Bishop Ezra Benjamin Yordy

Other Events and Attributes:

• CLER: Y
• Education: Did Not Attend High School, But Attended Bethany Bible School In Chicago In His Teens And Attended Meetings At Moody When He Worked In Chicago.
• Occupation: Farmer/Minister
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1897, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: 1908, Woodford Co., IL
• Baptism: 21 Oct 1908, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: 1913, Chicago, Cook Co., IL
• Residence: 1914, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: 1915, Eureka, Woodford Co., IL
• Ordained: 15 Jul 1917, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL
• Ordained: 30 Aug 1925, Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Yordy, Ezra B., son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Roeschley) Yordy, was born at Flanagan, Ill., Apr. 46, 1892; died at Mennonite Hospital, Bloomington, Ill., Nov. 9, 1980; aged 88 y. On Dec. 16, 1915, he was married to Carrie E. Good, who survives. Also surviving are one son (Maurice), 4 daughters (Ethel Troyer, Alta Graber, Dorothy Yordy, and Ruth Keller), 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and one brother (Jonas). He was preceded in death by one daughter (Florence-Mrs. Orval Schrock). He was ordained to the ministry in 1917 and served at the Roanoke Mennonite Church. He was a member of Roanoke Mennonite Church, where funeral services were held on Nov. 12, in charge of Norman Yutzy, Robert Harnish, Richard Yordy and Edwin Stalter; interment in the church cemetery.


Following are remarks made by Alvin Yordy at the Joseph Yordy Reunion, June 10, 1978:
"Ezra, the active, out-going member of the family gave many years of pastoral care to the Roanoke Mennonite Church, as well as leadership in his community and state. As a young man, he could run faster, jump higher, and shuck more corn than most anyone. He suffered a bad knee from the result of a runaway horse throwing him from his buggy. Later the leg had to be amputated. This never slowed him down. He continued to preach, farm, and travel. Not only is he remembered for his many services to mankind, but is also remembered as a great story teller and for his ability in 'witching' successful water wells. Many a thirsty person has drunk from a well 'witched' by Ezra. Much of his success was due to Carrie, his wife. She was a good manager, a hard worker, and a kind mother who gave rich guidance to her six children and many grandchildren. She also is remembered for her hospitality shown to many traveling ministers, neighbors, and relatives."


