Dorothy Marie Yordy

Notes:

Obit: http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/obituaries/dorothy-yordy article_419c5b4a-60fb-11e2-ad9f-001a4bcf887a.html January 18, 2013 12:00 am
EUREKA — Dorothy M. Yordy, 94, Eureka, passed away at 11:06 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 16, 2013) at Advocate Eureka Hospital.
She was born Dec. 8, 1918, in Eureka, to Ezra and Carrie Good Yordy.
Surviving is one sister, Alta Graber, and one brother, Maurice (Patricia) Yordy, both of Eureka; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Ethel (Robert) Troyer, Florence (Orval) Schrock and Ruth (Robert) Keller; and brother-in-law, Chris Graber.
Dorothy graduated from Eureka High School. She was employed for more than 40 years as the secretary at the Woodford County Farm Bureau.
Dorothy had many interests, including her family, scrapbooking, photography, gardening, cooking and helping others. She was especially known for her cookies and pies at church functions at the Roanoke Mennonite Church where she was a member.
Her funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Maple Lawn Memorial Hall in Eureka. Brian Miller and Maurice Yordy will officiate. Burial will be in the Roanoke Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Saturday at Memorial Hall. Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Lawn Health Center or the Roanoke Mennonite Church.

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]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Education: High School Studies At Spring Lake Grade School In Rantoul, Wrote Examinations At Champaign, IL Attended Short Bible Terms At Goshen College, Goshen, IN, Winters Of 1911 And 1912.
• Occupation: Ministers Wife
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Baptism: 21 Oct 1906, Fisher, Champaign Co., IL

Notes:

Obit:
Yordy.- Carrie E. Good, 100, Eureka, Ill. Born: Jan. 2, 1893, Cornell, Ill., to Peter and Mary Naffziger Good. Died: Jan. 24, 1993, Eureka, Ill. Survivors-- children: Maurice J., Ethel Troyer, Alta Graber, Dorothy, Ruth Keller; sister: Elsie Birky; 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren. Predeceased by: Ezra Yordy (husband). Funeral and burial: Jan. 27, Roanoke Mennonite Church, by Rick Troyer and Elmer Wyse.
Carrie attended Goshen College and belonged to Roanoke Mennonite Church, where her husband was bishop for many years. Orval and Mae Schrock attended Aunt Carrie's 100th birthday celebration only a few weeks before her death.

A granddaughter, Mary Ann Watkins, wrote at the time of Carrie’s 100th birthday that she “was a kind and considerate mother to her six children. She was left to rear and guide them many times while her husband, Ezra, was ‘at church,’ ‘at a meeting,’ ‘away at conference,’ ‘preaching again,’ etc. Carrie prepared many a meal for ministers, friends, families, and strangers, and kept a spare bed ready at any call!”

Forty or more friends and relatives stayed at the Yordy home when the Mennonite Church General Conference met at Eureka in 1925. A granddaughter also recalled that as a child a bus load of Goshen College students drove into the Yordy farmyard, filed into the dining room where they enjoyed a meal before giving a program at the Roanoke Mennonite Church.

Baptism:
East Bend Mennonite Church by Peter Zehr

Buried:
Mennonite Cemetery

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.

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.

———————————————————————
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.
—————————
“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:

• Immigration: 1831, NYC
• Residence: Apr 1831, Butler Co., OH

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald Good.--
Peter, son of the late Chris and Pheobe Good, was born at Hopedale, Ill., Oct. 22, 1863; died very suddenly at his home in Fisher, Ill., Sept. 19, 1946; aged 82 y. 10 m. 27 d. As a young man he gave his life to Christ and united with the Hopedale Mennonite Church. On Feb. 4, 1892, he was united in marriage to Mary Naffziger. They first lived at Flanagan, and then moved to a farm near Rantoul. There they lived until five years ago, when they retired and moved to Fisher. Surviving are his widow, 4 sons (LeRoy, Ivan, and Joseph, all of Rantoul; and Arthur, Paxton, Ill., 5 daughters (Carrie--Mrs. Ezra Yordy, Eureka, Ill.; ElsieMrs. Emanuel Birkey, Kouts, Ind.; Laura--Mrs. Jesse Heiser, of Fisher; Alta--Mrs. Lester Hershey, Chicago, Ill.; and Bessie--Mrs. Melvin Greiser, Dewey, Ill.), 32 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one sister (Mrs. John Reeser, Metamora, Ill.), and a large number of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were held Sept. 22 at the home, in charge of Harold Zehr, and at the East Bend Church, Fisher, in charge of J. A. Heiser, C. L. Graber, and C. F. Derstine. Burial was made in the East Bend Mennonite Cemetery.


