Richason Allen Yoke came from Kentucky with his parents to Indiana when he was but a child, and lived at Bethel, where they settled. He was one of a family of nine children, all of whom became residents of this State, and all have passed away. Mr. Yoke came from Bethel to Marion county, and purchased a quarter section of wild land situated southeast of what was then Indianapolis, on the Shelbyville road, and which is now included in the corporate limits of the Capitol City. Here he erected a log cabin, and began clearing the land, and as the years went by more and more of the heavy timber fell before the axe, and presently the heavily wooded land became beautiful fertile fields. The log cabin was replaced by a modern and commodious residence of comfort and convenience.

Richason Allen Yoke married Isabel J. Moore, a daughter of one of the pioneers of the State, Thomas Moore. She was a worthy. and estimable woman, and together they began married life on the frontier, poor in purse but rich in their mutual affection, health, energy, and boundless determination to make for themselves and their children a comfortable home. Their laudable ambitions met with large success, and here they passed their declining years amid comforts which were the results of their own labor and energy. The husband and father died Oct. 27, 1868, and the wife and mother, in February, 1893. They were the parents of children as follows: Mrs. Sarah J. Smith, of Kansas City, Mo., died in December, 1904; Catherine, widow of Dr. Lewis Manker, a surgeon of the 7th Ind. V. I., in the War of the Rebellion, died in January, 1905; Prof. Nelson Yoke is mentioned below; George J., and his brother, Dr. Charles Yoke, are both residents of Indianapolis. John, Richason A., Mrs. Margaret M.Hill, and Ellen are deceased, the last named dying in childhood.

Richason Allen Yoke was a sturdy, upright and industrious man, a great lover of home, one of the chief desires of his heart being to make it bright and cheerful. Deprived of the advantages of education in early life by the conditions then existing, he realized its value, and encouraged his children to improve all opportunities offered them to secure an education. His earnestness in the establishment of schools is illustrated in the fact that he gave a building he had erected on his place to be used as a schoolhouse, and that when later, owing to the increasing number of settlers it was deemed best to remove the school to a more central site, he gave the building to be removed to the selected spot. Both he and his wife were long faithful and consistent members of the Methodist Church, in which both were earnest workers and liberal contributors. When he died he was past sixty years old, and his widow passed away at the age of eighty-one.

Mr. Yoke was a Whig in the early days and then became a Republican. His two sons, who served their country in the Civil war as soldiers gallant and true, were the only ones old enough to enter the service. John Yoke was a member of the 3d Indiana Cavalry, in which he served three years, and his comparatively early death, in 1880, was hastened by the effects of his army experience. He is survived by a widow and three children.

PROF. NELSON YOKE was born in the Marion homestead, May 14, 1844, and there was spent his boyhood. On Aug. 8, 1862, he was enrolled as a member of Company G, 7oth Ind. V. I., Benjamin Harrison commanding. He served in the Army of the Cumberland during the war, being on the firing line most of the time at the very front. No time was passed by him in the hospital, and he was always ready for the duty of the hour. He was in the Atlanta campaign, and fought in all the principal battles of that struggle. After Harrison was made a general, Professor Yoke was named as his orderly, and his services were in demand until the return of peace, when he received an honorable discharge.

On his return home, in 1865, Professor Yoke resumed his farm work, and the fall of the same year entered DePauw University and was a student at that institution for two years. For a year he was a student at Butler College, and began teaching in 1869. From that time until his death, which occurred Nov. 27, 1905, he was continuously engaged in educational pursuits. From 1871 his connection was with the Indianapolis schools, where he occupied the position of supervising principal, and was recognized as a successful educator and a public spirited citizen. A Republican in politics, he served two terms in the city council. He belonged to George H. Chapman Post, No. 209, G. A. R., and in religion he was a member of the Fletcher Place Methodist Church.

Prof. Nelson Yoke married Isabella Catherine Chambers, a native of Broadalbin, N. Y., who went with her parents to Grant county, Wis. At one time the Chambers family was quite numerous, and its representatives were many in southwestern Wisconsin. Mrs. Yoke died in June, 1881. Professor Yoke and his wife had three sons: Charles Richason, Nelson, Jr., and Robert. The first two were formerly residents of Old Mexico, but both are now residents of the United States.

ADOLPH WALD, of No. 417 North Liberty street, Indianapolis, is a well known andhighly esteemed German-American citizen. He was born near Berlin, Germany, Dec. 14, 1843, son of Emanuel Wald.

Emanuel Wald brought his family to America in 1855, and soon found recognition for his abilities as a teacher and preacher. On coming to this country the family located at Burlington, Wis., but in 1858 removed to Brownsville, Mo. There the influence of the coming strife of the Rebellion was already felt, and, as Mr. Wald favored the Union cause, conditions became so unpleasant that he decided to return to the North. He again took up his residence at Burlington, Wis., where he passed his remaining years, dying at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. Mr. Wald had been twice married, his first wife dying in his German home, and his second in Missouri. He was the father of seventeen children.

