose his own funeral text, II Tim. 4:7,8. Buried in the Waldo Cemetery. "Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord, from henceforth. Yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

An excerpt from the Flanagan Home Times: "The following are those from out of town who were at the obsequies: Mr. and Mrs. Chris Orendorff, Mrs. P. H. Conrad, Mrs. Lydia Roth and Mr. Daniel Orendorff, Wayland, Iowa; Mr. Ray Zehr and Misses Olive and Ella Zehr, Manson, Iowa; Mrs. Fannie Yeackley, Milford, Nebraska; Mr. and Mrs. Jake Eigsti, Mr. John Eigsti, Mr. Joe Eigsti, Mrs. Jonas Litwiller, Mr. Alvin Bachman, Morton, Ill.; Mr. Henry V. Albrecht, Mr. Chris Albrecht, Mr. J. J. Albrecht, Mrs. Nafzinger and Mss Hoffart, Tiskilwa, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Burcky and Mr. John Schrock, Fisher, Ill.; Miss Anna Yordy, Chicago, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Yordy and Mr. Aaron Yordy, Secor, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Jake Yordy, Eureka, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Yordy, Mr. and Mrs. Chris Yordy, Roanoke, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Chris Bachman, Cazenovia, Ill."

Ordained:
Waldo Amish Mennonite Church

Died:
Gravestone gives year as 1918

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Daniel married Mary Yordy on 15 Feb 1872 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL. Mary (daughter of Peter Yordy and Maria (Mary) Birky) was born on 19 Oct 1849 in Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL; died on 8 Feb 1923 in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL; was buried in Flanagan, Livingston Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish/Mennonite

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - March 1923
Orendorff. -- Mary Yordy was born near Pekin, Ill., Oct. 19, 1848; died at her home near Flanagan, Ill., Feb. 8, 1923; aged 73 y. 3 m. 20 d. She was united in matrimony with Daniel Orendorff, Feb. 15, 1872. He preceded her to the life beyond, Jan. 14, 1918. To this union were born 7 children, 5 daughters and 2 sons. Two sons and 3 grandchildren preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her loss 4 daughters (Mrs. C. M. Conrad and Mrs. J. D. Conrad of Sterling, Ill.; Mrs. J. D. Roeschley and Miss Ada Orendorff of Flanagan, Ill.), 25 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and many [transcriber's note: begin page 943] relatives and friends. Bro. and Sister Orendorff moved to their late home in 1872, at which place they resided until the Lord was pleased to call them to their long home. She united with the Mennonite Church in her youth and remained a faithful and consistent member until death. Sister Orendorff was a kind and loving wife, mother, and neighbor and was loved and respected by all who knew her. Short services were held at the home Feb. 11, by Bro. D. W. Slagel (Text, Psa. 16), and at the church by Bros. J. D. Hartzler and Samuel Gerber. Texts, I Cor. 15:35-38; Phil 1:21. Interment in the Waldo cemetery.


“While Mary may not have faced as many hardships as others experienced, she was left alone with her children more than many other wives of ministers. Daniel has been included as one of the ‘ten most influential leaders of the Western District Amish Mennonite Conference.’ He attended at least twenty conference, mostly in other states. He kept a notebook listing where he gave sermons, the date, and the text used. His itinerary was staggering, as he would be gone two or three weeks for each out of state visit. In addition to the conferences, he held many ‘protracted’ meetings in those distant locations and in almost all Illinois churches several times a year. During these absences, Mary was left to cope with the long term illness and eventual death of their only son, besides just ‘keeping the home fires burning.’

“Mary, after becoming a minister’s wife, wore (a black net head covering with ribbons tied under the chin) such a head covering all day long for the rest of her life.”

Buried:
Waldo Cemetery

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish
• Residence: 1801-1808, Sélestat, Bas-Rhin, Alsace, FR
• Residence: 1812-1813, Moussey, Vosges, FR
• Residence: 1819, Hueb, Marckolsheim, Bas-Rhin, FR

Notes:

Johannes was one of two leaseholders (cofermiers) at the agricultural property called Hueb.