Four of Peter’s sons sang together for years at East Bend Mennonite Church--many times for funerals. Peter drove the team of horses which pulled the hearse to the cemetery, according to an interview in “By the Bend of the River” video.

Peter purchased 309 acres of land in Section 13 of East Bend Township from John Wingle on March 7, 1900. August Unzicker had formerly lived on this farm. The Good family came to the area from Livingston County.

Died:
At his home

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

Peter married Mary A. Naffziger (Nofzinger) on 4 Feb 1892. Mary (daughter of Joseph Naffziger and Barbara Martin) was born on 31 Mar 1871 in Delavan, Tazewell Co., IL; died on 12 Jan 1957 in Dewey, Champaign Co., IL; was buried in Fisher, Champaign Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Obit: Gospel Herald - Volume L, Number 6 - February 5, 1957 - page 142, 143
Good, Mary, daughter of Joseph and Barbara Naffziger, was born March 31, 1871, near Delavan, Ill.; on Jan. 12, after an illness of 3 weeks, she departed this life at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Melvin Grieser, Dewey, Ill.; aged 85 y. 10m. 12 d. In her youth she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour and became a member of the Mennonite Church at Hopedale, Ill. At the time of her death she was a member of the East Bend congregation near Fisher, Ill. On Feb. 4, 1892, she was married to Peter Good, who preceded her in death in 1946. They made their home in Livingston County until 1900 when they moved to Champaign County, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Surviving are 5 daughters (Mrs. Ezra Yordy, Eureka, Ill.; Mrs. Emanuel Birky, Kouts, Ind.; Mrs. Jesse Heiser, Fisher, Ill.; Mrs. Lester T. Hershey, Aibonito, Puerto Rico; Mrs. Melvin Grieser, Dewey, Ill.), 4 sons (Leroy, Ivan and Joseph, Rantoul, Ill.; Arthur, Paxton, Ill.), one brother (Benjamin, San Diego, Calif.), 33 grandchildren, and 35 great-grandchildren. Four sisters and 3 brothers preceded her in death. She constantly sought the will of the Lord for her life and constantly yielded herself to it. She found great delight in entertaining guests, and speaking with her was always an inspiration. Her witness and testimony will continue to live on in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Her happiness was complete as one by one they made their decision to follow her Lord. Funeral services were held on Jan. 15 in East Bend Church in charge of Howard J. Zehr

Died:
at home of her daughter

Buried:
East Bend Mennonite Cemetery

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.”
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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:

• Reference Number: 139
• Religion: Amish Mennonite
• Immigration: 1854, Burgwalden, Bavaria, GR
• Census: 20 Jul 1860, Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL

Notes:

Birth:
FAG gives date 24 Feb 1833

Census:
M653, Roll 232, p.166. Listed with wife Phoebe; child Christian age 1, born in IL. Listed with the family was John Good, age 30, laborer, born in Germany.

Died:
FAG gives date 26 Sep 1889

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Christian + Jacobina Ehresman. Jacobina (daughter of Christian Ehresman (Eyresmann) and Magdalena Barnhardt) was born on 11 Mar 1834 in Wurttemberg, GR; died on 4 May 1903 in Minier, Tazewell Co., IL; was buried in Hopedale, Tazewell Co., IL. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Reference Number: 140
• USR1: Diabetes

Notes:

Obit: Herald of Truth, May 1903:
"On May 4, 1903, at her home near Milner, Ill., of diabetes, Jacobina Good, nee Erisman, aged 69 Y., 1M., 15D. The last few weeks of her life she suffered greatly. She leaves seven children and 38 grandchildren to mourn her loss, but not as those who have no hope. She was loved by all who knew her and was a true pattern of Christianity. Her life companion preceded her to the spirit world fourteen years ago. Funeral services on the 6th at the A.M. meeting house, where a large concourse of friends assembled to pay a last tribute of respect. Services by Bish J.C.Berky, Pre. Dan Zehr in German and Pre. Samuel Gerber in English."

Birth:
Or born 9 Mar 1835

Died:
FAG gives date 1 May 1902

Buried:
Hopedale Mennonite Cemetery

Joseph married Barbara Martin on 6 Apr 1869 in Tazewell Co., IL. Barbara (daughter of Christian Martin and Marie Zehr) was born on 2 Nov 1846 in Gosselming, Moselle, Lorraine, FR; died on 22 Dec 1885. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]