Adolph Wald and his brother Herman bore arms for the Union during the Great Rebellion. Herman, who served in a Missouri regiment, died in Burlington, Wis., in 1897. Adolph enlisted August 1, 1861, in Company B, Boonville Battalion, United States Reserve Corps. He was an accomplished musician, having given this art much attention from his childhood, and when he entered the army his services were in great demand, and he was present as a musician in the leading events in and around Boonville and Carthage until the Battalion was disbanded Dec. 18, 1861. Three days later, Mr. Wald and the most of the battalion enlisted in the 1st Missouri Volunteer Infantry. He served with this regiment as principal musician until it was mustered out at St. Louis, Jan. 14, 1865. Mr. Wald, however, did not return to civil life, and on Feb. 20, 1865, he became a member of the 13th Missouri Veteran Cavalry, being appointed its chief trumpeter; with this command he remained until it was mustered out Jan. 11, 1866, months after the closing of the War, as it was long engaged on the southwest frontiers, where it did various duties, until its discharge at Fort Leavenworth, Kans. Mr. Wald served as leader of the regi mental band, and was so commissioned.

In 1876 Mr. Wald and his family became residents of Indianapolis, where he was prominent for many years as a musician and band leader, until deafness, which was the result of catarrh acquired in the army, compelled him to give up active musical labors. He is now engaged in the manufacture of cigars. He is a prominent and popular member of Major Anderson Post, G. A. R., at Indianapolis. Mr. Wald was married at Boonville, Mo., Dec. 27, 1866, to Miss Barbara Herlinger, who came to the United States with her parents when but three years of age.

The parents and siblings of Mr. Beck remained in Germany with the exception of one brother, Adam who settled and died in Pennsylvania, where he had reared a large family.

Mr. Beck was married twice, the first time to Barbara Bowser daughter of Adam Bowser, who died leaving no children. Later he married Rebecca Bowser, a sister to Barbara and to this union were born eight children. His wedding coat was a Prince Albert made of a fine blue cloth.

While a small lad, he became a baker's apprentice and learned the trade well. Upon landing at New Orleans his first work was carrying a trunk, for which he received ten cents. He drifted westward, where he sought work at his trade and at first was glad to accept nine dollars and board for three months work.

Later he made his way to Indianapolis and after a few years of hard efforts, he established a good bakery business. The state house was then under construction and as he was quick to grasp opportunity, he opened a boarding house in connection with his establishment and provided food for the workmen.

As Indianapolis was then only a small city, Mr. Beck owned a farm that is now almost in the heart of the city. He would often tell his grandchildren how he found a goose nest where the Union station is now located.

After disposing of his farm he purchased a small distillery at Old Bluffs, which he operated for a short time. He then bought a farm of 160 acres, on which he spent the last forty-six years of his life. From time to time, he added to his property until he was one among the largest landowners of his locality. On this land he did general farming and stock raising and became very successful. His home was a two-story log house, with a wide porch across the front. There were hewn logs making a walk from the house to the barn.

Mr. Beck was for many years a member of the Lutheran Church. While still a lad, he had the duty of treading the organ for the Sunday morning services.

Mr. Beck died June 22, 1897 at the age of 86 years, 3 months, 29 days, his wife having preceded him in death, departing this life on March 14, 1884, age 78 years, 1 month, 17 days.

Submitted by: Susie McGee

The brothers bought ground in the County of Marion throughout the years of 1828-1835 and moved to Marion County, Indiana from Clermont County, Ohio. Their parents were JOHN WHITE (abt 1774 VA.-1833) and his wife DINAH KYLE (abt 1774 PA.-1852) of Clermont County, Ohio

The history begins with John White Senior moving to the area of Clermont County, Ohio about 1800 (See "History of Clermont County, Ohio" by Everts), from Campbell County, Kentucky. How long John lived in Kentucky or whom he was traveling with, at this point, is not known. Settlers were traveling down the Ohio River to their new land in the Northwest Territory. Campbell County, Kentucky was located directly across the river from Clermont County, Ohio.

John White married Dinah Kyle April 7, 1800 in Campbell County, Kentucky. This is verified by the Marriage Bond Record recorded in "Campbell County, Kentucky Marriages to 1850". There are several different years noted that they crossed the river over into Ohio, but it was approximately around 1800. They had eight sons and two daughters. Two sons died early in life. Those two were; Thomas who died at age 22 and William who died at age 17. They are buried at Nine Mile Cemetery, Clermont County, Ohio, along with their parents.