Written material follows from the Joseph Yordy family members:
Ezra B. Yordy 1892-1980 and Carrie Good Yordy
Ezra B. Yordy was ordained to the ministry July 15, 1917, after being selected by a vote of the Roanoke congregation. Bishop Andrew Schrock and C. F. Derstine officiated at the ordination. He was ordained bishop by the voice of the congregation on August 30, 1925. Bishops S. F. Coffman and C. F. Derstine officiated at the ordination. Ezra served the congregation until his retirement in 1957. His wife, Carrie, was a faithful servant of the church, and at his side during all these years of ministry.
It is interesting to note that both Ezra and Carrie were born in Livingston Co., IL During their early childhood years they both moved with their families to Champaign Co., IL. They worshipped at the East Bend Mennonite Church at Fisher, and were baptized by Bishop Peter Zehr of that congregation. Later, Ezra returned to Woodford Co. and lived on a farm south of Secor. As a young man he went to Chicago to study at Bethany Bible School. During this time he lived at the Mennonite Home Mission and became acquainted with city mission work under the guidance of A. H. Lehman, who was superintendent of the mission at the time. Bishop Lehman had a great influence on Ezra’s life and wanted to develop him into an urban missionary. The tug of country life was deeply ingrained in Ezra, so he returned to life on the farm. His family worshipped at the Roanoke congregation and Ezra became active in the Sunday school. It was this assignment and the experiences that accompanied it that eventually led him to be chosen as a minister in the church. His love for spirited horses and an accident involving a run-away team during this era eventually resulted in the loss of his right leg. It was obvious that this trauma had a profound impact on his physical involvement throughout the rest of his life.
Even though Ezra had left the Fisher area, he continued to nurture a friendship with Carrie Good. This led to their marriage on December 15, 1915, at the home of the bride’s parents, Peter and Mary Naffziger Good of Rantoul, IL. They were married by Bishop Peter Zehr of the East Bend congregation and they requested permission to have the Roeschley brothers male quartet, Ezra’s cousins from Waldo, at Flanagan, sing at their wedding. This was considered to be a real plus at the time, and they were also given permission to wear corsages for the wedding.
They first lived on a farm at the north edge of Eureka, just across from the present Maple Lawn Homes. Later, they moved to a farm several miles east of Eureka on 4-H Road--a farm that was owned by DeBolt Householter of the Roanoke congregation. From there they moved to their farm home south of Eureka and that is where they continued to live until their retirement. They raised their family of six children on this farm. There were five girls and one son. During this era Mennonite ministers provided for most of their livelihood, so Ezra’s disability meant that Carrie shouldered many of the farm activities involving care of the livestock during morning and evening chore times. The children were also called upon to share in these activities prior to leaving for school each day.
The Yordy home was often the place where visiting evangelists, missionaries, church workers, and others often found hospitality and rest. Ezra was a gregarious person and loved to share his stories and visit with others. Carrie was more reserved in nature and found her role of quietly serving others to be the one that she enjoyed. She was a loyal and faithful minister’s wife and carried her responsibilities with trust and dignity. Ezra and Carrie loved their family very much and supported them with quiet resolve. The years of the Great Depression in the early 1930s were not without trauma and it was during this time that Ezra had his right leg amputated as a result of the injury from the accident with horses during his teen years. Various members of the Roanoke congregation and the community provided assistance in numerous ways.
Ezra had many friends in the local community and developed a strong relationship with local pastors from other denominations in the Eureka area. He also enjoyed a close fellowship with other Illinois conference ministers as they worked together and often traveled to various church-wide meetings, such as state and national conferences of the Mennonite Church.
During his tenure at Roanoke, Ezra served the church in other ways outside the local congregation. He often ministered to the residents of Maple Lawn Homes and was a very close friend to J. D. Smith, the first superintendent. He served as a bishop in the oversight of several area churches and enjoyed working with other ministers in these assignments. When James and Rowena Lark were called to pastor the first black church in the Illinois conference in Chicago, he served as their bishop. This involved numerous trips to Chicago as the work developed in that city. During his ministry, Ezra did some traveling as an evangelist, served as the moderator of the Illinois Conference, and was president of the Illinois District Mission Board for ten years.
Ezra often quoted some lines written by Edgar A. Guest, that seemed to fit his outgoing personality. They are, “Let me live by the side of the road and be a friend to man.” In all of his experiences in life he shared his great love for people, his faithful devotion to the Mennonite Church, and his abiding faith in Jesus Christ.

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church, by Peter Zehr

Residence:
Worked with Home Mission on 18th Street, the so-called “bloody ward” of the city.

Residence:
Taught Sunday school and romanced Carrie Good

Ordained:
Minister Roanoke Mennonite Church by Bishop Andrew Schrock and Minister C.F. Derstine

Ordained:
Ordained Bishop by S.F. Coffman and C.F. Derstine. He was later given oversight of Maple Lawn Home; the Goodfield congregation, the Cullom Mennonite Church; Ann Street, Sheffield; Rehoboth; and the Bethel church in Chicago. He made the rounds of these churches, conducting communion and marriages.

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Ezra married Carrie Edna Good on 16 Dec 1915 in East Bend Twp., Champaign Co., IL. Carrie (daughter of Peter Good and Mary A. Naffziger (Nofzinger)) was born on 2 Jan 1893 in Cornell, Livingston Co., IL; died on 24 Jan 1993 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Jan 1993 in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
By Peter Zehr, at home of bride’s parents, Peter Good. Carrie’s white wedding dress and dark blue going away dress were sewn by a seamstress in Fisher, IL.

