Magdalena Hooley1. Born on 4 Aug 1761 in Lancaster Co., PA. Magdalena died in Mifflin Co., PA, on 25 Apr 1840; she was 78.

Magdalena married Christian “der Dick Christal” Yoder1, son of Jacob “Strong Jacob” Yoder (1726-1790) & Anna Beiler (1726-1804). Born in 1761 in Berks Co., PA. Christian “der Dick Christal” died on 27 Dec 1847 in Mifflin Co., PA.

“der dick Christal” means “the thick Christian”.1

They had the following children:

13 i. Daniel “Big Daniel” (1789-1843)

14 ii. Christian (1791-1859)

15 iii. Magdalena “Mattie” (~1793-)

16 iv. Jacob (~1795-1849)

17 v. Catherine (1800-1871)

18 vi. Barbara (1801-1862)

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Dick Christal and Magdalena (Hooley) Yoder

- By Iva Lou Yoder, Edited by Betty Hartzler

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, September 19, 2004, twenty-five descendants gathered in the Allensville Amish-Mennonite cemetery for the dedication of new tombstones marking the graves of "Dick Christal" and Magdalena (Hooley) Yoder.

The original mountain stones, marked "DY 1847" and "MY 1840" (plus a third stone with no markings) had weathered and split. Percy Yoder enlisted the help of Lewistown Monument Co. and at three different times applied a sealer. Despite these efforts, the stones continued to deteriorate and would eventually have crumbled. Percy then began a campaign to replace the old stones with new ones. At three different reunions of DY and MY descendants, collections were taken and held by Iva Lou Yoder, acting treasurer. Other contributions from a number of relatives given to Percy made up the majority of the cost. The original stones will be preserved in the Mennonite Heritage Center in Belleville, PA.

During the brief service, Percy Yoder spoke on Yoder family history, stressing the hardships of the pioneer families. Lee Kanagy had a scripture meditation and prayer. Gilbert Yoder served as photographer for the occasion. There was time for questions and answers and fellowship. This was a memorable time for those who had a part in preserving the memory of Dick Christal and Magdalena Yoder.

DY 1847 was Christian Yoder (Dick or Thick Christal). He was born in 1761 in Berks Co, PA and was the sixth of nine children born to "Strong" or "Stark" Jacob and Anna (Beiler) Yoder. He married Magdalena Hooley (1761-1840), daughter of John and Catharine (Blank) Hooley.

John Hooley moved to Kishacoquillas Valley (Brown Township) in 1791 and was the first Amish minister in Mifflin County. "Dick" Christal and Magdalena soon followed, raising three sons and three daughters in the Valley: Daniel, Christian, Magdalena, Jacob, Catharine and Barbara. Daniel was the only son to remain in Big Valley, buying the farm along Saddlers Creek in Huntingdon County. (It is now occupied by Robert and Virginia Renno.)

There are hundred of descendants in Big Valley and elsewhere who come from this family.