Just a few years prior to John dying in 1833, five of the sons; Robert, John, George, James and Thomas were purchasing ground in Marion County, Indiana. Reuben, having just turned 16 at the time of his father's death, stayed in Clermont with his mother. He married Catherine Corbly and lived his entire life there. One daughter, Sarah (unmarried), shows up living with her mother in the 1840 and 1850 census for Clermont County. Sometime after her mother's death in 1852, Sarah probably went to live with one of her brothers in Indianapolis, either John or George. The reason for believing this is because she is buried in Old Anderson Cemetery on East 10th Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. The brothers John and George along with their families are buried in the same cemetery. It is not known as yet, what happened to the other daughter, Mary.

The ground that was bought by the five brothers' was issued from the "Sale of Public Lands" making them the original landowners for the property. These dates of issue were all (except for two purchases of George's), before their father John died in 1833. If you read the Will of John White he talks about "advancing his sons money". One would assume that he gave his sons money for the purchase of the ground that they were buying in Indianapolis and was trying to be fair to each child. (It is only my opinion, but Zacheus was probably not legally old enough to purchase his own ground during the period his brothers were buying.) If you look at the Deed information, the issue dates were as follows:

John (Jr.)    03/03/1828	 Document #   8646        160a	
James 	      11/15/1830	 Document # 10161         160a
George 	      01/13/1831	 Document #   9370        160a
Robert 	      06/08/1833	 Document #  11428        160a
George	      04/16/1835	 Document #  18121         80a
George        04/16/1835	 Document #  18125         80a
Thomas        11/15/1830 	 Document #  100160       160a

(Thomas died in 1832 and the family deeded it to Zacheus - Marion County Deed Book "G" pages 250 and 251)
It has the signatures of:
George White and Nancy White
Robert White and Zillah White
John White and Mahala White
Sarah White
James White and Mary White (note: James was not married at this time, Mary is the sister)

James and Margaret (Vansickle) White ----
Married December 4, 1834 Marion County, Indiana. James was born on July 31, 1809 in Clermont County, Ohio. James and Margaret are listed in the 1840, 1850 and 1860 census, all of which are in Lawrence Township. In the 1870, census Margaret is listed as the "head of household". James's will is dated March 27, 1861 (pages 308 and 309 of Book "R"). He died April 25, 1861 and is buried in the VanSickle Cemetery on the West side Franklin Road, just South of 30th street. As of the year 2003 the property still belongs in the VanSickle family and is owned by Raymond VanSickle. Margaret who was born in 1816 in Ohio died on February 24th, 1886. There are many land transactions recorded for James due to the fact he was the "founder" of Lanesville or Lawrence, as it is known today and he was dividing his property for the town. Many of Jame's and Margaret's descendants are buried in Spring Valley cemetery as well as Zacheus and his family and descendants.

George and Nancy (______?) White ----
They were married about 1825, probably in or near Clermont County, Ohio because at least six of their children were born there. George was born Feb 1, 1801 and died March 23, 1882 Nancy was born Jan 15, 1802 and died February 20, 1867 George settled in Warren Township and is listed on the census for 1840.
George and Nancy are listed in the 1850 and 1860 census for Warren Township. Only George is listed in the 1870 and 1880 census. Both George and John farmed the area around what today is known as 10th & Shadeland. They and their families are buried in Old Anderson cemetery on East 10th Street.

John and Mahala (Wilson) White -----
They were married October 30, 1828. John was born in 1804 and died June 27, 1851/4?. John settled in Warren Township and shows up on the 1840 census. John and Mahala are listed on the 1850 census. When John died, Mahala remarried Issac Herrin/Herron on October 7, 1857. Mahala and Issac Herrin are listed in the 1860 census for Lawrence Township.
The Herrin family was also originally from Clermont County, Ohio. Old Anderson cemetery was originally known as Herrin cemetery. It was not uncommon for families to travel together and settle ground together.

Robert and Zillah (____?) White ----
They were probably married in or around Clermont County, Ohio because at least four of their six children were born there. Robert was born around 1802 and died sometime after 1880. Robert settled in Lawrence Township. He is listed in the 1840 census. Robert married Rhoda Pursney on September 17, 1840 and they had six children. Robert and his 2nd wife are listed on the 1850,1860, 1870 and 1880 census of Marion County, Lawrence Township. It is not known where Robert or Zillah (1st wife) or Rhoda (2nd wife) is buried.

Zacheus and Sarah Ann (Swim) White ---
Zacheus was born July 9, 1815 and died February 28, 1893. Sarah was born March 30, 1819 and died approximately 1906. Zacheus settled in Lawrence Township. They are listed in the 1850, 1860, 1870 and 1880 census of Marion County, Lawrence Township. On this line, I have obtained much information from the descendants. Zacheus and Sarah are buried at Spring Valley Cemetery on the grounds of Ft. Benjamin Harrison.

For further detailed information please see my database on WorldConnet.com by searching one of the brothers names and their parents or contact me at: Cathy Nuzum