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Below is a family biography included in The History of McLean County, Illinois published by Wm. LeBaron, Jr. Co. in 1879.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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PROF. JOHN P. YODER, Principal of Schools, Danvers; was born in Juniata Co., Va., Sept. 4, 1845; he is the son of Elias and Lydia (Plank) Yoder. In 1848, the family came West to Illinois, and first settled in Woodford Co.; in 1850, his father moved into McLean Co., near Brown’s Grove. Here young Yoder spent his early life upon the farm, and secured to himself a good English education at the common schools; during his minority, he learned the carpenter’s trade under the instruction of his father; this he followed at different periods in life. Feb. 3, 1865, he enlisted in the United States service as a private in Co. A, 150th Regt. I. V. I., and served till January, 1866. In 1867, he entered the State Normal University at Normal, from which he graduated in 1871; during his attendance, he taught the winters of 1868, 1869 and 1870 in Danvers Township; after completing the course, he became Principal of the Blue Island Schools, remaining one year; the winter of 1873-74, he taught a session in Dry Grove Township; in the fall of 1875, he was chosen Principal of the Danvers Schools, a position he still holds. Under his supervision, a course of study has been arranged, the schools graded, and the first class graduated April 9, 1879. He was married Dec. 28, 1875, to Rebecca Lautz, a native of Illinois; has two children — Lydia J. and Arthur E. He is at present a member of the Board of Village Trustees, and a Director of the Danvers Library and Literary Association. Prof. Yoder has proved himself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, both at the bench and in the schoolroom.

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This family biography is one of 1257 biographies included in The History of McLean County, Illinois published by Wm. LeBaron, Jr. Co. in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of McLean County, Illinois

View additional McLean County, Illinois family biographies here: McLean County, Illinois Biographies

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