1. Ethel Mae Yordy was born on 16 Feb 1917 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; died on 3 Aug 2011 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.
2. Dorothy Marie Yordy was born on 8 Dec 1918 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; died on 16 Jan 2013 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL.
3. Alta Mabrae Yordy was born on 24 Sep 1921 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; died on 21 Dec 2017 in Normal, McLean Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.
4. Florence Mardelle Yordy was born on 7 Oct 1923; died on 26 Dec 1977.
5. Ruth Mildred Yordy was born on 7 Mar 1927 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; died on 21 Mar 2012 in Fort Madison, IA; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL.
6. Maurice James Yordy

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Farmer
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Residence: 1867, Woodford Co., IL
• Census: 1900, Brown Twp., Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: 1903-1904, CA
• Residence: 1898-1911, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL
• Residence: 1911, Secor, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1922/3, Eureka, Woodford Co., IL
• Residence: 1925/6, Eureka, Woodford Co., IL

Notes:

Obit: The Metamora Herald, Feb. 1925
Yordy. - Joseph, son of Peter and Mary Yordy, was born near Pekin, Ill., Nov. 7, 1857; died at his home in Eureka, Ill., Feb. 19, 1925; aged 67 y. 3 m. 12 d. In boyhood he moved with his parents to Roanoke, Ill. On Jan 1, 1882, he was married to Elizabeth Roeschley. To this union were born three daughters (Ella, Anna, and Mrs. Josephine Schrock), and six sons (Aaron, Ezra, Walter, Jonas, Alvin, and Lewis). After his marriage he lived one year near Roanoke, fifteen years near Flanagan, twelve years near Fisher, and the remaining years in Woodford county. In his early manhood he united with the Mennonite Church and had a ringing Christian testimony to the end. He served the Church as a faithful deacon since 1920. Singing always found a great place in his life, and he always took an active part in worshiping God in song. Although never very strong physically, yet he had a strong faith in the living God and lived a stable consistent Christian life. Since Christmas he suffered much. Often during the last few months he longed for eternal rest. He was conscious to the last, although unable to speak, and showed great calmness the last hours of his life on earth. His desire is fulfilled now, for he has gone where "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, not crying, neither shall there be any more pain." He leaves his wife, nine children, nine grandchildren, one brother (Jacob, of Flanagan), two sisters (Barbara, of Eureka, and Mrs. Chris. Bachman of Cazenovia), many relatives and friends. Funeral services at the Roanoke Mennonite Church Feb 22, 1925, conducted by Brothers A.A. Schrock and H.R. Schertz. Text John 11:25. Interment in cemetery nearby.

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Joseph and Elizabeth, according to best estimates, lived on a farm for one year in the vicinity of Roanoke. In 1883 they moved to a farm northeast of Flanagan and lived there until 1899. The thirteen years at Flanagan in Livingston Co. preceded a move to Fisher in Champaign Co. There they settled on a farm which was located approximately two miles west on what is now Rt.136. (While in the Fisher area, daughter Ella was sent several times to the Kankakee mental hospital--see notes for Ella. (db) In 1911 [after selling their Fisher farm to Jacob Zehr] the family moved back to Woodford Co. to a farm called Plainview, located southwest of Secor, on Meridian Road. The years from 1922 until 1926 were spent in Eureka and from there Elizabeth Yordy moved to the farm south of Eureka after the death of her husband in 1925.

Joseph served as deacon at Roanoke Mennonite Church from about 1920-24. He was known as a “man of good judgement.” Town people considered him to have money and often asked to borrow from him. At one time he lived outside the Mennonite community in Secor, IL, near Panther Creek.

Joseph had a bit of a wanderlust in his blood: in 1903-4 he took the family to California; in 1912 to Texas. He also took a trip to Washington, D.C. to satisfy his curiosity about the seat of government.