Residence:
Leaseholder - Old Farm

Died:
Near Selestat

Johannes married Elisabeth Wagler on 30 Dec 1801 in Bindernheim, Bas-Rhin, FR. Elisabeth (daughter of Johannes (Jean) Wagler (Wagner) and Elisabeth Maurer) was born on 25 Mar 1777 in St. Marie-aux-Mines, Moselle, FR; died on 1 Dec 1842 in Marcholsheim, Bas-Rhin, FR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish

Notes:

Marriage document reports she was 24 years, 9 mo. at the time of marriage and was born at Zollberg, Haut-Rhin (perhaps Schielberg, near Ste Marie.

Married:
north of Marckolsheim

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer (Cultivateur)
• Religion: Anabaptist

Jacques married Catherine Sommer on 24 Mar 1824 in Neuviller-la-Roche, Bas-Rhin, FR. Catherine (daughter of Ulrich Sommer and Barbe Guengrich (Guerich)) was born on 26 Nov 1804 in Neuviller-la-Roche, Bas-Rhin, FR; died after 1856. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Birth:
Sommerhof

Notes:

Married:
(67) Catherine was age 19 when married to Jacob. (witnesses : Jean George Marchal 1748-1825 , Joseph Sommer 1801 , Frédéric Marchal 1777 , Joseph Del(?) ) with-
One of the witnesses was Joseph Sommer (1801), brother to Catherine

Other Events and Attributes:

• Census: 1870, Morton Twp., Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Of Hesse-Darmstadt.

Census:
Listed as farmer, age 70, living with the two youngest sons, Joseph age 18, and Christian age 14

Buried:
Landes Mennonite Cemetery

Daniel married Katharina Albrecht in 1842. Katharina (daughter of Christian Albrecht and Elisabeth Engel) was born on 8 Jul 1815 in Bavaria, GR; died in 1859 in Spring Bay, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/41654453/person/19657625768

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1817, Munich, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: Abt 1820, Köfering, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1836, Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 17 Sep 1838, New York
• Residence: 1839, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1850, Tazewell Co., IL
• PURC: 30 Jan 1852, Tazewell Co., IL
• Census: 1860, Elm Grove Twp., Tazewell Co., IL
• Undefined: 1863
• PURC: 10 Feb 1865, Nebraska Twp., Livingston Co., IL
• PURC: 1866, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1867, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL
• Census: 1870, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL
• Census: 1880, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

The Jordi family ancestral village is Steinen, Switzerland. Jordi/Jordy= Jordan/Jordanus, a first name from the times of the Crusades.
————————————

Obit:
“Peter Yordy was born June 12, 1815 in Alsace, France according to his headstone. However, according to official documents, he was born July 26, 1815.
Civil Register, Windstein, Alsace, France (FHL Microfilm #1069482)states "7/26/1815 Pierre Jordi (masculine)born 2 a.m., son of Jacques Jordi (37, Laboureur) and Catharine Schantz of Jaegerthal near Windstein. Witnesses Jean Wolber and Pierre Mathis."

In about 1819, Peter's family moved to Munich, Bavaria, Germany [ Woodford County Tax Records, 1868 located at the Illinois Mennonite Historical Society, Metamora, IL]. He grew up about 20 miles south of Munich. Peter had one known sister, Jacobina aka Philabena. It is possible that Peter had a second sister named Elizabeth, who emigrated to the US in 1849 and married Peter Gerber in 1850. Peter also had at least one brother, Christian Yotty, who emigrated with his future wife Katherina Stalter.

Peter Emigrated in 1838. Peter "Jordte" or "Jodte" from France arrived in New York on the packet ship "Charles Carroll" from Le Havre on September 17, 1838. On the passenger list immediately before Peter's name is the name of Joseph "Heser" (Heiser, 20) and Andrew Burkey (29). Heiser and Burckey were from Hanfield, about 20 miles south of Munich. 

