Ezra L. Yoder 1860-1931

YODER, BENEDICT, BOWMAN, RHODES, MOSTOLLER, MILLER

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 4/4/2017 at 09:30:07

2 April 1931 - The West Branch Times

Our community is deeply sensible of its loss in the death of Ezra L. Yoder, who has been a resident of West Branch for over 25 years and who died last Sunday morning, March 29, 1931 in his 71st year.

He was a farmer's son, and spent his early years on the farm, and his entire life has been lived in close contact with the soil, so that the problems and aspirations of the rural communities have always made an especial appeal to him. From school as a young boy he finally attended and graduated from the Somerset State Normal College, and taught school for some time.

On May 31, 1882, at Hooverville, Penn., he was united in marriage to Jennie R. Bowman, and these two have walked the long road of nearly a half a century, bearing the burdens and sharing the joys of life together.

Two sons were born in the home, both of whom are deeply mourning the loss of their good father, Ledger C. of Iowa City and Otho O. of this place. Mildred Helen is the only grandchild. A nephew, Earl Miller, was also reared in the home and was as another son to Mr. and Mrs. Yoder.

Mr. Yoder was one of a family of thirteen children, he being the youngest, and all who remain today are, Simon of Washington, Kans.; Dan of Hadam, Kansas; Miss Florence Mostoller and Miss Mary Yoder of Listie, Penn.; and Florence Rhodes of Montana. It is a strange coincidence that another brother was thought to be alive at the time the rough draft of this memoir was being made, but a message came Monday to say that this brother, Joseph, of Los Angeles, had died and his body was being sent to the brother's home at Washington, Kans., where a service was held at that place for this brother at the same time Mr. Yoder's funeral occurred here.

Mr. Yoder and his family moved west in 1884, and for six years was a resident of Minden, Iowa, engaging in the mercantile business. After this he moved to Sharon Centre, Iowa, where he was in the same business for sixteen years, and also postmaster. He moved to West Branch in 1905, and this place has been his home since. Forty years ago he united with the Evangelical church at Sharon Centre, and when coming to West Branch he chose the Methodist church as his new spiritual home. All these years he has been a faithful member of its family, and as Sunday school superintendent, and member of its official board; he has been a man whom the church has delighted in, and one whom it will miss greatly.

For twenty-three years he has been the trusted agent of S. F. Baker Co. and his work has taken him into most of the farm homes of a large surrounding territory. We have heard many speak of him, and always with the kindest of sentiments, and not a few who feel that they have lost a dear friend by his death.

Since June of last year, Mr. Yoder has been forced to give up his active life. Sickness resulted in weakness and for many weeks there has been a struggle to regain his once vigorous health. But it was not to be, and the end came peacefully on the Sabbath morning, and his service to the Church Militant has been transferred to the Church Triumphant.

Funeral services were held from the home and the Methodist church on Tuesday, March 31, at 2:30. Burial was made in the town cemetery. The Rev. H. D. Green, pastor of the church directed the service.