Eunice Schrock Kandel writes, “Grandfather Joseph Yordy died in 1925 during my second year in school. We visited with him at Christmas time, 1924. There is a picture in my mind of him in a long flannel robe, standing over a hot air register at their home in Eureka. The holiday atmosphere was subdued because of his illness. In February of the next year, while I was fighting a persistent cough and fever, we received the news of Grandpa’s imminent death. Mother wrapped me in comforters and made a bed in the back seat of our Model T, and our family of four made the trip to Eureka. As we drove up to the house, Uncle Alvin stood on the porch with tears in his eyes. Mother said, ‘We’re too late.’ Just minutes before our arrival Grandpa had passed away.”

Residence:
Peter Yordy Farm: Joseph Yordy moved to this farm with his parents.

Census:
Listed as a farmer born 1857 (parents born in Germany), with wife Elizabeth born 1861 (parents born in France); children Ellen (Ella), Anna, Josephine, Aaron, Ezra, Walter, Jonas; and servant/farm laborer Carl Studer born in Switzerland.

Residence:
Lived there with his family for about two years.

Residence:
Purchased a farm two miles west of Fisher.

Residence:
Plainview Farm

Residence:
502 West Cruger Avenue. Lived here after leaving Plainview Farm.

Residence:
Two and one-half miles south of Eureka. Elizabeth Yordy moved to this farm after Joseph died.

Died:
At his home

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery.

Joseph married Elizabeth A. Roeschley on 1 Jan 1882 in Roanoke Twp., Woodford Co., IL. Elizabeth (daughter of Johannes (Jean) Roeschley and Elizabeth Saltzman) was born on 20 Jul 1862 in Spring Bay, Woodford Co., IL; died on 3 Feb 1953 in Eureka, Woodford Co., IL; was buried in Roanoke, Woodford Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: Housewife, Mother
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Gospel Herald Obit:
Yordy, -- Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Saltzman) Roeschley, was born near Spring Bay, Ill., July 20, 1862; passed away Feb.3, 1953; aged 90 y. 6 m. 14 d. On Jan. 1, 1882, at the Roanoke Mennonite Church, she was united in marriage to Joseph Yordy, who preceded her in death in 1925. Surviving are 3 daughters (Ella, Anna, and Mrs. Josephine Schrock, Eureka, Ill.), 5 sons (Aaron, Peoria, Ill.; Ezra, Eureka, Ill.; Walter, Chicago, Ill.; Jonas, Eureka, Ill.; and Alvin, Denver, Colo.), 15 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. One son (Lewis) also preceded her in death. In her youth she united with the Mennonite Church and for many years taught a German Sunday-school class. Funeral services were in charge of John L. Harnish and J. D. Hartzler, with burial in the church cemetery.
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“Elizabeth taught her husband, Joseph, to read. She was quiet, determined, with a good sense of humor. She was frugal, a good gardener, and managed her household well, often smoothing over differences in the family--a leveler. Elizabeth was affected for many years with arthritis, and was an invalid during her later years in life, finally confined to her home because of her helpless condition.

“Grandma Yordy outlived her husband by many years...Grandma must have had severe arthritis. She walked so slowly that she had to be called to dinner at least ten minutes before serving time. Aunt Ella and Uncle Aaron were always there at the farm taking care of ‘Ma.’ Later, when they moved back to Eureka, Uncle Jonas and Aunt Anna appeared on the scene to take care of their aging and bedfast mother....”

A Eureka newspaper article reported Elizabeth being honored at a surprise birthday party dinner at her home three miles south of Eureka, arranged by Mrs. William Kane of Metamora. The article went on to mention her parents, “Mr. and Mrs. Roeschley who lived two miles north of Eureka. She [Elizabeth] remembers how she would walk to Eureka with eggs in a market basket and take groceries home for the week. She attended church services at what was called Black Partrige, across from the Partrige cemetery, west of Washington, and also remembers well the old “grist mill” along the Illinois river [where her father was miller].”