While there is little record of Peter's life immediately after his arrival in Illinois in 1839, it is likely that he worked within the Amish community for an established Amish farmer as a laborer. 

On February 9, 1847, Peter married Miss Mary Birkey, a Mennonite woman with a 9 year-old son, John Horn, at the Dillon Creek Congregation in Tazewell County. Peter and Mary had 8 additional children.

Peter and family lived in Tazewell County until 1867 when they moved to Woodford County, residing 2 miles east of Roanoke on Panther Creek. 

Peter was a member of the Roanoke Mennonite Church and the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren. He was very interested in education and sponsored an English class for Amish children in his home.

Peter died on July 2, 1897 and was buried in the Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery.”
—————————————————
In 1866 Peter purchased 200 acres of land from Andrew Johnson and his wife in Woodford Co. for $8000.

Peter Yordy hosted a private German school, conducted by the one-armed teacher Christian Erismann (1835-1904), in his home from 1870 to 1871.,

Peter’s probate record lists as heirs the following: Lizzie Bachman, Mary Orendorff, Chris Yordy, Jacob K. Yordy, Joseph Yordy, Barbara Yordy, Peter Yordy, Lizzie Erb, Bella Schrock, David Yordy, Mary Zimmerman, Simon Yordy, John E. Yordy, Emma Swartzendruber and Fannie Yeakley--seven of his own children and eight children of John Yordy, Mary’s son from her first husband.

—————————————————
“He (Peter) arrived from the Dillon Creek congregation and he joined the Roanoke Mennonite Church, but was [also] active in the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren....Several of Peter’s descendants are buried in the Panther Creek Cemetery. Peter’s great great grandson, Peter Yordy, was the pastor of the Panther Creek Church of the Brethren in 2004.”
————————————————-

“Peter Yordy (b. 1815) died in 1897 when Amos Yordy, son of Christian, was 13 years old.  The Amos Yordy from northern Illinois was, of course much older (46).  However, I find it highly unlikely that Amos Yordy of northern Illinois had any financial dealings with Peter Yordy (b. 1815).  I have tried to find any kind of evidence of interaction between the Yordy's of northern Illinois and Peter Yordy (1815-1897) and have come up empty.  So it would surprise me if Amos Yordy of northern Illinois had any involvement with Peter Yordy's death in 1897.
 
On the other hand, Peter Yordy Jr. was killed when struck by lightening while picking grapes at the farm of his nephew, Amos Yordy, son of Christian Yordy and Salome Slagel.  Such a death may well have prompted an inquest and Amos may well have incurred some expense since it happened on his farm.  Peter Jr. was moderately mentally retarded.  His sister Barbara was mildly retarded, or at least, mentally unstable. Both were cared for by their parents well into their adult lives.  Peter and Mary deeded their home place to Peter Jr. and Barbara to assure that the children had sufficient assets of their own, and a place to live after Peter and Mary's deaths.
 
In 1901, after Peter Sr.'s death, and with Mary being quite old and apparently senile, and on the brink of death, the Yordy children went to court and had Peter Jr. declared legally incompetent.  The court order described Peter Jr. as "distracted".  The court named his uncle, Christian Bachman (husband of Elizabeth Yordy) as his guardian or conservator [Case file reviewed at Woodford County Courthouse].  Christian Bachman remained Peter's conservator until Peter died in 1909.  Peter was obviously not competent to have a will.  His estate was eventually divided amongst his surviving siblings and the children of his deceased half-brother, John Birky Yordy, who had died in Nebraska on December 31, 1906.
 
In 1915, Peter's sister, Barbara, was also declared mentally incompetent ("distracted").  Her brother, Christian Yordy, was named her conservator until his death in 1922.  At that time, Christian's son, Amos, took over as guardian for a short time. Later, Joseph Yordy's son (and Barbara's nephew) Ezra Yordy acted as her guardian until her death in 1943 [Barbara Yordy Guardianship Procedures, Woodford County Courthouse].
 