Birth:
Born in her parents’ home two miles north of Eureka

Buried:
Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery

Notes:

Married:
At the Amisch Mennonite Church, Roanoke, Woodford Co., by Jacob Zehr, Minister of the Gospel. Witnesses: John J. Roeschley and Joseph Wagner. Joseph was living in rural Roanoke Twp. at the time of marriage and Elizabeth was living in Roanoke. Witnesses to the marriage were John Roeschley and Joseph Wagner (Wagler).

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.
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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.”
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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.

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“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.”
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“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.”
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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. “
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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.

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:

• Occupation: Cultivator. He was described as “a plowman on the Raderhoff.”
• Religion: Amish Mennonite

Notes:

Lived on the Raderfoff at Dambach, Lower Alsace for the birth of their child, Christian, in 1809. They settled at Jaegerthal, adjacent to Windstein, Lower Alsace circa 1814. While they were there, two more children were registered at Windstein in 1815 and 1818.


“With the exception of the years 1814-1818, little is known of the lives of Jakob Jordi, son of Johannes Jordy and Barbara Esch. Birth records of his children tell us that he was married to Catherina Schantz. Her ancestry is uncertain, but she may have been a daughter of Christian Schantz and Anna Rubi of the Heiligenbrunerhof near Lembach. To date, no historic record of the marriage of Jakob and Catherina has been located. We also know that through this period, the couple lived at Jaegerthal, France. Jaegerthal is the site of an iron foundry (first built in 1602) and an adjacent estate. It could not even be called a “village”. It would more appropriately be referred to as a commune located approximately one mile south of the village of Windstein, France. It appears that Jakob Jordi began as a day laborer on the estate at Jaegerthal. He apparently worked in the agricultural endeavors at Jaegerthal (rather than the foundry) as he was described as a “cultivator” or farmer on Jacobina’s birth registry.

“From the historic records thus far identified, it appears that Jakob and Catharina resided somewhere other than the Jaegerthal/Windstein region prior to 1814. During this time, their son, Christian, and possibly a son, Jakob (father of Barbara Yordy Eigsti), were born. The historic record suggests they left Jaegerthal shortly after the birth of daughter, Jacobina, in 1818. According to their son, Peter Yordy, they moved to a location “about 20 miles south of Munich, Bavaria, Germany. Though the sight has not yet been located, Peter’s immigration record suggests it may have been near Starnberger See (Lake Starnberg). “ [probably Socking or Hanfeld]


Grünthal on August 18, 1874: With the return of the received letter from the royal District Office Hemau from the 4th of the month with the subject is reported as follows on the basis of the declaration of the farm owner Jakob Jordy from the Pentlhof:  1) From 1841 to 1853, the intended Jordy was 12 (?) years old as an economic tenant with Mr. Neuffert in Eichhofen. 2) His children born in Eichhofen are: a Maria Jordy b. on January 8, 1842 b) Elisabetha Jordy on September 15, 1844 c) Magdalena Jordy on September 25, 1847 d) Anna Jordy on February 16, 1849 e) Jakob Jordy on October 5th, 1852 f) Barbara Jordy on December 14, 1853 drawn to the most gracious awe Stadtamhof on August 20, 1874 Lehnert There is still to be researched when Jakob married Jordy and where he lives.

Birth:
Birth document of Peter says Jacob was 37.

Jakob married Catharina Schantz on 31 Jan 1803. Catharina (daughter of Johannes Schantz and Magdalena Stutz) was born before 1811. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Residence: Schoenenbourg, Bas-Rhin, FR

Notes:

Shantz, a Swiss Mennonite family name, is mentioned among the Anabaptists as early as 1541 in the canton of Bern, Switzerland. In 1567 a Hans Tschantz of Kiesen, canton of Bern, was imprisoned for his faith. In the first part of the 18th century members of the family moved to the Bernese Jura district, as well as to Montbéliard and Alsace. In 1824 a Johannes Tschantz and his son Abraham left their Jura home and settled in the Sonnenberg district in Wayne County, Ohio, where some of their descendants still live.
As of 1959, the family name Shantz had only a few representatives left among Mennonites in Europe. The name was represented in Pennsylvania as early as 1737 when Jacob Schantz immigrated to Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Hans Tschantz was the third bishop in the colonial Mennonite settlement in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It is known that he was active ca. 1742; a cemetery plot donated by him remained named "Hans Tschantz cemetery." Since 1800 Shantz has also been a prominent family in the Mennonite Church (MC) in Ontario. The following is a small list of ordained men bearing the name Shantz who have served as bishops in the church: Henry Shantz (1864-77), who served the Detweiler congregation from 1842; Israel R. Shantz (1863-1910), who moved from Waterloo to Carstairs, Alberta ca. 1903; Moses H. Shantz (1884-1938) at Blenheim, Ontario, who for many years was also the moderator of the Ontario Conference (MC) and was for some time the president of the Mennonite Publication Board; Benjamin B. Shantz (b. 1880), who served at the Hagey congregation; Stanley D. Schantz (b. 1914), who served in Guernsey, Saskatchewan. Preachers included Merle Shantz, who served at the Wanner congregation, Ontario and Irwin Schantz, who served in Loman, Minnesota. Jacob Y. Shantz was a prominent layman (MC) in Kitchener, Ontario, joining the Mennonite Brethren in Christ Church ca. 1875 when it was started. John Schantz (1774-1855) and his son Joseph (1814-81) were ministers in the Upper Milford, Pennsylvania congregation which joined the Oberholtzer group (the forerunner of the General Conference Mennonite Church [GCM]) in 1847. J. W. Schantz (1878-1916) was a GCM minister at Schwenksville, Pennsylvania and Zion at Souderton, Pennsylvania, 1907-1916.

An Amish branch of the family came to North America ca. 1768. Joseph Schantz (1749-1810), who changed his name to Johns, was in Somerset County, Pennsylvania by 1793, and in 1810 founded the city of Johnstown on his land. Some of his descendants moved to Elkhart County, Indiana, where Daniel J. Johns (1850-1942) was an outstanding leader, as were two of his sons, Ira and Otis. Ira S. Johns (1879-1956) was a preacher at the Clinton Frame congregation near Goshen and served for a long time as secretary of the Indiana-Michigan Mennonite Conference (MC). Otis N. Johns was bishop of the Beech congregation near Louisville, Ohio, and long serving secretary of the Mennonite Publication Board. Joseph Schantz (1856-1934), a preacher at Ingolstadt, Bavaria, where his father and grandfather had been bishops in the Amish congregation, immigrated to the Midwest United States, finally locating in Wisner, Nebraska and serving the MC congregation there. Two brothers, Daniel and Andrew Schantz, also came with Joseph to the Midwest. Descendents of these three men scattered through Nebraska, Oklahoma and other Midwestern states. Other Amish Schantzes emigrated from Europe to Central Illinois, including Christian Schantz who settled in Tiskilwa ca. 1840, and Jacob Schantz who moved from Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany to Congerville, Illinois in 1847. Peter Schantz (1853-1924), a son of Jacob, was an outstanding leader in the Central Mennonite Conference.

Bibliography
Kauffman, Daniel. Mennonite Cyclopedic Dictionary. Scottdale, PA: Mennonite Publishing House, 1937.

Bender, Harold S. "Shantz (Schantz, Shanz, Tschantz, Johns) family." Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. 1959. Web. 14 Sep 2017. http://gameo.org/index.php?title=Shantz_(Schantz,_Shanz,_Tschantz,_Johns)_family&oldid=119606.