Based on the above facts, I believe it more likely that the Peter Yordy estate in question is the estate of Peter Yordy Jr.  And the "Amos Yordy" in question is the son of Christian Yordy and Salome Slagel and the grandson of Peter Yordy. 
 
I have not been able to find a thing on Peter Yordy (Sr.'s) death in 1897.  I have been to the Woodford County Courthouse searching for a death certificate, estate file, obituary, or ANYTHING that would give me some information, but have found nothing on the deaths of Peter Yordy in 1897 or Mary Yordy in 1902.  My belief is that they had transferred all of their assets to their children before they died in return for care during their senior years.  This was apparently a common practice among Amish/Mennonites at the time and was very common among members of the Church of the Brethren (which Peter and Mary attended in their later years).  Such an arrangement avoided probate, etc. I also suspect their funerals were conducted at the Church of the Brethren. It was located less than a mile from their home east of Roanoke. That might explain the total absence of historical documents on their deaths in the Roanoke Mennonite Church records, and the absence of any obituary (which was frowned upon by the Brethren Church.”
————————————————
According to Gary Yordy, a family story says that John's father was a German army officer. "It is possible that John B. Yordy's relationship to Peter Yordy as a foster son would have remained a family secret, were it not for the fact that John's daughter, Fannie Yordy, decided to marry Peter Yordy's nephew, Joseph Yeackley."

"In about 1883, Peter and Mary temporarily moved to the home of their daughter Mary and her husband Daniel Orendorff in Flanagan. Their Roanoke farm home was occupied by their son Christian and his family at the time while a second smaller home was built on the farm for Peter and Mary. In 1884, Peter and Mary moved in to the new home at Roanoke and were shortly joined by his niece, Barbara Jordy and her son, Chris H.--recently arrived from Bavaria." (Gary Yordy)
 
The family is found on the 1850 census of Tazewell County as farmer Peter Yatty, 45, Germany; Mary, 34, Germany; John, 12, Germany; Christian, 2, Illinois; and Mary, 1, Illinois. The proximity of neighbor Uriah Crosby suggests their first homestead was in the northern half of Morton.

“Peter paid $1,400 for 154 acres of land Jan. 30, 1852. The land came in three parcels: two totaling 85 acres in south-central Groveland, and another 70 acres in north-central Elm Grove.

The household of Peter and Mary can be found on the 1860 census of Elm Grove as farmer Peter 'Yarty,' 54 [he was actually 45], born in France; Mary, 49 [she was actually 44], born in Bavaria; John, 21, born in Bavaria; Christian, 11, Illinois; Mary, 10, Illinois; Jacob, 7, Illinois; Elizabeth, 4, Illinois; Philip [Peter Jr.], 3, Illinois; and Joseph, 2, Illinois. Their neighbors (Joseph Heiser, Joseph Ropp, Samuel King, Peter and Christian Gerber) indicate that they probably lived on the north side of Allentown Road, across from Joseph Heiser. The property must have been sold before 1864; the plat map published in that year does not show a Yordy property.

On Feb. 10, 1865, Peter purchased 80 acres of land at Nebraska Township (later Flanagan), Livingston County. The farm was cultivated by John Birkey Yordy 1865-71, then occupied by daughter Mary and her husband Daniel Orendorff, while John moved to Lombardville, Stark County.