©1996-2017 by the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. All rights reserved.}

Notes:

Married:
11 Pluviose XI

Jacob Jordi, 24,
Resident of Lauterbacher Hof
Parents Johannes Jordi and Barbara Eschin
 
Catharina Schantz
Parents Johannes Schantz and Magdalena Stutz
 
Witnesses Christian Hochstettler, 64, Isaac Hochstettler, 30, and Peter Hochstettler, 30, all of the Lauterbacher Hof..

Other Events and Attributes:

• Occupation: In Europe A Bauer (Farmer), In USA Farmer
• Reference Number: 97
• Religion: Mennonite
• Residence: Bef 1800, Völlerdingen, Alsace, FR
• Residence: 1811, Flugelsberg, Bavaria, GR
• PURC: 10 Nov 1815, Arzbach, Bavaria, GR
• Residence: 1818-1824, Pellheim, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 13 Mar 1851, Bavaria, GR
• Immigration: 7 Jun 1851, Le Havre to New York
• Census: 1860, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Of Kirshstockach, Bavaria. Lived first in Odenstockah, near Munich, Bavaria, then moved to Neukirchstock, also near Munich.

According to Hermann Guth's 1989 research, “at 62 years of age Christian applied to emigrate to Illinois on 13 Mar 1851, with his second wife Elizabeth Stalter, age 37. He had 10,000 fl of assets and his wife had an additional 2,225 fl. This was much more than most immigrants had. Traveling with them were Elizabeth 23, Andréas 29, Anna 28, Katharina 17, Veronika 15, from his first wife, and, Jakobine 5, Heinrich 4, Jakob 3, and Helena 6 mo. from his second wife. Christian noted to authorities that several older children were already in America.

Christian's daughter, Barbara Birki, from Kirchstockach (unmarried, but with child, Jacob, whose father was Thomas Luiderer from Putzbrunn) applied on 29 Feb 1849 for permission to emigrate to Illinois. Her father gave approval because she wished to travel with his brother, Valentine Birki from Gern, who was the child's guardian. The document indicated that three brothers/sisters were already in America. Barbara and Valentine planned to travel via Mannheim-Le Havre-New York, with ship agent Karl Dick from Augsburg, but evidently plans changed since they are on the ship list of the Minnesota sailing from Liverpool, England to New York in 1849. Included were Valentine Birki (1794) with niece Barbara and her illegitimate son; Valentine's daughter, Mary Burkey Birky (1833); and Daniel Zehr. “
—————————————————————————————
“Christian Birkÿ, farmer at Mair in KIrchstockach and widower, intends to marry Elisabeth Stalter, forestry farmer’s daughter from Gern, and sought reception into and consent of the community. Since Christian Birkÿ possesses an entire estate, and his future bride brings a dowry of 800 guilders, and their advancement is adequately assured, and they are liable for insignificant debts, we agree to this marriage on behalf of the entire community.
In confirmation of this, Brunnthal the 13th of August 1841, the local authorities of Brunnthal:
Andreas Zimmermann, Georg Fischer[?], Johann Heiss[?]”

“Christian’s assets at the time of immigration were 10,000 fl. and the assets of his children’s mother was a further 2,225 fl. for the children of his first marriage. He emigrate from Bavaria to the New World with one of the higher known fortunes. His brother Valentine also left the Europe with 10,000 fl. Many immigrants left with only a few hundred.”

“In the 1860 Illinois census, Christian and Elizabeth "Berky" are found in Groveland Township where Christian had purchased 120 acres of land in Section 22. Seventy two year-old Christian and 48 year old Elizabeth lived with their children, Henry, Jacob, Helena, Jacobina, and John (born in Illinois after the family arrived). Upon arriving in Illinois, Christian purchased 80 acres of farmland just north of Groveland in Tazewell County. Christian died on February 14, 1866 and was buried on his farm next to Heinrich Stalter, his father-in-law. His son Joseph was appointed administrator of his estate. The estate was valued at $2050.75 plus 120 acres of land valued at $4400. Each child received $264.13 from the estate settlement on 4/15/ 1868. Elisabeth received her widow's share. The last documentation of Elizabeth Stalter "Burky" is in the 1870 Census when she was living in Groveland, Tazewell County with her 5 children, Jacobine, Henry, Jacob, Helena, and John. Elisabeth died on September 24, 1872 and was buried next to her husband and father. In 1875 the children sold the land to Meinrad Biender, reserving one quarter of acre where the cemetery lay. It is now referred to as the “Birki Cemetery”.

Birth:
Near Diemeringen

Residence:
Lutterbacherhof. This is assumed because we know his brother Valentine lived there before going to Bavaria.

PURC:
Near Dachau, borough Rohrmoos. A half farm, the “Pasten estate,” house No. 8. Purchased from Jakob Hiser (Heiser) from Hanfeld, Country Court Starnberg. Size of the half farm was 84 days work and included a potato distillery.

Residence:
Mennonite and partial leaseholder on the grounds of the Pellheim estate of major general Maximilian Graf von Spreti at Arzbach, Bavaria, a few miles north of Dachau.

Immigration:
Applied for emigration

Immigration:
On French Bark, Adhimary (Adhema?), with his second wife and nine children, and Christian’s brother-in-law, Georg Kettner and his family (husband of Maria Birki).
Traveling with Christian and Elisabeth were Andréas (29), Anna (18), Elizabeth (23), Katharina (17) and Veronika (15) -children of Christian and his first wife - and Jakobine (5), Heinrich (4), Jakob (3), and Helena (6 mo.) - children of Christian and Elisabeth. He left capital of10,000 guilders. He deposited 2225 guilders for the children of his first marriage.

Census:
Listed as age 72 with wife Elizabeth, age 48.

Died:
Estate document from Tazewell Co. on file. Burial site is in Section 22 of Groveland Two., Tazewell Co., IL.

Buried:
Birki Cemetery - https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2596053/birki-cemetery/map#share_email

Christian married Maria Anna Gascho about 1815 in Pellheim, Bavaria, GR. Maria (daughter of André Gascho and Anna Zwalter) was born in 1798 in Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle, FR; died between 1840-1841 in Bavaria, GR. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

“Maria Gajou from Nancÿ in Frankreich”

“Christian's first wife was named Mary [Gascho]. On August 10, 1854, Christian Birky petitioned the court to be named legal guardian of his daughter Fronica (Veronica), as follows:

To the County Court Tazewell County Illinois The undersigned respectfully shows that Fronica Birkey aged seventeen years in January last is a minor heir of his wife Mary deceased and that the said Fronica is his daughter, and that heir aforesaid she is entitled to certain property of about the value of $178---- and he preys that letter of Guardianship may issue to him the said Christian Birkey for his said daughter. Affirmed to this ?? (Signed) Christian Birki before me this 10th day of August, 1854 Jno M Bush.

Also in the file is the Court's Order that appointed Christian the legal guardian of Fronica (Veronica) until she reached the age of 18. This suggests that Mary received a bequest (most likely from her father at the time of his death). Since she had apparently pre-deceased the benefactor, her bequest was divided among her natural children (Mary, Joseph, Magdalena, Barbara, Elizabeth, Andrew, Anna, Catharina, and Veronica). All save Veronica were of the age of majority in 1854. In order for her to collect her property, she needed a legal guardian, and that became her father. The person leaving the bequest may have been of some means since Mary's share was $1602, and an equal amount may well have been left to any of Mary's siblings or their issue. The entire process suggests that Mary Birki's father may have died intestate in Illinois in 1853 or 1854 and it thus may be possible to identify him through probate or other guardian records. “ Gary Yordy (Source: Tazewell County Probate Records, File 11 “Fronica Birkey”)

Notes:

Married:
Arzbach was the name of an estate outlying the village of Pellheim (about 1.7 miles north of the center of Pellheim. It was the site of Schloss Pellheim, the house or palace of a count. The house is now a restaurant. Pellheim was administratively incorporated into Dachau in 1972.

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