In 1867 the family moved onto a 200-acre farm on Panther Creek at Roanoke, Woodford County. It was located about 3.5 miles north of Christian's farm. The household is found on the 1870 census of Roanoke as farmer Peter 'Yottey,' 54, Bavaria; Mary, 53, Bavaria; Christian, 22, Bavaria [Illinois]; Mary, 20, Bavaria [Illinois]; Jacob, 17, Ohio; Elizabeth, 16, Ohio; Peter, 14, Ohio; Joseph, 12, Illinois; and Barbara, 7, Illinois. Peter joined the Roanoke Mennonite Church, but also attended services at the nearby Panther Creek Church of the Brethren.
The 1880 census of Roanoke shows them as 'Peter Yordie,' a 65-year-old farmer born in France, of parents born in France; and Mary, 64, born in Bavaria, of parents born in France. Children living with them include Elisabeth, 25; Peter, 24; Joseph, 23; and Barbara, 19. Mary can be found as an 84-year-old widow on the 1900 census of Roanoke, living with children Peter, 44, and Barbara, 39. On that form Mary (or someone in her stead) stated that she was born in Germany of French parents, and that she came to America in 1847. In about 1884, Peter and Mary moved into the household of their daughter Mary and her husband Daniel Orendorff at Flanagan. The Roanoke farm was occupied by son Christian and his family. “
——————————————————
In December 2007, genealogist Joseph Staker discovered the historic record of Peter’s immigration to America.

Twenty-three-year-old “Peter Jordte” or “Jodte” from France emigrated to New York. He arrived on the packet ship, Charles Carroll, which arrived from Le Havre on September 17, 1838. This individual’s name falls directly in a crease in the paper, making it difficult to read clearly. On the passenger list immediately before Peter’s name is the name of Joseph “Heser” (20) and Andrew Burkey (29) and his wife, Barbara (29) and son Joseph (2). These people are thought to be Joseph Heiser; Andrew Burcky (son of Andrew Birki and first cousin of Peter Yordy’s future wife, Mary Birkey Yordy) and his wife, Barbara Eyer/Oyer and their son, Joseph. Joseph Heiser had lived at Hanfeld, and Andrew Burcky had lived at Söcking. The two villages are adjacent and the town squares only two miles apart, very near Starnberg, and approximately 20 miles south of Munich. The fact that Peter, Joseph, and Andrew emigrated together suggests that they knew each other prior to the trip. Further credence is leant to this theory by their actions after arriving in Illinois. In the 1855 Tazewell County Census and the1860 US Census, Peter, Joseph, and Andrew were all next-door neighbors in Elm Grove Township, Tazewell County.

Birth:
At 3 a.m. Near Windstein - The birth was witnessed by Jean Walter and Pierre Mathis. Birth date from family records is 12 Jun 1815 , and is inscribed on his gravestone.

Residence:
With his parents, “about 20 miles south of Munich”

Residence:
Peter Jordy and wife, with 2 Children homeless-I think he stay short in Hahnfeld and moved from here to USA in 1838 (H. Holly)

Residence:
Near Starnberg

Immigration:
from Hanfeld, Bavaria, GR, to France, where he boarded the packet ship “Charles Carroll” from Le Have on September 17 1838. Peter was accompanied by Andrew Burcky and Joseph Heiser from Söcking and Hanfeld. On the passenger list, the name immediately after that of 'Joseph Heser' falls on a crease. The National Archives and FHL reproduction microfilms appear to say 'Peter Jodte,' age 23.

Residence:
A family story says that Peter worked on the Mississippi River before coming to Illinois. According to Harry Weber in Centennial History of the Mennonites in Illinois, he arrived on Partridge Creek in 1839. 

Census:
Peter age 35, Mary age 34, and children John 12, Christian 2, and Mary 1, were farming.

PURC:
Peter paid $1,400 for 154 acres of land Jan. 30, 1852. The land came in three parcels: two totaling 85 acres in south-central Groveland, and another 70 acres in north-central Elm Grove.


Their neighbors (Joseph Heiser, Joseph Ropp, Samuel King, Peter and Christian Gerber) indicate that they probably lived on the north side of Allentown Road, across from Joseph Heiser. The property must have been sold before 1864; the plat map published in that year does not show a Yordy property.

Census:
Peter Yorty age 54 [he was 45], farmer b. France; Mary age 49 [she was 44], b. Bavaria; John age 21, farmer, b. Bavaria; Christian age 11, b. IL; Mary age 10, b. IL; Jacob age 7, b. IL; Elizabeth age 4, b. IL; Philip age 3 [Peter Jr.], b. IL; Joseph age 2, b. IL. Lived next to Joseph Hieser and Joseph Ropp.

Undefined:
Peter paid $100 to purchase release of his step son John from military service in the Civil War.

PURC:
On Feb. 10, 1865, Peter purchased 80 acres of land at Nebraska Township (later Flanagan), Livingston County. The farm was cultivated by John Birkey Yordy 1865-71, then occupied by daughter Mary and her husband Daniel Orendorff, while John moved to Lombardville, Stark County.

PURC:
200 acres from Andrew Johnson and his wife for which he paid $8000.

Residence:
From Ten Mile Creek in Tazewell Co.

Census:
Peter Yottey age -54, wife Mary age - 53; children:

Census:
Peter, Mary, and children, Elisabeth, Peter, Joseph and Barbara.

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Peter married Maria (Mary) Birky on 9 Feb 1847 in Tazewell Co., IL. Maria (daughter of Christian Birki and Maria Anna Gascho) was born on 18 Apr 1816 in Bavaria, GR; died on 13 May 1903 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 17 Jun 1844, Le Havre to New York

Notes:

The book 'The Past and Present of Woodford County' spells Mary's name Burkey. Mary is the Maria Birkey Yordy, of whom Myrna Slagell Park says , "During pioneer days in Tazewell County, Illinois, Maria Birkey Yordy (1816-1903) cooked a mixture she called 'pap,’ given to sickly infants with feeding problems. This remedy supposedly saved some babies not expected to survive. The recipe was handed down within the family."

Mary Birky had a son before she married Peter Yordy--named John. (John b. Oct 23, 1838. He married Magdalena King (b. 1842) in 1862. They had 13 children.) She arrived in New York on the ship Baltimore on June 14,1844 with her son from a previous relationship, Johann Horn (who would later be known as John Birkey Yordy)." 

Peter and Mary can be found on the 1880 census of Roanoke as 'Peter Yordie,' a 65- year-old farmer born in France, of parents born in France; and Mary, 64, born in Bavaria, of parents born in France; and four children. Mary can be found as an 84-year-old widow on the 1900 census of Roanoke, living with children Peter, 44, and Barbara, 39. Mary stated that she was born in Germany of French parents, and that she came to America in 1847 [actually it was 1844].

“On February 9, 1847, two and one-half years after arriving in America, Mary married Peter Yordy. That marriage occurred within the Dillon Creek Amish Congregation in Tazewell County, Illinois. A recently identified 1845 Tazewell County Census sheds light on her life between her arrival in Illinois and her marriage to Peter.

In 1845, thirty-year-old Mary “Burgie” resided with a male under 10 years of age (John Horn Birkey) as the head of the household in Tazewell County. Also in the household are a female aged 10-20 and a female under 10 years of age.24 The identity of these two females is unknown. It is probable that the two women were boarders. The listing of Mary as the “Head of Household” suggests that Mary emigrated with significant funds consistent with the relative wealth of her father, Christian Birki. Triangulation of neighbors suggests that after their marriage, Peter and Mary lived in the home where Mary was living in 1845.

Peter Yordy’s wife, Maria Birki (Mary Birkey), and her six-year-old son, John Horn, emigrated in 1844. They traveled with Mary’s brother, Joseph, their cousin, Catherine Kettner, and Peter Zehr on the ship, Baltimore, which arrived in New York from Le Havre on June 14, 1844.23

Immigration:
Mary “Burge” with son Johann Horn on the ship Baltimore (New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, 1844, June 17, Baltimore, p.4)
Also on the ship were Peter Zerr 25; Jospeh Burger 26; Catharina Kunder 27.

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
In the Amish Dillon Creek congregation.